Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Emeka Ozoani, has called for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s legal education system and professional practice, warning that the legal profession must adapt swiftly to technological and structural changes or risk losing relevance.

He said legal practice in Nigeria is undergoing a fundamental transformation, as technology plays a central role in how services are delivered.

Ozoani made the call while delivering a paper titled: “The Legal Profession: Embracing the Future” at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch, held in Benue State.

At the event, judges, senior advocates and members of the Bar were present.

He said the profession had moved beyond merely anticipating change and must now respond decisively to new realities driven by artificial intelligence, digital tools and globalisation.

Ozoani, former Chairman of the NBA Welfare Committee, noted that digital research platforms, virtual court proceedings and AI-assisted drafting have become integral to modern legal work.

He said: “The question is no longer whether change will come, but whether we are adapting quickly and thoughtfully enough.”

Ozoani observed that these developments have also reshaped client expectations, with lawyers now required to provide faster, data-driven and more strategic solutions.

He stressed that technology is no longer optional but essential for survival in contemporary practice.

While acknowledging the benefits, the senior advocate identified critical challenges, including poor infrastructure, inconsistent power supply and limited access to digital tools, which continue to hinder seamless adoption across the profession.

He also raised concerns over the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the ethical use of artificial intelligence in legal practice.

According to him, unresolved issues around confidentiality, data protection and liability could undermine trust if not properly addressed.

“The responsibility for legal work remains with the lawyer, even when technology is involved,” he cautioned.

Ozoani highlighted a growing gap in skills, noting that many practitioners have yet to fully embrace digital tools.

He said modern legal practice now demands competencies beyond traditional legal knowledge, including digital literacy, data interpretation and interdisciplinary expertise.

He explained that today’s lawyer must function as a hybrid professional combining legal knowledge with technological, analytical and strategic skills amid the emergence of new fields such as cybersecurity law, fintech regulation and data protection.

On access to justice, Ozoani said technology offers significant opportunities to bridge longstanding gaps by making legal services more accessible and affordable.

However, he warned that poor internet penetration and digital illiteracy could create new forms of inequality if not addressed.

He further pointed to a shift in the structure of legal practice, noting that law firms are increasingly evolving into multidisciplinary organisations.

According to him, lawyers now work alongside financial analysts, compliance experts and data specialists to provide integrated solutions.

“This reflects a shift from isolated legal advice to comprehensive, client-focused services,” he said.

To address these developments, Ozoani proposed a set of reforms aimed at repositioning the profession.

He called for a review of legal education curricula to incorporate technology, artificial intelligence, digital ethics and interdisciplinary learning.

He also called for a review of the Rules of Professional Conduct to reflect emerging realities, particularly in relation to AI-assisted legal work and data protection obligations.

In addition, he urged the expansion of continuing legal education to include practical training in legal technology and digital practice, stressing the need to bridge the generational gap in digital competence within the profession.

Ozoani further emphasised the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Bar, judiciary, academic institutions and legal technology providers, to develop solutions tailored to Nigeria’s legal environment.