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 letter 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.

Conclusion

Verifying a Nigerian lawyer is essential to ensure that you receive genuine and professional legal representation. By following the verification steps outlined in this guide, you can protect yourself from falling victim to fraud.

If you ever suspect that someone is impersonating a lawyer, report them to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) or the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) immediately.

For further inquiries, visit the Nigerian Bar Association website or contact the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

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.