Communication Between Legal Practitioner and Client in Nigeria- Critical Analysis of Extent of Privilege and Notable Exceptions

This paper critically analysed the extent of privilege enjoyed in “communication between a legal practitioner and client under the Nigerian legal system”. Owing to incidences of impostors, the paper carefully explained the meaning of “legal practitioner and the procedure for becoming a lawyer as well as “remaining in good standing in the legal profession in Nigeria”. From statutory and judicial decisions, the paper established that the communication between legal practitioner and client was privileged but this is however subject to notable exceptions. It was recommended that clients should, while taking the services of any lawyer, ensure that such lawyer is “in good standing” while legal practitioner acting for a client must ensure that communication between them do not offend the exceptions as to be used as a shield to protect or cover the commission of crime.