The Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order serves as a fundamental framework for regulating fees chargeable by legal practitioners in Nigeria, ensuring fairness, professionalism, and the dignity of the legal profession.
In a bid to enhance compliance with this Order, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Eket Branch convened a crucial engagement with key judicial stakeholders within the Eket Judicial Division of Akwa Ibom State.
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On March 13, 2025, at High Court 1, Eket, the NBA Eket Branch Remuneration Committee met with Judges, Magistrates, District Court Chairmen, and senior judiciary staff to solicit their cooperation in enforcing compliance with the Order.
The meeting aimed to address growing concerns over non-adherence to the prescribed legal fees and to strategize on measures to promote uniformity in professional charges among lawyers practicing in the division.
During the discussions, judicial officers acknowledged the importance of the Remuneration Order but pointed out that non-compliance largely stemmed from lawyers themselves, particularly those who undercut standard fees by significantly undercharging clients.
They emphasized the need for legal practitioners to engage in self-introspection and uphold the dignity of the profession by adhering strictly to the prescribed remuneration guidelines.
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Despite this concern, the judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and cooperating with the NBA in ensuring that the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Order is enforced. The judges and magistrates expressed their willingness to work with the NBA Eket Branch to promote compliance and professionalism while discouraging exploitative practices that devalue legal services.
The NBA Eket Branch assured its members that it would intensify awareness and advocacy efforts to educate lawyers on the benefits of complying with the Order. It also pledged to work closely with the judiciary to sanction erring practitioners and implement necessary reforms to restore the integrity of legal practice within the division.
The meeting marked a significant step towards fostering better collaboration between the bar and the bench in upholding ethical billing practices and ensuring that legal practitioners receive fair and adequate remuneration for their services.
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