COMPLIANCE WITH THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS’ REMUNERATION ORDER 2023

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Remuneration Committee, writes to formally notify all Local Government Authorities of the Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023 (hereinafter referred to as the Order).

This Order, which came into force on the 16th day of May 2023 and was signed by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice in his capacity as the Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Committee pursuant to the Legal Practitioner’s Act, (Cap L11, LFN 2004), establishes a clear, standardised framework for the remuneration of legal practitioners, ensuring fairness, transparency, and consistency in the legal services sector.

It also regulates the professional fees chargeable by legal practitioners for legal services rendered, including property transactions, advisory services, and other legal engagements.

Importance of Adherence

The Order establishes minimum fees to ensure fair compensation for legal services and prevent the underpricing of legal work, which can compromise professional standards and service delivery. It is imperative that all Local Government Authorities:

• Recognize and respect the prescribed remuneration structure in all dealings requiring legal documentation, consultations, property transactions, and advisory services.
• Ensure that all legal engagements involving lawyers adhere strictly to the provisions of the Order, including but not limited to agreements, land transactions, and corporate services.
• Require compliance from all legal practitioners engaged by your institution to avoid legal liabilities arising from non-compliance.

Legal Basis and Enforcement

The Legal Practitioners’ Remuneration Order 2023 derives its authority from Section 15(3) of the Legal Practitioners Act, which empowers the Bar Council to regulate the remuneration of legal practitioners in Nigeria. Some of the key provisions include:

• Article 1(2): “A legal practitioner shall not accept fees lower than the prescribed minimum remuneration for any service rendered under this Order.”
• Article 8(1): “A legal practitioner engaged in property transactions, advisory services, or other professional work must ensure that fees charged comply with the provisions of this Order.”

Call for Compliance

We urge your organization to enforce strict compliance with this Order. Lawyers engaged in legal documentation, advisory services, or property-related transactions must adhere to the prescribed fees. Any violation of the Order undermines the legal profession and shall attract regulatory action.

The NBA remains committed to ensuring continuous professional development and compliance with legal regulations. We request that all relevant stakeholders take the necessary steps to incorporate the provisions of this Order into their operational frameworks.

Should you require further clarification on the implications of this Order, kindly contact the NBA Remuneration Committee at [email protected] Rachael Princewill on 0817 815 6933.

Thank you for your cooperation in upholding the integrity of the legal profession.

Please accept the assurance of our highest professional regards.

Yours faithfully,

CHIEF EMEKA OBEGOLU, PhD., SAN.

Chair, NBA Remuneration Committee