London, October 2, 2023 – The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, recently graced the 2023 Opening of the Legal Year for England and Wales in a significant gathering of legal luminaries.
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The prestigious event, which kicked off on Sunday, October 1st, commenced with a Bar Leader’s Discussion organized jointly by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council of England and Wales. This engaging discussion unfolded at Grey’s Inn, bringing together legal leaders from around the world to deliberate on the vital theme: “How best to consolidate the independence of the legal profession in international – and domestic – law? Should there be a binding legal instrument protecting the independence of the legal profession? If so, what should it say?”
Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, the NBA President, was among the distinguished panelists. Other luminaries who contributed their insights included Panagiotis Perakis, President of CCBE; Sheila Webster, President of the Law Society of Scotland; and Victor Dawes SC, Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association. The discussion was skillfully moderated by Nick Vineall KC, President of the Bar Council of England and Wales, with Lubna Shuja, the outgoing President of the Law Society of England and Wales, delivering the closing remarks.
During the discourse, Mr. Maikyau emphasized the pivotal role that legal practitioners play in society, echoing the words of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, CJN, who once stated that “The respect in which the Bar in any country is held is the best indicator of the freedom in that country.” He also noted the rising global efforts to regulate the legal profession, suggesting that the Bar may have experienced a decline in respect due to ethical concerns.
Following the stimulating discussion, attendees gathered for a formal dinner at the Law Society Hall, fostering further networking and collaboration among legal professionals.
The pinnacle of the event was the Opening of the Legal Year Service, which took place on Monday, October 2, 2023. It commenced with a solemn Church Service held at the historic Westminster Abbey. Subsequently, attendees convened for the Lord Chancellor’s reception and a Seminar with the Judiciary.
This year’s edition of the event holds special significance as it coincides with the swearing-in of Dame Sue Lascelles Carr, DBE, as the Chief Justice of England and Wales, marking a historic milestone as the first female Chief Justice in the country’s history since the office’s inception in the 13th century.
In addition to the formal proceedings, the event also featured several networking opportunities, fostering discussions on potential collaborations and partnerships among legal professionals from various corners of the globe.
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