The Principal Partner of U.O. Sule SAN & Co., and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Usman Ogwu Sule, has called on young legal practitioners to uphold the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their professional duties, stressing that the future of the legal profession depends on the integrity and conduct of its younger generation.

Sule made this call while delivering a paper titled “Ethical Standards of a Young Lawyer” during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) Young Lawyers Forum (YLF) Professional Development Scheme (PDS) training session held over the weekend at his law firm.

Speaking on the theme “Towards Better Performance,” Sule underscored that adherence to ethics is not optional but a legal and moral obligation. He emphasised that professional ethics form the foundation of a credible legal system, noting that the Legal Practitioners Act (LPA) and the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) offer a clear framework that demands honesty, diligence, confidentiality, and loyalty from lawyers.

Referencing the RPC, Sule said: “A lawyer shall uphold and observe the rule of law, promote and foster the course of justice, maintain a high standard of professional conduct, and shall not engage in any conduct which is unbecoming of a legal practitioner.”

He further cited the Supreme Court’s decision in NBA v. Kehinde (2017) 11 NWLR (Pt. 1576) 225 (SC), noting that integrity is the cornerstone of legal practice, and any lawyer lacking this virtue “has no place in the temple of justice.”

Sule also reiterated the importance of affixing the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stamp and seal to court processes, describing it as a safeguard for authenticity and professionalism.

On the role of technology, Sule highlighted the need for judicial libraries to embrace digital transformation. He advocated for a hybrid legal research model that blends traditional resources with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain, emphasising, however, that such tools must be used with strict adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards to maintain judicial integrity.

“It is not just about legal knowledge or courtroom performance,” he told the audience. “Ethics is what separates a lawyer from a mere legal technician. Without integrity, there is no justice; and without justice, there is no profession.”

Other speakers at the event included D.G. Okoko, Esq., who delivered an insightful lecture on “Career Development: Finding Your Niche in Legal Practice.” She advised young lawyers against attempting to practise in too many areas simultaneously, stressing the advantages of specialisation for credibility, confidence, and professional growth.

“Mastery of a specific area of law breeds recognition,” she said. “Hard work, discipline, and continuous learning remain the foundation of a successful legal career.”

Also speaking was Dr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), who addressed the topic “Harnessing Technology in Legal Practice.” He outlined the rising importance of digital tools such as virtual court hearings, AI-based legal research, and Microsoft Office proficiency, and encouraged young lawyers to embrace innovation as a means to enhance productivity and remain relevant in a changing legal environment.

Afam Okeke, Esq., former Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), rounded off the session with a passionate appeal to young lawyers on the value of patience and resilience in their professional journey. He urged them to embrace continuous learning and specialisation as paths to long-term success.

“True professional growth takes time,” Okeke said. “Dedicate yourself to a specific area of law, develop your strengths, and let your work speak for you.”

In his remarks, the President of the YLF expressed profound appreciation to all guest speakers, especially U.O. Sule (SAN), for their invaluable contributions to the development of young lawyers. He commended participants for their active engagement and encouraged them to apply the lessons learned, particularly on ethics, innovation, and career development.

He reaffirmed YLF’s commitment to providing continuous professional support, mentorship, and impactful engagements aimed at building a strong, ethical, and future-ready legal profession.