The Attorney General of Ondo State, Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), has reflected on the evolving dynamics of legal practice, urging Nigerian lawyers to adapt swiftly to global trends shaping the profession.
Ajulo spoke following the 2026 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP), held at the National Theatre, Lagos, with the theme, “Evolving Trends: Nigerian Legal Practice, Global Perspectives.”
In his reflection, the senior advocate described the conference as a timely platform for critical assessment of Nigeria’s legal system amid growing technological disruption and globalisation.
He noted that while Nigeria’s legal framework, rooted in a common law tradition, remains resilient, persistent challenges such as case backlogs, limited digital infrastructure in courts, and regulatory constraints on cross-border practice continue to hinder progress.
According to him, reforms like the Administration of Criminal Justice Act have introduced improvements in case management and prison decongestion, but their implementation has been uneven across the country.
Ajulo highlighted that legal practice globally is being reshaped by innovations including artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and virtual dispute resolution mechanisms, as well as stricter data protection regimes.
He, however, cautioned that beyond adopting technology, the profession must prioritise ethical standards, judicial integrity, and access to justice.
“The future of legal practice lies not only in embracing innovation but also in strengthening the values that underpin the justice system,” he said.
The attorney general further called on law firms to invest in research, knowledge management, and cross-border collaborations to enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.
He also commended the introduction of the NBA-SLP National Law Firm Directory 2026, describing it as a step toward improving transparency and visibility for Nigerian law firms internationally.
Ajulo stressed the need for stronger synergy between the Bench and the Bar, as well as among justice institutions at all levels, to drive meaningful reform in the sector.
He added that Nigerian lawyers must broaden their expertise beyond traditional legal practice to include areas such as commerce, technology, and international governance.
“The profession must rise to the challenge of change. The time to evolve is now,” he said.
