Nigerian Bar Final (Bar Part II) Professional Ethics and Skills (Nigeria)

Who was the first indigenous Nigerian to be called to the English Bar and enrolled to practice law in Nigeria?

• AChristopher Alexander Sapara Williams
• BNashardien Olatunji Alade
• CSir Kitoyi Ajasa
• DHerbert Macaulay

Which body is statutorily empowered to make and revise the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for legal practitioners in Nigeria?

• AGeneral Council of the Bar
• BBody of Benchers
• CCouncil of Legal Education
• DNigerian Bar Association

Who is the statutory President of the General Council of the Bar in Nigeria?

• AThe Attorney-General of the Federation
• BThe Chief Justice of Nigeria
• CThe President of the Nigerian Bar Association
• DThe Chairman of the Body of Benchers

Under the Legal Practitioners Act, who is the keeper of the Roll of Legal Practitioners in Nigeria?

• AThe Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria
• BThe Attorney-General of the Federation
• CThe Secretary of the Body of Benchers
• DThe President of the Court of Appeal

Which of the following bodies is responsible for the Call to the Bar of candidates who successfully pass the Bar Final Examinations?

• ABody of Benchers
• BCouncil of Legal Education
• CSenate of the Nigerian Law School
• DGeneral Council of the Bar

What is the statutory minimum number of years of post-call experience required for a legal practitioner to be eligible for appointment as a Notary Public in Nigeria?

• A7 years
• B10 years
• C5 years
• D15 years

Which body is statutorily responsible for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on eligible legal practitioners?

• ALegal Practitioners Privileges Committee
• BBody of Benchers
• CGeneral Council of the Bar
• DLegal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee

To be eligible for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a legal practitioner must have been qualified to practice law in Nigeria for not less than how many years?

• A10 years
• B7 years
• C15 years
• D12 years

A legal practitioner who has not paid their annual practicing fees on or before March 31st of a given year is subject to which of the following consequences?

• AThey lose the right of audience in court and cannot sign any legal document.
• BThey are automatically de-registered and struck off the Roll.
• CThey are suspended from practice for a mandatory period of six months.
• DThey must retake the Bar Final Examinations to regain practice rights.

Who is responsible for the overall control and management of the Nigerian Law School under the Legal Education (Consolidation) Act?

• ACouncil of Legal Education
• BGeneral Council of the Bar
• CBody of Benchers
• DFederal Ministry of Justice

Which of the following is NOT a statutory body established under the Legal Practitioners Act or Legal Education Act in Nigeria?

• AThe Nigerian Bar Association
• BThe Body of Benchers
• CThe General Council of the Bar
• DThe Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee

Which body has the statutory responsibility of admitting foreign-trained law graduates who wish to practice in Nigeria to the Bar Part I course?

• ACouncil of Legal Education
• BBody of Benchers
• CGeneral Council of the Bar
• DChief Registrar of the Supreme Court

What is the statutory composition of the General Council of the Bar under the Legal Practitioners Act?

• AAttorney-General of the Federation, Attorneys-General of the States, and 20 NBA members
• BChief Justice of Nigeria, Justices of Supreme Court, and President of NBA
• CChairman of Body of Benchers, Attorney-General of the Federation, and Chief Registrar
• DAttorney-General of the Federation, Chief Judges of States, and 50 Benchers

Under the Legal Practitioners Act, what is the statutory status of a person who has been called to the Bar but has not yet enrolled on the Roll of Legal Practitioners?

• AThey cannot practice law or appear as an advocate in any court of record.
• BThey can practice law but cannot charge clients for their services.
• CThey can practice law under the supervision of a lawyer of at least 5 years post-call.
• DThey can practice criminal law but are barred from civil litigation.

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, which body must a legal practitioner notify when they change their office address or form a new partnership?

• AThe Nigerian Bar Association
• BThe Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court
• CThe Body of Benchers
• DThe Council of Legal Education

Which of the following categories of lawyers are automatically ex-officio members of the Body of Benchers under the Legal Practitioners Act?

