ICLE


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ABOUT INSTITUTE OF CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION (ICLE)

All Nigerian Lawyers in legal practice or employment must comply with the Nigerian Bar Association's Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Programme.

Lawyers are required to take mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) courses in order to qualify to practice law within our jurisdiction.

The Nigerian Bar Association Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) serves as the ICLE regulatory authority for the NBA—and the profession—by providing standards and scope for the MCLE programme. ICLE is overseen by the Board of MCLE and works closely with NBA Sections and the various local branches at large in developing programs on MCLE.

The NBA branches, sections and fora hold workshops and seminars. These 1-2 day programmes use a combination of lectures and workshops to present valuable information to the legal profession. In addition to the legal instruction offered, they provide a unique networking opportunity for lawyers who practice in the same or related areas of interest.

The administration of the programme for MCLE is under the supervision of the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board. The Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) has Rules and Guidelines and Regulations which shall operate under the Institute of Continuing Legal Education established by the Nigerian Bar Association. The MCLE Rules and Guidelines and Regulations set out the mode of operation of the MCLE programme.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at its meeting of 15th February 2007 at Owerri, Imo State approved the “Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Rules (MCLE Rules)” pursuant to Rule 11 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007.

INSTITUTE OF CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION

OBJECTIVES

All Nigerian Lawyers in legal practice or employment must comply with the Nigerian Bar Association's Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) ProgrammeThe MCLE Programme is intended to assure that those lawyers enrolled to practice in Nigeria remain current regarding the requisite knowledge, skills and values necessary to fulfil the professional responsibilities and obligations of their respective practices and work and thereby improve the standards of the profession in general.

THE MISSION STATEMENT

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at its meeting of 15th February 2007 at Owerri, Imo State approved the “Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Rules (MCLE Rules)” pursuant to Rule 11 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007. To continuously update the knowledge, skills, and social responsiveness of the lawyer through training programmes in order to maintain high standards of professional competence throughout his/her career as a lawyer.

The MCLE Programme will be run in partnership with Service Providers who would be considered under various criteria.

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ICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) serves as the MCLE regulatory authority for the Nigerian Bar Association and the profession.

The purpose of MCLE is to continuously update the knowledge, skills and social responsiveness of the Nigerian lawyer through training programmes in order to maintain a high standard of professional competence throughout his/her career as a lawyer.

All lawyers enrolled to practice law in Nigeria

Professionalism/Ethics/Corruption; Skills; Traditional MCLE courses; Legal Education Teaching Skills; Cross-Disciplinary Subjects

Yes. See the MCLE Rules. The MCLE Board can also exempt persons or extend the time within which to comply in certain circumstances.

Every lawyer (other than Benchers and SANs) enrolled in Nigeria shall be required to complete 30 hours of MCLE activities during two years reporting period. Every Bencher/SAN shall be required to complete 24 hours of MCLE activities during three years reporting period.

Credit can be earned by attending approved activities; training; workshops; conferences; seminars; and symposiums. Some other ways to earn credit are:

Part–time Teaching of Law Courses (c) Legal publications (d) Taking part in NBA approved Pro Bono activities with a training component.

Non-participation is professional misconduct under Rule 11 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners.

  • Private Service Providers (who have fulfilled the necessary requirements);
  • Branches of the Nigerian Bar Association;
  • Sections and Forums of the Nigerian Bar Association;
  • Approved Law Firms;
  • Approved Law Schools/Faculties and other Institutions;
  • NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE)

It would be recognized as soon as the MCLE Board announces the modalities.

Onsite training can be conducted within organizations. (Please contact the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education with your training requirement) I want to read MCLE rules, how can I get one? MCLE rules can be downloaded from the website: www.nigerianbar.org.ng

Information on MCLE is available on the website nigerianbar.org.ng, for more enquiries, you can reach us through our contact below.


The Programme Officers, ICLE-MCLE Nigerian Bar Association National Secretariat, NBA House,

Plot 1101 Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District,

Abuja F.C.T.
Nigeria. icle@nigerianbar.org.ng


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