The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee has warned legal practitioners against the use of the rank ‘blue silk’, as distinct from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

This was announced in a statement by Kabir Akanbi, the Supreme Court’s chief registrar, on Thursday. The statement was issued following the alleged introduction and use of ‘blue silk’ by some lawyers in the country, in place of the original silk intended for SAN rank holders.

“The attention of the LPPC has been drawn to the introduction and recent use of the purported title or designation of Blue Silk within certain quarters of the legal community.

“LPPC has resolved to take appropriate steps in line with its statutory mandate to preserve the integrity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“The committee remains firmly committed to upholding the integrity, prestige, and exclusivity of the rank and will continue to discharge its responsibilities strictly in accordance with the law,’’ stated the apex court.

It maintained that the rank of SAN remains the highest mark of professional distinction for legal practitioners in Nigeria.

It warned that the introduction, conferment or use of the blue silk title has no statutory backing and does not emanate from the LPPC or any authority recognised under the Legal Practitioners Act.

“The introduction, conferment or use of such a title has no statutory backing and does not emanate from the LPPC or any authority recognised under the Legal Practitioners Act. Members of the legal profession and the general public are hereby advised to take note.

“The LPPC views the actions of legal practitioners involved in the establishment of such purported ranks, as well as individuals who present or parade themselves as Blue Silks, as conduct that may amount to violations of the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023,” said the court.

(NAN)