• AThe Chief Justice of Nigeria and all Justices of the Supreme Court
• BAll Senior Advocates of Nigeria
• CAll Attorneys-General of the States and the Federation
• DAll Chief Judges of the States

A lawyer who practices in Nigeria is enrolled under which category of the legal profession?

• AAs a Barrister and Solicitor
• BStrictly as a Barrister
• CStrictly as a Solicitor
• DUnder separate registers for advocates and transactional attorneys

Who is the legal officer responsible for signing a candidate's Call to Bar Certificate after they are successfully called to the Bar?

• AThe Chairman of the Body of Benchers and the Secretary
• BThe Chief Justice of Nigeria
• CThe Director-General of the Nigerian Law School
• DThe Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court

Under the Legal Practitioners Act, which of the following is the chief legal adviser and chief law officer of the Federal Government of Nigeria?

• AThe Attorney-General of the Federation
• BThe Chief Justice of Nigeria
• CThe President of the Court of Appeal
• DThe President of the Nigerian Bar Association

What is the statutory role of the Body of Benchers in professional discipline under the Legal Practitioners Act?

• AIt establishes the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) as its statutory com…
• BIt directly hears and decides all complaints against lawyers.
• CIt acts as the court of first instance for all legal malpractice suits.
• DIt prosecutes criminal charges against lawyers in the High Court.

Under Rule 14 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), a lawyer has a duty to maintain client confidentiality. In which of the following circumstances is a lawyer legally permitted to disclose client secrets?

• ATo prevent the client from committing a crime the client intends to commit.
• BWhenever the lawyer's spouse requests the information.
• CIf the lawyer believes the disclosure will help the client's political campaign.
• DTo assist an investigative journalist with a public-interest story.

A legal practitioner is approached by Client B to file a breach of contract lawsuit against Client A. The lawyer currently represents Client A in an ongoing land transaction. What must the lawyer do under the RPC?

• ARefuse to represent Client B, unless after full disclosure and obtaining the written cons…
• BRepresent Client B, but charge a higher fee to offset the risk.
• CRepresent Client B without telling Client A, as the matters are completely unrelated.
• DRepresent Client B and immediately withdraw from representing Client A without notice.

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, what is the ethical position regarding a lawyer standing as a surety for their client in criminal proceedings?

• AA lawyer must not stand as a surety or bail guarantor for a client in a case they are han…
• BA lawyer is required to stand as surety if the client cannot find anyone else.
• CA lawyer can stand as surety only if the client deposits the bail sum with the lawyer.
• DA lawyer can stand as surety if the court explicitly permits it.

A lawyer wishes to interview a witness who is the opposing party in a lawsuit. The opposing party is actively represented by another legal practitioner. Under the RPC, what must the lawyer do?

• AOnly communicate with the party through their legal practitioner, or with that practition…
• BInterview the party directly, provided they do not record the conversation.
• CInterview the party directly, but advise them to get a different lawyer.
• DSend a junior lawyer to conduct the interview to avoid personal liability.

Under Rule 37 of the RPC, what is the primary duty of a prosecuting counsel in criminal trials in Nigeria?

• ATo ensure that justice is done, and not merely to secure a conviction.
• BTo secure a conviction at all costs to protect public safety.
• CTo defend the police department against allegations of misconduct.
• DTo suppress exculpatory evidence if it weakens the prosecution's case.

If a lawyer discovers during a trial that their client has introduced forged evidence or committed perjury, what is the lawyer's immediate ethical duty?

• AAdvise the client to rectify the fraud, and if the client refuses, withdraw from the case.
• BImmediately report the client to the police and testify against them.
• CContinue with the trial and pretend they did not notice the forgery.
• DConspire with the client to manufacture additional evidence to cover up the forgery.

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct 2023, what is the position on lawyers advertising their legal services?

• AAdvertising is permitted, provided it is fair, accurate, and not misleading, but direct s…
• BAdvertising is strictly prohibited in any form or media.
• CLawyers can advertise only in newspapers, but are barred from television or digital media.
• DLawyers can advertise and hire touts to solicit clients directly at court premises.

