Legal services require trust, professionalism, and adherence to ethical standards. However, with the increasing number of fraudulent individuals posing as lawyers, it is crucial to verify the authenticity of any lawyer before engaging their services. In Nigeria, lawyers must be called to the Bar, enrolled at the Supreme Court, and be active members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). This guide provides practical steps to confirm a lawyer’s legitimacy.

1. Check the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Directory

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) maintains a directory of lawyers who are officially registered and in good standing. To verify a Nigerian Lawyer's credentials, you can use the Find a Lawyer feature on the NBA website and search for the lawyer using their full name or Supreme Court number. If the lawyer is not listed, this is a red flag.

2. Verify Enrollment with the Supreme Court of Nigeria

All qualified lawyers in Nigeria must be enrolled with the Supreme Court of Nigeria. To confirm a lawyer’s enrollment:

• Visit the Supreme Court office in Abuja, or 

• Send an inquiry to credence@supremecourt.gov.ng requesting verification of the lawyer’s Supreme Court number.

Every genuine lawyer has a Supreme Court Enrollment Number (SCN), which is issued upon their call to the Bar.

3. Check the Lawyer’s NBA Branch Membership

Each lawyer belongs to an NBA branch based on their place of practice. Contact the NBA branch where the lawyer claims to be registered and request verification. Local NBA branches keep records of their members and can confirm if the lawyer is active.

4. Verify Payment of Practicing Fees

Licensed Nigerian lawyers must pay Annual Practicing Fees to the NBA. Ask the lawyer for a copy of their latest receipt as proof of their active status. You can also contact the NBA to verify if the lawyer has fulfilled this requirement.

5. Confirm the Law Firm’s Registration

If the lawyer claims to be part of a law firm, check if the firm is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by visiting www.cac.gov.ng. Unregistered law firms are a warning sign of fraudulent practice.

6. Request for Call to Bar Certificate

Every Nigerian lawyer receives a Call to Bar Certificate issued by the Body of Benchers upon completing their legal training at the Nigerian Law School. A genuine lawyer should have this certificate as proof of their qualification.

7. Look for Official Identification

The NBA issues ID cards to practicing lawyers. Ask to see the lawyer’s NBA ID or any official means of identification that proves their legal status.

8. Search for Online Presence and Reviews

Genuine lawyers often have a digital footprint, such as a LinkedIn profile, a professional website, or listings on legal directories. Conduct a simple Google search with the lawyer’s name and check their online reputation.

9. Contact the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC)

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) oversees professional misconduct among lawyers. If you suspect fraudulent activity, contact them to check if the lawyer has been sanctioned or disbarred.

• Common Scams to Watch Out For

Fraudsters posing as lawyers often use different tricks to deceive unsuspecting clients. Here are common legal scams you should be aware of:

1. Fake Law Firms & Unregistered Lawyers

 • Some fraudsters create fake law firms with fabricated names and addresses.

 • Always check the firm’s registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and confirm the lawyer’s identity with the NBA.

2. The “Disappearing Lawyer” Scam

• A fraudster collects legal fees upfront and then disappears without rendering any services.

 • Always request official receipts and verify a lawyer’s address before making any payment.

3. Land & Property Fraud

• Scammers posing as lawyers sell land or property without valid documentation.

• Always confirm land transactions with the Land Registry and consult an independent, verified lawyer.

4. Court Judgment & Settlement Fraud

• Some fake lawyers promise to get court judgments in your favor without going through the legal process.

• Be wary of any lawyer who guarantees “100% success” in a case before it even starts.

5. Fake Legal Representation for Immigration & Visa Cases

• Fraudsters claim they can fast-track visa approvals or legalize foreign documents in exchange for large sums of money.

 • Always verify their credentials before handing over sensitive documents or money.

6. False Police & Bail Representation

• Fake lawyers pretend to have connections with the police and demand money to bail out a detained individual.

• Only engage verified legal practitioners when dealing with police cases.

7. “Parking Lot” or “Street” Lawyers

•  Some scammers approach people in public places, claiming to be lawyers and offering quick legal help.

• Legitimate lawyers do not operate from street corners or approach clients randomly.

Red Flags to Look Out For

If a supposed lawyer does any of the following, proceed with caution:

✅ Cannot provide a Supreme Court Enrollment Number (SCN).

✅ Does not have a Call to Bar Certificate.

✅ Lacks an NBA ID card or receipt of practicing fee payment.

✅ Asks for large sums of money upfront without documentation.

✅ Does not have a verifiable office address.

✅ Claims to have special connections with judges to influence cases.

