Climbing the Legal Olympus: What it Takes to Become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)

By UJAH ISRAEL UJAH ESQ., B/Phil, LLB, LLM, (Ph.D. in v)

I put it to you that you are due for the RANK. Whether by potency or actuality. So what are you waiting for?

To be eligible to apply for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a legal practitioner must have been called to the Nigerian Bar and actively engaged in legal practice for a minimum of 10 years immediately preceding the application date.

This means that if one is called to the bar at the minimum age of 21, the earliest possible age to qualify for SAN consideration would be around 31 years.

However, while this 10-year practice requirement sets the minimum threshold, the actual conferment of the SAN title often occurs later due to the rigorous selection process and the need to demonstrate distinguished contributions to the legal profession. For example, Eyimofe Atake became SAN at age 41 after about 16 years of practice, while Professor Damilola Olawuyi attained the rank at age 37, making him one of the youngest ever.

In a nutshell, you will need the following, to wit:

Minimum years of practice: 10

Earliest possible age: ~31 years

Actual conferment: Often later, based on merit and professional accomplishments.

To be eligible to apply for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a legal practitioner must have been called to the Nigerian Bar and actively engaged in legal practice for a minimum of 10 years immediately preceding the application date.

This means that if one is called to the bar at the minimum age of 21, the earliest possible age to qualify for SAN consideration would be around 31 years.

However, while this 10-year practice requirement sets the minimum threshold, the actual conferment of the SAN title often occurs later due to the rigorous selection process and the need to demonstrate distinguished contributions to the legal profession.

To become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a legal practitioner must meet the requirements set by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) under the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of SAN. The key conditions include the following:

General Requirements:

1. Minimum 10 Years Post-Call
The applicant must have been called to the Nigerian Bar and actively engaged in legal practice for at least 10 years.

2. Full-Time Legal Practice
The applicant must be in full-time legal practice in Nigeria, either as an advocate (litigator) or as an academic in law.

For Advocates (Litigators):

Courtroom Experience
Must have conducted:

At least 20 final judgments in contested cases at the High Court or Federal High Court.

At least 5 final judgments at the Court of Appeal.
At least 4 final judgments at the Supreme Court.

2. Competence & Diligence
Demonstrate competence in legal writing, advocacy, and a consistent record of legal excellence.

3. Contribution to Legal Development
Evidence of contribution to legal scholarship or jurisprudence—could be via writing legal articles or judgments that shape the law.

4. Good Character and Professional Ethics
Must not have any pending disciplinary action. Must show high integrity and professional responsibility.

For Academics:

1. Teaching and Research
Must have taught law in a recognized university in Nigeria for at least 10 years.

2. Publications
Must have published at least 20 scholarly legal publications, 15 of which must be in reputable peer-reviewed journals (local or international).

3. Contribution to Legal Education
Evidence of impact on the development of legal education or reforms in Nigeria.

Other Requirements (Both Categories):

1. Application Fee
   Must pay the prescribed non-refundable fee.
2. Screening and Interview
   Must pass through rigorous vetting, including interviews and recommendations by judges, peers, and the NBA.

3. NBA Clearance
Must obtain a letter of good standing from the Nigerian Bar Association, showing no record of misconduct.

Disqualifications May Include:
Pending criminal or disciplinary matters.
Lack of sufficient original advocacy work or scholarly contributions.
False claims in the application process.

Ujah Israel Ujah, Esq., B/Phil, LLB, LLM, (Ph.D. in v.), is a public interest lawyer, human rights advocate, and co-founder of Hungry and Angry—a civic legal movement for justice and accountability in Nigeria. He can be reached via 07034651322

Source: BarristerNG