A lawyer handling a land dispute for Client X decides to purchase the disputed land from the opposing party during the pendency of the suit. What is the ethical status of this transaction?

• AIt is professional misconduct as it violates the rule prohibiting lawyers from acquiring…
• BIt is completely ethical, provided the lawyer pays the market value for the land.
• CIt is ethical if the lawyer informs Client X after the transaction is completed.
• DIt is permitted only if the court approves the sale by formal order.

During a trial, a lawyer discovers a binding decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria that is directly adverse to their client's position. The opposing counsel is unaware of this decision. What is the lawyer's duty?

• AThe lawyer must disclose the adverse decision to the court as part of their duty of cando…
• BThe lawyer must keep silent to protect their client's interests.
• CThe lawyer must withdraw from the case immediately to avoid lying.
• DThe lawyer must write to the Supreme Court to protest the decision.

Under what condition may a legal practitioner represent a client in a case where the lawyer is likely to be a material witness on a contested issue?

• AThe lawyer must not accept the brief, or must withdraw if they realize they are a necessa…
• BThe lawyer can represent the client if the client signs a liability waiver.
• CThe lawyer can represent the client if they only testify under cross-examination.
• DThe lawyer can represent the client if they do not charge any fee for testifying.

A lawyer represents two co-defendants in a criminal trial. Midway through the case, one defendant decides to plead guilty and implicate the other. What must the lawyer do?

• AWithdraw from representing both defendants immediately.
• BAdvise the pleading defendant to change their mind to protect the other.
• CContinue representing the defendant who pleads not guilty, and drop the other.
• DContinue representing both, but cross-examine the pleading defendant gently.

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, what is the legal practitioner's duty when dealing with an unrepresented party in a dispute?

• AThe lawyer must not give legal advice to the unrepresented party other than the advice to…
• BThe lawyer must advise the unrepresented party to plead guilty or settle on the client's…
• CThe lawyer must act as the legal adviser for both parties to save costs.
• DThe lawyer must refuse to talk to the unrepresented party under any circumstances.

Which of the following describes the ethical status of a contingent fee agreement in Nigeria under the Rules of Professional Conduct?

• AIt is valid if it is in writing, reasonable, and not champertous or otherwise illegal.
• BIt is strictly illegal and void under all circumstances.
• CIt is valid only for criminal defense matters.
• DIt is valid only if the court determines the percentage before the trial begins.

What is the ethical duty of a defense counsel regarding a client who has admitted to the lawyer that they are guilty of the crime charged?

• AThe lawyer can still represent the client and test the prosecution's case, but must not l…
• BThe lawyer must report the admission to the judge and withdraw.
• CThe lawyer must refuse to represent the client and force them to plead guilty.
• DThe lawyer must present an alibi defense that they know is fabricated.

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, what is the restriction regarding a lawyer sharing their legal fees with a non-lawyer?

• AA lawyer must not share legal fees with a non-lawyer, except in limited situations like r…
• BA lawyer can share fees with any person who refers a case to them.
• CA lawyer can share fees with a non-lawyer if the client consents in writing.
• DA lawyer can share fees with a non-lawyer if the non-lawyer funded the litigation.

What is the rule regarding a lawyer communicating with a judge about a pending case outside the presence of the opposing counsel?

• AEx-parte communication with a judge regarding the merits of a pending case is strictly pr…
• BIt is permitted if the lawyer is friends with the judge.
• CIt is permitted if the lawyer is presenting a new piece of evidence.
• DIt is permitted if the lawyer does not charge the client for the meeting.

A lawyer is offered a gift by an opposing party during a negotiation. What is the ethical status of accepting this gift?

• AAccepting a gift from an opposing party is misconduct as it compromises professional inde…
• BIt is ethical if the client is informed and approves.
• CIt is ethical if the gift value is less than ₦100,000.
• DIt is ethical if the lawyer also gives a gift to the opposing party.

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, what is a lawyer's duty regarding a client's unlawful instructions?

