Focus on justice, not money, CJN urges lawyers

She noted that the legal profession must not become a commercial venture driven solely by money.

She said: “The practice of law is not, and must never become, a mere commercial enterprise driven solely by financial reward or ancillary benefit.

“While the legal practitioner is unquestionably entitled to fair remuneration for professional services rendered, the acceptance of briefs must ultimately be guided by conscience, professional responsibility, and fidelity to justice.

“There is growing concern that, in some instances, briefs are undertaken primarily for monetary gain, without sufficient regard to the genuine enforcement of clients’ rights, the advancement of sound legal principles, or the broader development of our jurisprudence. “Such an approach risks reducing the noble calling of the lawyer to transactional advocacy, rather than principled representation.

“The lawyer occupies a unique position as both an advocate for the client and a minister in the temple of justice.

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“Your duty, therefore, extends beyond winning cases; it encompasses assisting the court in the attainment of justice, discouraging frivolous litigation, and ensuring that the machinery of the law is not deployed as an instrument of delay, oppression, or abuse of process.

“The long-term credibility of the legal profession depends not merely on professional success, but on ethical courage, intellectual honesty, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.”

The CJN highlighted the evolving nature of legal practice, noting that technological advancements, globalisation, and emerging dispute resolution mechanisms are reshaping the profession.

She called for a balance between innovation and the preservation of core legal values such as integrity, competence, and adherence to the rule of law.

“I must stress that the future of legal practice in Nigeria will be shaped by our ability to respond to change, and by our willingness to lead it.

“We must embrace innovation without compromising ethical standards, adopt technology without eroding the human element of justice, and pursue global relevance while preserving the foundational principles of our legal system,” Justice Kekere-Ekun said.

She underscored the importance of collaboration between the Bench and the Bar in building a justice system that inspires public confidence and meets modern societal demands.