Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Emeka Ozoani, has issued a strong call for an urgent overhaul of the country's legal education system and professional practice. He warned that the legal profession must adapt swiftly to ongoing technological and structural changes or face the risk of becoming irrelevant. Ozoani made this statement while delivering a paper titled: 'The Legal Profession: Embracing the Future' at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch, held in Benue State.
Technological Transformation in Legal Practice
Ozoani highlighted that legal practice in Nigeria is undergoing a fundamental transformation, with technology playing a central role in service delivery. He noted that the profession has moved beyond merely anticipating change and must now respond decisively to new realities driven by artificial intelligence, digital tools, and globalisation. The event was attended by judges, senior advocates, and members of the Bar.
According to Ozoani, digital research platforms, virtual court proceedings, and AI-assisted drafting have become integral to modern legal work. He stated: 'The question is no longer whether change will come, but whether we are adapting quickly and thoughtfully enough.' These developments have also reshaped client expectations, requiring lawyers to provide faster, data-driven, and more strategic solutions. Technology, he stressed, is no longer optional but essential for survival in contemporary practice.
Challenges and Ethical Concerns
While acknowledging the benefits, Ozoani identified critical challenges that hinder seamless adoption across the profession. These include poor infrastructure, inconsistent power supply, and limited access to digital tools. He also raised concerns about the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the ethical use of artificial intelligence in legal practice. Unresolved issues around confidentiality, data protection, and liability could undermine trust if not properly addressed. 'The responsibility for legal work remains with the lawyer, even when technology is involved,' he cautioned.
Skills Gap and New Demands
Ozoani highlighted a growing skills gap, noting that many practitioners have yet to fully embrace digital tools. Modern legal practice now demands competencies beyond traditional legal knowledge, including digital literacy, data interpretation, and interdisciplinary expertise. He explained that today's lawyer must function as a hybrid professional, combining legal knowledge with technological, analytical, and strategic skills. This is particularly important with the emergence of new fields such as cybersecurity law, fintech regulation, and data protection.
Opportunities for Access to Justice
On access to justice, Ozoani noted that technology offers significant opportunities to bridge longstanding gaps by making legal services more accessible and affordable. However, he warned that poor internet penetration and digital illiteracy could create new forms of inequality if not addressed. He also pointed to a shift in the structure of legal practice, with law firms increasingly evolving into multidisciplinary organisations. Lawyers now work alongside financial analysts, compliance experts, and data specialists to provide integrated solutions. 'This reflects a shift from isolated legal advice to comprehensive, client-focused services,' he said.
Proposed Reforms
To address these developments, Ozoani proposed a set of reforms aimed at repositioning the profession. He called for a review of legal education curricula to incorporate technology, artificial intelligence, digital ethics, and interdisciplinary learning. He also urged a review of the Rules of Professional Conduct to reflect emerging realities, particularly in relation to AI-assisted legal work and data protection obligations. Additionally, he emphasised the need to expand continuing legal education to include practical training in legal technology and digital practice, bridging the generational gap in digital competence within the profession.
Ozoani further stressed the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Bar, judiciary, academic institutions, and legal technology providers, to develop solutions tailored to Nigeria's legal environment.
