How to Become a Civil Attorney in Nigeria: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there, future legal eagle! If you’re a Nigerian student searching for a clear, step-by-step guide on becoming a civil attorney, you’ve just found it. I see your questions online—”What do civil attorneys even do?” “What courses do I need?” “Is the salary worth it?”—and I get it. The path can seem confusing. But don’t worry, we’re going to break it all down, from secondary school to your first case, in simple, plain terms.

Let’s start by clearing up the biggest question first.

Who is a Civil Attorney, and What Do They Actually Do?

In Nigeria, when people say “lawyer,” they often picture someone arguing in court. But the legal field is vast! Here’s a simple way to understand it:

• Criminal Lawyer: Deals with offences against the state (like theft, assault, or murder). They prosecute or defend individuals accused of committing a crime.

• Civil Attorney (Civil lawyer/litigator): Deals with disputes between individuals or organizations. Their goal is to resolve conflicts and get compensation or a specific result for their client. No one goes to jail in a civil case; instead, the court orders one party to pay money or do (or stop doing) something.

So, what does a civil attorney in Nigeria do?
They handle cases like:

• Landlord and tenant disputes.

• Breach of contract (e.g., someone didn’t pay for goods delivered).

• Debt recovery.

• Personal injury claims (e.g., from a car accident).

• Employment issues (wrongful dismissal, unpaid salaries).

• Family law matters like divorce and child custody (though some specialize solely in this).

Their work involves researching laws, drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements, and, if necessary, advocating for clients in court. They are problem-solvers and negotiators first, warriors in court second.

What Are the Types of Lawyers in Nigeria

Knowing the landscape helps you see where “civil attorney” fits. Here are the main branches:

1. Litigators (Barristers): These are the courtroom lawyers. Civil attorneys who go to trial fall under this. They wear wigs and gowns and present cases in court.

2. Solicitors: These lawyers handle out-of-court work, including drafting contracts, providing legal advice, and managing property sales. Many civil attorneys who focus on settlements and paperwork operate as solicitors.

3. Specialists: Lawyers often focus on a specific area like Maritime Law, Oil & Gas, Intellectual Property, or Tax Law. You start as a general civil attorney and can later specialize.

You may also like: The Nearest Civil Attorney in California for You

How to Become a Civil Attorney in Nigeria

This is your roadmap. Follow these steps diligently.

Step 1: Excel in Your Secondary Education

Your journey starts here. Focus intensely on English Language, Literature in English, Government, and Economics. These subjects build your communication and analytical skills, which are the bedrock of law. Aim for at least 5 credits in one sitting, including English and Math, to meet university requirements.

Step 2: Obtain a University Law Degree (LL.B.)

You must study law at a Nigerian University accredited by the Council of Legal Education (CLE). Examples include UNILAG, UNN, UI, ABU, AE-FUNAI, OAU, and co.

• JAMB Subject Combination: Typically, English, Literature, Government/History, and any other Arts or Social Science subject.

• What Are the Courses for Civil Lawyers? Your LL.B. will give you a foundation. Key courses that directly relate to civil practice include:

  • Law of Contract (The heart of most civil disputes!)

  • Law of Torts (For personal injury and negligence claims)

  • Property Law (Landlord/Tenant, Land disputes)

  • Equity and Trusts

  • Civil Procedure (The rules of the game in court)

  • Company Law

  • Family Law

Step 3: Pass the Law School (BL)

After your LL.B., you proceed to the Nigerian Law School (with campuses in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, etc.) for a one-year professional training. This is intense and practical. You will learn drafting, advocacy, and ethics. You must pass the Bar Final Exams to be called to the Nigerian Bar.

Step 4: Call to the Nigerian Bar

Upon passing Law School, you attend the majestic Call to Bar ceremony. You now have the title Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and can legally practice.

Step 5: National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

You are required to complete your one-year national service. Many lawyers serve in legal departments of companies, courts, or law firms, which is excellent early experience.

Step 6: Gain Practical Experience (Pupilage)

This is your real-world training. You must work under the supervision of an experienced lawyer (a Principal) for at least two years before you can practice fully on your own. Join a law firm that handles civil cases. Be a sponge—ask questions, draft simple motions, and attend court proceedings.

What is the Salary of a Civil Attorney in Nigeria?

Let’s talk frankly about earnings. It varies widely based on location, firm size, and experience.

• Fresh Graduate (During/After Pupilage): ₦50,000 – ₦150,000 monthly in small to mid-sized firms. Top commercial law firms in Lagos (like Smith and Partners Law Practice, Resolution Law Firm, etc.) can pay significantly more, sometimes from ₦200,000 upwards, for new associates.

• Mid-Level (3-7 years experience): ₦200,000 – ₦800,000+ monthly. Specialization (e.g., in oil & gas or telecommunications law) can push this higher.

• Senior-Level/Partner: Earnings can run into millions of Naira monthly, often from a share of the firm’s profits.

Note: Many successful civil attorneys also build thriving private practices. Your income then depends entirely on your reputation, network, and skill.

Essential Skills Civil Attorneys Must Have

1. Master English: Your tool is language. Write and speak clearly and persuasively.

2. Develop Thick Skin: Law is adversarial. You will face tough opponents and sometimes lose cases. Learn and move on.

3. Network, Network, Network: Join the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Attend seminars. Your reputation begins in law school.

4. Be Ethically Sound: Your integrity is your greatest asset. The legal community is smaller than you think.

Helpful Resources for Your Journey

• Council of Legal Education (Nigeria): For the list of accredited law faculties.

• Nigerian Bar Association (NBA): The official professional association.

• Law Pavilion & LegalPedia: Essential electronic law report platforms you’ll use in practice.

Remember This:

The path is long and demanding, but incredibly rewarding. As a civil attorney, you become a guardian of people’s rights, a solver of complex problems, and a key player in ensuring justice in society. Start today and build your knowledge step by step.

You have the questions, and now you have the blueprint. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take that step.

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a fellow aspiring lawyer.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes. Always check the latest requirements from the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School for official guidelines.