THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ACT: A CODE FOR REGULATING THE CONDUCT OF LAWYERS IN NIGERIA*

The legal practitioner is an expert whose services and expertise are required by members of the public. He is expected to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct, etiquette and discipline in the discharge of his duties. In addressing himself as a legal practitioner he represents to those who depend on his professional advice and other services that he has the requisite acumen and expertise. For this reason, under the general common law and the rule in Hedley Byrne & Co Ltd v. Heller & Partners Ltd, the lawyer can be held liable for professional negligence. This paper will address “the Relationship between a Lawyer and the Client ” in the Context of the Legal Practitioners Act and Case Law as negligence in handling of a client’s affairs may be of such a nature as to amount to professional misconduct and if sued by the client will warrant prosecution and punishment of the Legal Practitioner. This is because it is the duty of a lawyer to devote his attention, energy and expertise to the service of his client and, subject to any rule of law, to act in a manner consistent with the best interest of his client. He shall consult with his client in all questions of doubt; and keep the client informed of the progress and any important development in the matter as may be reasonably necessary and warn his client against any particular risk which is likely to occur in the course of the matter