The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch has announced its flagship 2025 Annual Law Conference, themed “Reimagining the Practice of Law: Ethics, Innovation, and the Future of Legal Services.” The week-long event is scheduled to take place from Saturday, June 14 to Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. It promises a dynamic agenda aimed at redefining legal practice in the face of evolving professional, societal, and technological expectations.
The Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Mr. Olabisi Makanjuola, reflected on the branch’s recent achievements, including improved member engagement, a reinvigorated publicity team; the acquisition of an 18-seater bus to support logistics, installation of solar panel and inverter at the Court of Appeal as well as a vibrant Human Rights Committee. He also highlighted the remarkable success of the 2024 conference, which drew over 800 participants to its plenary session. He expressed optimism that this year’s edition would build on that momentum to deliver an even more impactful experience.
The Conference Planning Committee Chairman, Dr. Tolu Aderemi, explained that the sub-theme of the event, “Let’s Be Lawyers Again,” was chosen to inspire a return to the core values of the legal profession. According to him, the theme reflects a collective desire to restore the dignity, professionalism, and ethical responsibility that define the practice of law. He noted that the conference is designed as a forum to challenge legal practitioners to recommit to the standards that elevate the profession, especially at a time when it faces increased public scrutiny.
The conference will commence on Saturday, June 14, with an advocacy walk aimed at reinforcing the branch’s commitment to societal impact and professional unity. The day’s activities will conclude with a family-focused event dubbed “Family Funday,” created to celebrate the often-unseen support systems behind lawyers and offer their families an insight into the legal profession.
A major highlight of the conference will be the keynote address by Mr. Richard Atkinson, President of the Law Society of England and Wales. He is expected to share global perspectives on reforms shaping the future of legal services, particularly in relation to innovation and regulatory modernization. The first plenary session will be led by Mr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN, a former NBA President, and will feature key legal figures including the current NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, Mrs. Funke Adekoya SAN, and Honourable Justice B. B. Kanyip. The session will explore the ethical and professional standards expected of both private and public sector lawyers, including members of the bench.
Dr. Aderemi also revealed that all conference participants will take an “Ethical Oath Declaration,” symbolizing a renewed commitment to ethical conduct and professional integrity. As part of this initiative, an Ethical Icon Award will be presented to a distinguished member of the profession who exemplifies the values being championed.
The conference agenda includes a rich lineup of panel sessions covering various topical areas of law. One of the key innovations this year is the introduction of subject-specific masterclasses hosted by leading law firms and industry professionals. These sessions will address specialized topics such as data privacy, entertainment and sports law, renewable energy, green growth, and governance. The goal is to provide deeper technical engagement with fast-evolving areas of legal practice.
Another noteworthy feature is the Regulatory Clinic scheduled for Day 4, where agencies such as the Lagos State Lands Bureau, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) will interface directly with legal practitioners. Rather than a platform for criticism, this session aims to foster mutual understanding and improve the quality of service delivery across the legal value chain.
On Day 5, the spotlight will turn to leadership and capacity-building within the branch. Aspirants for the position of Branch Chairman will participate in an open forum where they will be to share practical strategies for moving the branch forward. The same day will also host dedicated sessions for In-House Counsel and the Young Lawyers’ Forum. In-house legal professionals will explore common challenges in corporate legal departments and outline actionable solutions, while young lawyers will receive focused training on ethics, discipline, and professionalism.
The branch will also host a Chairman’s Dinner and Elders’ Night, an elegant evening to celebrate institutional milestones and honour veteran lawyers who, due to age or health, can no longer participate actively in daily practice. The conference will wrap up with a festive Closing Party, celebrating the insights and camaraderie built throughout the week.
Dr. Aderemi concluded by describing the event as more than a traditional law conference, it is a movement to reawaken the conscience of the legal profession, embrace innovation, and restore dignity and public trust in the Bar.
