Idemili NBA Tasks Lawyers to Uphold Professional Ethics, Enforce Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order 2023

By Uzo Ugwunze

Lawyers have been reminded of the need to uphold the ethics of the noble legal profession in their own interest and desist from cutting corners under the guise of “hustle,” despite the economic challenges facing the country.

They were urged instead to comply with the Legal Practitioners Remuneration (for Business, Legal Services, and Representation) Order, 2023, which provides a statutory benchmark for legal fees and professional charges.

Speaking during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Idemili/Fountain Bar Law Week, held at the Bar Centre, High Court premises, Ogidi, the Chairman of the NBA Idemili Branch, Mrs. Chidi B. Nnaji, said that the theme of the event“From Honour to Hustle? Reclaiming the Noble Identity of the Legal Profession” captures a painful truth: that both within and outside the legal community, law practice is increasingly being perceived as a hustle rather than a calling of honour.

“Traditionally, the legal profession stood for truth, justice, dignity, and integrity. Lawyers were respected not only for their intelligence but for their honourable conduct they were trusted voices in society.

However, in recent times, certain negative trends have begun to erode that image. Some lawyers undercut fees or disregard statutory charges, turning the profession into a price war. Others engage in sharp practices, unethical advertisements, or collude with quacks,” Nnaji lamented.

She further observed that many young lawyers now feel pressured to “hustle” for survival due to poor remuneration, lack of mentorship, and a professional environment that seems to reward shortcuts over substance.

According to her, this gradual shift from “an honourable profession” to “a survival hustle” threatens the very soul of legal practice and underscores the urgent need for ethical revival.

Mrs. Nnaji stated that the NBA has become proactive in curbing quackery and unethical practices in the profession, particularly through enforcement of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order, 2023, which establishes a minimum benchmark for professional fees.

“The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) will sanction erring lawyers who flout this Order. At the branch level, we have task force committees empowered to investigate and report such lawyers to the National Disciplinary Committee. Offenders risk suspension or even permanent disbarment from practice,” she warned.

Compliance with the 2023 Remuneration Order
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Emeka J. P. Obegolu, SAN, urged lawyers to strictly comply with the Remuneration Order, which came into effect on 16 May 2023 and prescribes a minimum percentage of fees for different categories of legal services.

He explained that under Paragraph 6 of the Order, a legal practitioner may accept from a client security for remuneration and may charge interest on disbursements and costs as prescribed. He further cited Rule 48(2) of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023, which provides that:

“A lawyer shall not enter into any agreement for, charge, or collect any fee in violation of the Legal Practitioners (Remuneration for Business, Legal Services, and Representation) Order, 2023.” he stated.

Obegolu stressed that charging less than the statutory fee without justification constitutes professional misconduct and is punishable under the Legal Practitioners Act and the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Judicial Perspective on Legal Ethics
In his dinner speech titled “Legal Ethics and Professionalism,” delivered at the Residency Hotel, Ogidi, the Administrative Judge of the Idemili Judicial Division, Hon. Justice Alexius O. Okuma, emphasized that lawyers must reacquaint themselves with the Code of Conduct for Legal Practitioners, describing it as a “handbook for professional safety and longevity.”

Justice Okuma noted that adherence to ethical standards enhances lawyers’ credibility before clients, increases profitability, and promotes efficiency in the administration of justice. He warned that ethical breaches—such as improper dressing, absenteeism without notice, misconduct before the court, frivolous applications, and unprofessional interactions with clients damage the image of the profession.

“If your client loses respect for you because of your appearance or behaviour, you risk losing the client entirely. Avoid visiting clients in their homes or at beer parlours; maintain professional boundaries. Also, refrain from sharing rides with litigants or clients after collecting transport fees,it can lead to reputational and ethical complications,” he added

Senior Lawyers Decry “Hustle Mentality”
Former NBA Idemili Branch Chairmen, Sylvester N. S. Eze, Esq., and Chief Sir Ben Okoko, Esq., described the Law Week theme and sessions as timely and thought-provoking. They lamented that the rapid increase in the number of lawyers called to the Bar has contributed to the “hustle culture” in the profession.

Eze, a former member of the Council of Legal Education, remarked:“The essence of the theme is to reorient lawyers from a survival mindset to one of abundance and professionalism. The Remuneration Order was designed to standardize legal fees so that every lawyer can earn a decent living. Unfortunately, many practitioners dismiss it as impractical. Yet, if properly implemented, even a few transactions per year—such as preparing conveyance documents at the prescribed 10% rate—can sustain a lawyer comfortably. The alternative is stress and professional compromise.”

Chief Sir Ben Okoko added:“The new Remuneration Order truly represents a shift from ‘Hustle to Honour.’ Unfortunately, because of the large number of lawyers, some clients shop for the cheapest option. For instance, a client once told me another lawyer offered to refund ₦9 million out of the ₦10 million professional fee due on a land transaction. I refused, and they went elsewhere. We must discourage this practice of undercutting, which devalues our profession.”

He urged young lawyers to exercise patience, uphold ethical standards, and seek guidance from senior colleagues rather than engaging in practices that undermine the integrity of the Bar.

Closing Remarks and Awards
The Law Week Committee Chairman, Alex U. Obojiofor, Esq., thanked all participants—judges, magistrates, and legal practitioners—for their contributions, noting that the event reinforced the Bar’s collective commitment to integrity, professionalism, and justice.

“We are confident that the insights gained will rekindle our dedication to the values that define the legal profession,” Obojiofor said.

The highlights of the NBA Idemili Branch 2025 Law Week include a Grand Dinner and Award Night recognizing outstanding contributions to the legal profession, the judiciary, governance, business, and traditional leadership.

Award recipients included:His Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka (Eze Iweka III of Obosi), Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council;His Majesty Igwe Pharm. Alex Uzo Onyido (Ezechuamagha of Ogidi); and Chief Okwuduba Anyaorah (Ijele Oba).