As a young lawyer, it is pertinent, for you to understand the different regalia we have and when it is appropriate to appear for the courts wearing them.
This will serve as a guide, however kindly note that there might be a change, which is at the Court's discretion. Courts in Nigeria are divided into the lower Courts and the superior.
AREA COURT, CUSTOMARY COURT, MAGISTRATE COURT
These are lower courts. When appearing before any of the courts, you are expected to be in a sober reflection mood, yes! ....... law as a noble profession has given us lawyers a great responsibility to be an advocate and carry the burden of our clients and society. However, you should be smartly dressed, because that is how you are addressed by your clients, colleagues, Magistrate, and judges.
FOR FEMALE LAWYERS:
Appearing before the said courts, you may dress in a black, dark purple, ash gown, etc. You can also put on a black skirt which should be below your knees and a white long-sleeve blouse or short-sleeve or a white camisole with black blazziers or a complete black, ash or dark purple suit. The jewelry should also not draw attention as well as your hair, which should be neatly parked. Your footwear should be black court shoes or flat shoes etc
P.S. No black-on-black attire......
FOR MALE LAWYERS:
The male lawyer attire is not too cumbersome like that of the ladies, you can dress in black, dark purple, ash trousers, and a white, dark blue, but not a black-on-black attire with a matching tie. Or a completely black, dark purple, or ash suit. You can also wear a barrister’s shirt. For your footwear, a black sock and a pair of black shoes to match.
HIGH COURT, NATIONAL INDUSTRY COURT, FEDERAL HIGH COURTS, COURT OF APPEAL, AND SUPREME COURT.
These are superior courts, and your dress code will be a proper law regalia.
FOR THE FEMALE LAWYERS:
For you to be heard and be seen in these courts, you may dress in a black, dark purple, ash gown, etc, especially gowns with dull colors. You can also put on a black skirt below your knees, a white blouse that is above your elbow, or a white camisole with black blazziers or a complete black, ash, or dark purple suit.
The jewelry should also not draw attention as well as your hair, which should be neatly parked.
Then after you will put on your white collarette and a bib, With no embroidery or trimmings. law gown and your wig on the neatly packed hair which should be dressed all back without any strand of hair in front. Your footwear should be (preferably black) court shoes, flat shoes, etc.
P. S. “The rules said you should not put on a wig on a wig.”
FOR MALE LAWYERS:
Their outfit should be the same as that of the lower courts you can dress in black, dark purple, ash trousers, white, dark blue, or any dull color shirt but not a black-on-black attire with a matching tie. Or a completely black, dark purple, or ash suit. You can also wear a barrister’s shirt. For your footwear, black socks, and a pair of black shoes to match.
Do not forget your bib and stud should be part of your dressing while putting on your gown and wig with no tie!
P. S The rules provided for this; however, it is good to know the court and dress at the discretion of the court......
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