Author(s): Lilian E Effiong

Abstract: Along with the received English laws came the need to train lawyers in Nigeria in the way of the English law practice. The legal profession has a long historical standing in English and Nigerian practices, it is distinct from other professions. A lawyer is expected to dress, talk and behave in a particular manner as to portray his learnedness and distinction per excellence. It has been a matter of great concern to Judges and law teachers to see lawyers and lawyers-in-training dressing or behaving in a manner that is unbecoming of a legal practitioner. The legal profession is a sober one, built on the foundation of longstanding traditions. The rules of professional conduct for legal practitioners provides for the quality and standard of mannerism that is expected of legal practitioners in dressing and conduct. This article aims at a critical examination the lawyers’ style in fashion vis-à-vis the standard and requirements of the profession. The methodology relies solely on the doctrinal approach, citing mainly the Rules of Professional Conduct, the legal Practitioners Act and case laws. The secondary sources also made us of case digest, written text, articles and publishes journals on the internet. The article therefore argues that about the acceptable and prescribed manner to dress appropriately as a lawyer as well as the challenges lawyers face in compliance with the Rules and standard. It later recommends that lawyers should very positive in their attitude toward the attire and should not see it as compelled uniform to wear.

Pages: 55-62 | Views: 1309 | Downloads: 961

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