✅ Avoids physical meetings and only communicates via WhatsApp or social media.

• Here are 10 essential questions you must ask before hiring a lawyer, whether for personal, business, or litigation matters:

1. What is your area of specialization?

Lawyers have different practice areas such as family law, criminal law, corporate law, real estate, or litigation. You want one who has experience handling your specific legal issue.

2. How long have you been practicing law?

Experience often translates to deeper legal knowledge and better case strategies. Ask how long they’ve been practicing and if they’ve handled similar cases.

3. Have you handled cases like mine before?

A lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases will be better equipped to represent you effectively.

4. What are your fees and billing structure?

Clarify whether they charge hourly, a flat rate, or on contingency. Ask what the estimate will be and if there are any additional or hidden costs.

5. Who will handle my case?

Sometimes, the person you consult with may not be the one handling your case. Ask if a junior associate or paralegal will be involved and to what extent.

6. How will we communicate and how often?

Set clear expectations on communication—how frequently you’ll receive updates, and whether you’ll be communicating by email, phone, or meetings.

7. What is the likely outcome of my case?

While no lawyer can guarantee success, a good one should give you a realistic assessment of your case and potential outcomes.

8. What strategy would you use for my case?

This gives you insight into how the lawyer thinks and whether their approach aligns with your goals and values.

9. Are there alternative options to resolve my matter?

Ask about alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation, negotiation, or arbitration. This can save you time and money.

10. Can you provide references or reviews from past clients?

Reputable lawyers should be willing to share references or testimonials. It helps validate their credibility and track record.

• How to Recover Money or Files from a Defaulting Lawyer in Nigeria

What can you do when your lawyer refuses to return your money or hand over your case files? Sadly, this issue is not uncommon. Fortunately, Nigerian law provides remedies for clients dealing with a dishonest or defaulting lawyer. This guide offers step-by-step actions to help you recover what’s rightfully yours.

1. Send a Formal Written Demand

Before escalating the matter, give the lawyer a chance to make things right.

Steps:

Draft a professional demand letter. Clearly state what you are requesting (e.g., refund of ₦500,000 or return of your documents). Set a deadline (e.g., 7 or 14 days). Mention that further steps will be taken if ignored.

Tip: Deliver the letter via a traceable method—email with read receipt, courier, or hand-delivery with acknowledgment.

2. File a Complaint with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

If the lawyer fails to respond, contact the NBA branch where they are registered.

What to include in your complaint:

Your demand letter. Proof of payment (e.g., receipts, bank transfers). Correspondence showing negligence or dishonesty.

The NBA may invite the lawyer for mediation or recommend disciplinary action.

3. Petition the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC)

For serious misconduct—such as fraud, embezzlement, or breach of trust—submit a petition to the LPDC, which can:

Suspend or disbar the lawyer, Order restitution, Enforce professional discipline.

A lawyer can help you draft and file this petition properly.

4. Take Legal Action in Court

You may sue the lawyer for breach of contract, negligence, or recovery of funds.

Court remedies may include:

Return of your money, Compensation for losses or delay, Release of withheld documents.

This process may require hiring another lawyer or using the Small Claims Court (if under ₦5 million).

5. Report to the Police or EFCC (If Fraud Is Involved)

Where criminal elements exist, such as fraud or criminal breach of trust:

File a police report at the Legal or Criminal Investigation Department. For large sums or organised fraud, report to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Provide evidence to support your complaint—receipts, bank records, communications, etc.

Helpful Tips for Avoiding Defaulting Lawyers

Always insist on a written engagement letter or agreement. Avoid cash payments; use bank transfers with descriptions. Request receipts and case progress updates. Keep copies of all documents and correspondence.

Conclusion

Before engaging any legal professional, it’s crucial to verify that the lawyer is duly registered to practice law in Nigeria. This simple step can save you from the stress of dealing with impersonators or dishonest practitioners. By confirming a lawyer’s status with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) or the Supreme Court of Nigeria, you ensure that you are dealing with a genuine professional.

If you ever suspect that someone is posing as a lawyer, report them immediately to the NBA or the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC). For more information or to confirm a lawyer’s status, visit the Nigerian Bar Association website or contact the Supreme Court of Nigeria for the official roll of legal practitioners.

That said, even verified lawyers can sometimes default. If your lawyer has withheld funds or refused to release your documents, you are not helpless. Take action by sending a formal demand, reporting the matter to the appropriate regulatory bodies, pursuing legal remedies in court, or involving the police or EFCC where fraud is involved. The law is on your side.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should verify details with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) or a qualified lawyer. The author is not responsible for any actions taken based on this information.