Senate Advances Bill Requiring Two-Year Mandatory Pupillage for Newly Called Lawyers

By Tgnews Reporter

In a significant move to modernize and strengthen the legal profession, the Nigerian Senate has endorsed a landmark bill mandating a two-year apprenticeship, or pupillage, for all newly called-to-the-Bar lawyers before they can engage in full legal practice.

The legislation, which successfully passed its second reading during yesterday’s plenary session, aims to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world application, addressing criticisms that the current framework under the Legal Practitioners Act, 2004, is outdated for today’s fast-evolving legal landscape.

The bill, sponsored as part of broader amendments to the 2004 Act, was debated vigorously under the leadership of Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, a vocal proponent, highlighted the need for reform, stating that the existing legal framework was “built for a world that no longer exists.”

He pointed to emerging challenges such as digital litigation platforms, cross-border transactions, accelerated commercial dealings, and heightened public expectations for ethical conduct, which demand more robust practical preparation for young lawyers.

Under the proposed measure, fresh law graduates after completing their one-year program at the Nigerian Law School and being called to the Bar would be required to serve a supervised two-year pupillage under experienced practitioners.

This period would focus on hands-on training in areas like case management, client counseling, courtroom advocacy, and ethical decision-making.

Proponents argue that the mandatory stint will enhance professional competence, reduce instances of malpractice, and elevate the overall integrity of Nigeria’s legal system, bringing it in line with international best practices observed in jurisdictions like the United Kingdom and Canada.

The legislation introduces several other transformative provisions to bolster regulation and accountability. Key among them is the establishment of an Ethics, Adherence, and Enforcement Committee empowered to conduct inspections of law offices, demand documentation, probe public complaints, and initiate prosecutions before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).

Additionally, it mandates compulsory continuing professional development (CPD) courses as a condition for license renewal, a requirement already standard in many global legal markets but novel in Nigeria.

To curb unauthorized practice, the bill criminalizes the provision of legal services by unqualified individuals and imposes stricter oversight on foreign lawyers operating in the country.

It also reforms the conferment of the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank, introducing more transparent criteria, and incorporates enhanced client-protection mechanisms, such as mandatory disclosure of fees and conflict-of-interest protocols.

Senators across party lines expressed broad support during the debate, emphasizing that stronger regulatory structures are essential to “safeguard quality and integrity” in the profession.

“This is not just about training; it’s about building a legal cadre that can meet the demands of a dynamic economy and a discerning society,” remarked one lawmaker.

Following the second reading, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further scrutiny, including a public hearing to gather stakeholder input from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), law firms, academia, and civil society.

The committee has been given a tight two-week deadline to report back, signaling the Senate’s urgency to expedite the process. If approved by the full National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu, the reforms could take effect as early as mid-2026, potentially impacting thousands of aspiring lawyers annually.

The NBA has welcomed the initiative but called for safeguards to ensure the pupillage is remunerated and accessible, warning against undue financial burdens on young professionals amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Critics, however, worry about implementation hurdles, including the availability of sufficient mentors and potential delays in entry-level practice.

As the bill progresses, it underscores a broader push within the National Assembly to update archaic laws, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to a more professionalized and globally competitive legal sector. Further developments are expected as the public hearing unfolds next week.