• AThe lawyer must refuse to carry out any instruction that involves illegal or dishonest co…
• BThe lawyer must follow all instructions, as the client's interest is supreme.
• CThe lawyer can carry out the instruction but must report it to the NBA afterward.
• DThe lawyer must seek the opinion of a senior lawyer before deciding whether to break the…

Can a lawyer enter into a partnership for the practice of law with a person who is not a legal practitioner?

• ANo, partnerships for the practice of law can only be formed between legal practitioners.
• BYes, if the non-lawyer acts only as a silent partner.
• CYes, if the non-lawyer holds less than a 10% share in the partnership.
• DYes, if the partnership is registered under Part B of CAMA.

What is the ethical duty of a lawyer regarding the personal property of a client that comes into the lawyer's possession?

• AThe lawyer must safeguard the property, keep it separate from their own, and return it pr…
• BThe lawyer can use the property as security for their personal loans.
• CThe lawyer can sell the property if the client has outstanding legal fees.
• DThe lawyer is not responsible for safeguarding client property unless they charge a stora…

A lawyer is representing a client in court. The judge makes an unfavorable and highly critical remark about the lawyer. What is the lawyer's ethical duty?

• AThe lawyer must maintain a respectful attitude and address the issue through proper legal…
• BThe lawyer should walk out of the courtroom immediately to show protest.
• CThe lawyer should insult the judge in return to defend their dignity.
• DThe lawyer should petition the police to arrest the judge for defamation.

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, what is the term for a lawyer bypassing opposing counsel to negotiate directly with the opposing client?

• AUnprofessional communication and bypass, which is prohibited under Rule 37.
• BAlternative Dispute Resolution facilitation, which is highly encouraged.
• CIntegrative direct negotiation, which is a recognized legal skill.
• DEx-parte adversarial compromise, which is permitted if the client requests it.

A lawyer publishes an article in a national newspaper discussing the strengths of their active case currently pending trial. What is the ethical status of this action?

• AIt is improper as it violates the rule against extrajudicial statements that may prejudic…
• BIt is completely proper, as it falls under freedom of speech and expression.
• CIt is proper if the lawyer does not name the specific judge handling the case.
• DIt is proper if the article is published in the opinion section rather than the news sect…

Under Rule 22 of the RPC, a lawyer must not accept employment if the exercise of their professional judgment on behalf of the client will be affected by what?

• AThe lawyer's own financial, business, property, or personal interests.
• BThe lawyer's political affiliation.
• CThe lawyer's desire to earn a higher reputation.
• DThe client's social status.

A lawyer is asked to represent a client in a divorce proceeding against the lawyer's own sister-in-law. What is the lawyer's ethical duty?

• ARefuse the employment, as the close family relationship creates a conflict of interest th…
• BAccept the employment, but charge a higher fee to maintain neutrality.
• CAccept the employment, but do not tell the client about the sister-in-law.
• DAccept the employment only if the sister-in-law agrees not to hire a lawyer.

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, what is the term for a lawyer paying a commission or referral fee to a non-lawyer for introducing clients?

• AImproper attraction of business (touting), which is strictly prohibited.
• BBusiness development commission, which is standard under CAMA.
• CIntegrative finder fee, which is permitted if the client consents.
• DAdversarial referral discount, which is allowed in civil matters.

A legal practitioner drafts a will for a client. The client, who has no close relatives, insists on naming the lawyer as the sole beneficiary of a large estate. What is the lawyer's ethical duty?

• AThe lawyer must refuse to draft the will and advise the client to seek independent legal…
• BThe lawyer can draft the will, provided two other lawyers witness it.
• CThe lawyer can draft the will if the client signs an affidavit of voluntariness.
• DThe lawyer can draft the will if the gift is less than 50% of the total estate.

Under the Rules of Professional Conduct, a lawyer is permitted to withdraw from representing a client in which of the following scenarios?

• AThe client insists on pursuing an illegal course of conduct despite the lawyer's advice.
• BThe lawyer decides they can earn a higher fee from another client on the same day.
• CThe lawyer realizes the case is more difficult than they initially estimated.
• DThe judge indicates that they do not like the lawyer's advocacy style.