Nigerian Law Society
NLS
NBA + NLS
Dual Membership
4+
Practice Areas
SCN
Blue Silks Rank
NIGERIAN LAW SOCIETY
A New Era for Nigerian Lawyers
Beyond the Courtroom
Not every aspect of legal practice is regulated by the Legal Practitioners Act, 1962. The Notaries Public Act, 2023 demonstrates that lawyers engage in diverse areas of practice
Statutory Recognition
From the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 2023 — Nigerian law recognizes multiple non-litigation practice areas for qualified lawyers.
The Blue Silks Tradition
Building on the distinguished tradition of the Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN), the NLS provides recognition and community for non-litigation excellence.
Dual Membership
Nigerian lawyers can proudly belong to both the NBA and the NLS simultaneously, maximizing their professional network and opportunities.
Creating an Umbrella for Non-Litigation Nigerian Lawyers
The NLS focuses on establishing a unified professional body that represents and advocates for lawyers who practice outside the traditional courtroom setting.
Non-Litigation Specializations
Notaries Public
Notaries Public Act, 2023
Company Incorporation
Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020
Arbitration & ADR
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 2023
Legislative Drafting
National Assembly Service Commission Act, 2014
The Body
The Body
Any legal practitioner who has been conferred the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and sworn in as such becomes a member of BOSAN subject to meeting the requirements of financial membership.
The Body’s constitution governs membership and aims to promote good administration based on the principles of freedom, equity, and justice. The constitution takes precedence over any Rules and Regulations. Members of the Body are committed to being a social, non-political, non-governmental entity representing the interests of the youth, the less privileged, and the aspirations of society.
The Blue Silks
Senior Counsel of Nigeria (SCN)
Professional Recognition
The SCN designation acknowledges outstanding contributions to non-litigation legal practice in Nigeria.
UK Tradition
Following the British tradition of recognizing legislative lawyers, established since 1869 through official registers.
Leadership Excellence
Blue Silks represent the pinnacle of achievement in non-courtroom legal practice and mentorship.
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This is the tradition that the Blue Silks rank of Senior Counsel of Nigeria are building on — a legacy of excellence beyond the courtroom.
Join the Nigerian Law Society Today
Connect with fellow non-litigation lawyers, share knowledge, and be part of the growing community shaping the future of legal practice in Nigeria.
- Connect with non-litigation lawyers across Nigeria
- Stay updated on relevant legislation and practice developments
- Access professional development opportunities
- Be part of the Blue Silks tradition
- Maintain dual membership with NBA
Community Access
Instant connection
Nigerian lawyers can belong to both NBA and NLS simultaneously
Contact the Nigerian Law Society
Contact Us
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2026 Nigerian Law Society (NLS) Annual Dues Payment Notice
22nd January 2026.
Dear Members of the Nigerian Law Society (NLS) and others,
Payment of annual dues and freewill donations to the Nigerian Law Society (NLS) has commenced.
Below are the bank account details of the Nigerian Law Society (NLS) as follows:
ACCOUNT NAME: *NIGERIA LAW SOCIETY
ACCOUNT NUMBER 2047951361
BANK NAME: FIRST BANK:OF NIGERIA
To continue to enjoy the benefits of membership of the NLS such as the NLS stamp and seal, the free NLS Law Journal, free online continuing legal education programmes, free annual NLS conference registration and other benefits of the Nigerian Law Society (NLS) please kindly pay your annual membership dues on or before 30th March 2026.
The NLS membership dues structure is as follows:
₦12,000 for LLB degree holders of 5 years and below post LLB;
₦24,000 for LLB degree holders between 5 to 9 years post LLB;
₦48,000 for LLB degree holders between 10 years to 19 years post LLB;
₦96,000 for LLB degree holders between 20 to 29 years post LLB;