The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has filed a suit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria seeking to stop the 2026 conferment of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title.
The move is the latest twist in ALDRAP’s long-running dispute with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) over its proposed alternative rank, the Blue Silks, designed for non-litigation lawyers.
Pending litigation: ALDRAP argued that the LPPC’s June 23 release of 89 shortlisted SAN applicants was unlawful since the matter is still before the Court of Appeal.
Discrimination claims:
The group contends that current SAN criteria unfairly exclude arbitrators, mediators, and legislative drafting lawyers, violating Section 42 of the Constitution.
Consumer protection issues:
ALDRAP also challenged the N5 million application fee, calling it unreasonable and misleading since applicants were not informed the process was sub-judice.
Refund demand: The association asked the court to order LPPC to refund the fees to all 89 applicants and restrain further steps in the conferment exercise.
ALDRAP further requested that the LPPC be restricted to conferring SAN only on litigation lawyers, while allowing other branches of legal practice to establish their own ranks of excellence.
The association is also seeking N10 million in costs against the respondents.
This case shows the growing tension between litigation and non-litigation lawyers over recognition and professional advancement in Nigeria’s legal system.
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