Solanke admonishes lawyers on ethics at BOSAN dinner
The first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) , Mrs Folake Solanke, has called on lawyers to exhibit a high level of ethical conduct in a bid to preserve judicial integrity.
Solanke made the call during her opening remark at the maiden dinner of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, (BOSAN) held in Lagos recently.
She specifically admonished “new wigs” (Junior lawyers) to ensure they observe the rules of professional conduct for legal practitioners, adding that it was the guiding light for every lawyer.
Solanke chided lawyers who showed insubordination to judges and seniors at the Bar, or who employ the use of derogatory remarks, adding that such disposition constituted a breach of legal ethics.
She said: “In 1981 when I became the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I was just one out of over 30 others; but today, I am no more lonely as there are now a good number of female senior advocates in the country.
“As Senior Advocates, it is important we have positive influence on the younger ones, so as to checkmate their conduct.
“The young lawyers who point fingers at judges or address them as “you” should be informed that the correct way of addressing a judge is “my Lord, me Lord, your Lordship or simply, The Court. “It is an abomination to be rude to a judge. The legal profession has no room for nonchalance and so, lawyers who like to say “yeah, yeh men, or yah, should understand that these are not legal languages but unprofessional slang.
“It s unethical to point fingers at judges, or exhibit conduct which tends to put the profession in the bad light; lawyers must seek to maintain judicial decorum,”
Solanke urged Senior Advocates to be shinning examples to junior lawyers, and also seek to preserve the legal profession.
The event also marked the formal welcoming of the 29 newly appointed SANs, into the body.
In attendance at the dinner was the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Other dignitaries at the event included: Dr. Wole Olanipekun, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, Dr. Paul Usoro as well as a large number of senior advocates.
