Indeed, it is to be undertaken by serious-minded practitioners especially as both the legally trained minds as well as those not so trained learn from the same by the examples and precedents set.
As such, before we take on any assignment, we are encouraged to understand the nature of the suit,
the progress and the state as it were.
In a scenario where on a beautiful and promising Wednesday at 7:30 am, Peter rings Paul to hold brief for him in a suit that was adjourned to the same day is not only absurd, but the pinnacle of unprofessionalism, to say the least.
In Nigeria, the Rules of Professional Conduct specifically regulate this;
Part C of the RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FOR LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, 2007 provides for good faith and fairness among lawyers. Rule 27 (3) states as follows:
“A lawyer shall not hand over his brief to another lawyer to hold, and that other shall not accept the brief, unless the brief is handed over in reasonable time for the receiving lawyer to acquire adequate grasp of the matter.”
It is instructive to note that as practicing laws, we collectively owe the legal profession the duty to maintain the very high standards required in the practice of the profession.
LEGALTIPS is anchored by Ms CIA Ofoegbunam, an Abuja-based lawyer who is passionate about legal practice.LEGALTIPS offers quick hints on substantive law, as well as rules of practice and procedure, and serves as a handy reference guide to lawyers, especially in court.Published on a weekly basis, the LEGALTIPS Series is CIA’s modest contribution to legal development in Nigeria.
LEGAL TIP SERIES 39.
