Here we will educate you on the Nigerian Law School Call to Bar dress code and the usage of Hijab.
Law as a profession is one that is exceptional and unique, especially for the fact that it’s highly respected worldwide.
To be a student Barrister is the dream of thousands of aspirants, but not all of these so-called aspirants end up in the pursuit of law. It requires hard work and dedication to be successful in the field.
There are several laws practice all over the world, but the recognize form of law practice in Nigeria are the Common law, Customary law, English law, and Sharia Law.
All these forms of law are there to bring about orderliness among citizens of the country, as well as crime rate.
Legal profession in Nigeria, takes about five (5) years of schooling in any accredited University that offers Law.
At the end of the program, the award of Bachelor in Law degree (LLB) will be given to any successful student Barrister.
For such student(s) to be called to the Nigeria Bar and practice fully, he/she is expected to complete a one year program at any School of Law, to be given a certificate known as Bachelor of Law (BL).
Making emphasis on the Nigeria setting, the body that officially call potential Barristers to Bar is known as “the Body of Benchers”. This body scrutinizes the dress code of the student Barrister.
Nigerian law school call to Bar dress code
Stipulated Dress Code For Call to Bar:
It is known that those in the field of Law are always well-dressed, neat, smart,and respected. These are physical attributes that even help attract confidence on them, as those that wishes to pick a legal adviser or Advocate that will handle their cases, hold such to great esteem.
The dress code drilling, which brought about the neatness and smartness of a legal practitioner starts during schooling. And when it’s time to be called to Bar, the measures continues.
The most important apparel in the dress code of all Barristers are the bib and gown, which will be worn along with a black trouser/skirt and white top. This is backed up according to section 16(3) of the Legal Practitioners’ Act (LPA).
The dress code for male
- A white long sleeve shirt that doesn’t have obvious designs on it.
- A black suit.
- Black cooperate shoe with a black stocking (not canvas or other designers shoe)
- Well cut hairstyle.
- A Bib.
- The Wig
- Gown
The dress code for females;
- White camisole inside a black suit.
- Black gown top (dress), or a skirt not showing the knees.
- Black shoe.
- Natural hair (packed).
- Simple earring.
- Wig.
- Bib.
- Law Gown.
Hijab as a part of the dress code
Hijab is a cloth used by Muslim women to cover their faces and body.
From the Legal Practitioners’ Act (LPA), there isn’t a section or sub section that pinpoint the usage of Hijab as a dress code during call to Bar ceremonies, but as a result of previous misunderstanding in regards to the usage of Hijab, it has been considered to be used by the female Muslims practitioners with the aforementioned instructions;
- The wearer’s face must not be covered by the Hijab
- Her ears must be seen.
- All facial features should be visible during capturing (Photograph taken).
The Body of Benchers won’t stop anyone from partaking in the call to Bar activity, if the above instructions are adhere to.