The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee is responsible for handling cases related to the professional conduct and discipline of legal practitioners in Nigeria. Specifically, the LPDC deals with:

1.  Professional Misconduct:

• Cases where a legal practitioner is accused of violating the rules of professional conduct, which are established by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) or other governing bodies. This includes breaches of ethics, dishonesty, and unethical behavior in the practice of law.

2. Gross Misconduct:

•  More severe violations of the legal profession’s ethical standards, such as corruption, fraudulent activities, or actions that bring the legal profession into disrepute.

3. Negligence:

•  Cases where a legal practitioner is accused of gross negligence in handling a client’s case, leading to significant harm or loss to the client.

4. Conviction of a Criminal Offense:

• Instances where a legal practitioner has been convicted of a crime, particularly those involving moral turpitude, which may render them unfit to practice law.

5. Breach of Trust:

• Cases involving the misuse or misappropriation of clients’ funds or property, or other breaches of fiduciary duty.

6. Failure to Adhere to Court Orders:

• Cases where a legal practitioner fails to comply with court orders or shows contempt of court.

7. Unprofessional Behavior:

• Any other behaviors that are considered unprofessional or unbecoming of a legal practitioner, such as inappropriate client relations, conflict of interest, or misrepresentation.

The LPDC’s decisions can lead to sanctions ranging from fines and suspension to disbarment, depending on the severity of the misconduct.

If you believe a lawyer has acted unethically or breached professional conduct in Nigeria, you have the right to lodge a formal complaint. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to help you navigate the complaint procedure and seek redress through the appropriate legal channels.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content may not reflect current laws or procedures. Consult a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to your situation. We do not assume responsibility for actions taken or not taken based on this guide. 

A formal complaint may be made against any Lawyer practicing in Nigeria in either of the 2 ways listed below:

1. Forward 4 copies of an Originating Application in writing to any of the following persons:

a. The Chief Justice of Nigeria: or

b. The Attorney-General of the Federation: or

c. The President of the Court of Appeal or any Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal: or

d. The Chairman, Body of Benchers: or

e. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association or the Chairman of a branch of the Nigerian Bar Association: or

f. The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee at Body of Benchers Secretariat, Plot 688, Institute & Research District, behind EFCC Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria 

2. The application must be supported by a statement of the allegation or complaint of misconduct, an affidavit of facts setting out the allegations, the facts and matters supporting the Originating Application and each allegation contained within it and exhibiting the document(s) relied upon by the Applicant. 

NOTE THAT where a Complainant opts to forward the Originating Application and the supporting documents to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, he/she should mark same "for the attention of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee" and send the documents to the NBA Headquarters located at NBA HOUSE, PLOT 1101 MUHAMMADU BUHARI WAY, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, ABUJA, FCT, NIGERIA. 

ALTERNATIVELY 

1. A complainant should make an Originating Application in writing which must be supported by a statement of the allegation or complaint of misconduct, an affidavit of facts setting out the allegations, the facts and matters supporting the Originating Application and each allegation contained within it and exhibiting the document(s) relied upon by the Applicant. 

2. The Complainant will then log on to https://nigerianbar.org.ng/report-lawyer, fill out all the provided fields and upload the necessary evidence(s) to support his/her claim. 

IN CONCLUSION, PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING POINTS:

1. Your petition will be forwarded to the Respondent for his/her response and the Complainant will be contacted if and/or when a hearing has been scheduled. 

2. A panel may dispense with the hearing of the parties if in its opinion it can arrive at a conclusion that a prima facie case has or has not been made out against the Respondent in reliance on the documents before it. 

3. When a panel finds out that a case has been made out against a Respondent in reliance on the documents before it, it shall expressly state so with or without giving a detailed reason for the basis of its decision 

4. When a panel finds out that a case has not been made out against a Respondent in reliance on the documents before it and based on the evidence led before it, it shall dismiss the petition with or without giving a detailed reason for the basis of its decision.

5. Possible disciplinary actions that may be imposed on the Respondent, if the panel determines that the case has been proven, include suspension, fines, or disbarment.