CJN decries ‘cash-and-carry’ law practice, seeks ethical rebirth

By Henry Ojelu

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday decried what she described as the growing “cash-and-carry” approach to legal practice in the country, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to the integrity of the profession and the administration of justice.

Speaking at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice, themed: “Evolving Trends: Nigerian Legal Practice, Global Perspectives,” the CJN called for an urgent ethical rebirth among legal practitioners.

She cautioned that while lawyers are entitled to fair remuneration, the pursuit of fees must not overshadow their duty to justice, professional responsibility and the protection of clients’ rights.

The CJN expressed concern that legal practice is increasingly being driven by technical correctness rather than substantive justice, warning that such a shift risks reducing the profession to mere transactional engagement.

According to her, “The lawyer occupies a unique position as both an advocate for the client and a minister in the temple of justice,” stressing that practitioners must assist the courts in attaining justice, discourage frivolous litigation and guard against abuse of court processes.

She noted that the long-term credibility of the legal profession depends on ethical courage, intellectual honesty and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, adding that any erosion of these values could undermine public confidence in the justice system.

While acknowledging the impact of digital transformation, including Artificial Intelligence and cross-border legal transactions, the CJN urged lawyers to embrace innovation without sacrificing ethical standards or the human element of justice.

She further emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the Bench and the Bar to build a responsive and resilient legal system that aligns with global best practices while remaining rooted in Nigeria’s constitutional and socio-cultural realities.

Describing the present moment as critical, she said the legal profession must rise to the challenge of rapid changes driven by technology, globalisation and evolving societal expectations, insisting that only a recommitment to core ethical values can safeguard its future.

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