NBA trains new lawyers, cautions against AI usage

By Rauf Oyewole

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bauchi State Branch has cautioned the newly admitted and young lawyers against total dependency on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their professional duties, while urging recommitment jurisprudence.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Bauchi State Branch of NBA on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Branch, Barrister Rabiu Garba Esq. explained that the programme was to orient the new wigs on how to succeed in their chosen –particularly in ethical conduct.

Garba added that the young lawyers were trained on the rudiment of the legal profession and how to succeed while connecting them with successful legal practitioners. 

“They were trained on Rule of Professional Conduct (RPC): discipline, court decorum, legal practitioners attire, relationship with clients and the general public, promotion of rule of law.

“We will make sure that this training and capacity building is sustained to make our lawyers develop without reliance on AI. Advanced countries are discouraging AI in legal practice, because it is not reliable. In most cases, what AI will give you might not be applicable to your case.”

One of the speakers, immediate past Chairman of the Branch, Dr. Ibrahim Danjuma Esq. charged the new wigs to maintain professional standards, saying that legal practice requires adherence to high standards of competency and ethics.

“Clients demand high-quality legal advice, lawyers must constantly upgrade their knowledge to meet these expectations.

“Also, the emergence of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and online dispute resolution requires lawyers to stay technologically literate. Enhancing Access to Justice: Better-trained lawyers contribute to a more efficient and equitable justice delivery system,” he said.

While speaking, Hon Justice Muhyiddeen Mohammed, Khadi of Sharia Court of Appeal, Bauchi State, urged the young to imbibe the culture of timeliness and respect for the senior learned colleagues. 

He said: “Don't be a poor lawyer, aspire to achieve great in this profession, we don't want to see our upcoming colleagues being poor. You are symbols of justice and rule of law. Make sure you get more education, go for your master's and PhD studies.”