By Stephen Simon

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Emeka Ozoani, has called for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s legal education system and professional practice, warning that the legal profession risks losing relevance if it fails to adapt to rapid technological and structural changes.

Ozoani made the call while delivering a paper titled “The Legal Profession: Embracing the Future” during the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, Makurdi Branch.

Addressing judges, senior advocates and legal practitioners at the event, the former Chairman of the NBA Welfare Committee said the profession had moved beyond merely anticipating change, stressing that lawyers must now actively respond to transformation driven by technology, globalisation and evolving regulatory frameworks.

According to him, advances in artificial intelligence and digital technology are already reshaping legal practice through online research platforms, virtual court proceedings and AI-assisted legal services, noting that tools such as LawPavilion have significantly improved legal research and expanded opportunities for younger practitioners.

The senior advocate, however, identified major challenges confronting the sector, including poor infrastructure, limited access to technology and the absence of a clear regulatory framework governing the ethical use of artificial intelligence in legal practice, warning that issues relating to data privacy and confidentiality could undermine public trust.

Ozoani further urged lawyers to acquire new competencies beyond traditional legal knowledge, including digital literacy, data interpretation and interdisciplinary expertise, while noting that modern law firms are increasingly evolving into multidisciplinary organisations combining legal, business and regulatory advisory services.

He proposed reforms including a review of legal education curricula to accommodate technology, cybersecurity and digital ethics, expansion of continuing legal education, and stronger collaboration between the NBA, judiciary, academic institutions and legal technology firms, insisting that the future of the profession would depend on how effectively lawyers engage technology while preserving the core values of integrity, advocacy and sound judgment.