COMMITTEES OF THE BODY OF BENCHERS

The Body of Benchers has both Standing and Adhoc Committees which are usually constituted from time to time. Membership of the Standing Committees lasts for a period of 3 (Three) years commencing from the date of appointment. The tenure of a member could be renewed for further term of three years. With regards to the Screening Committee, the Chairman holds office for a period of 1 (one) year. It is instructive to note that the Vice-Chairman of the Body of Benchers is also the Chairman of the Screening Committee.

While Adhoc Committees are constituted whenever the need arises. An Adhoc Committee, once constituted continues to exist until the purpose for which the Committee was constituted is achieved.

Each Committee has its own terms of reference, with members drawn from both the Bar and Bench as well as putting into consideration the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The Standing Committee are as follows:

  1. Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee:

The Committee is charged with the duty of considering and determining any case where it is alleged that a person whose name is on the role has misbehaved in his capacity as a legal practitioner or for any other reason be the subject of proceedings under the Legal Practitioners Act.

  1. Screening Committee:

The Committee is saddled with the screening of applicants to the Bar to ensure that only fit and proper persons were admitted into the Nigerian Bar.

  1. Ethics and Compliance Committee:

The Committee is responsible amongst other things, for providing the framework for ethical conducts and behaviors of members of the Body of Benchers, particularly during Meetings, Call to Bar ceremonies and such other official engagements by the Body of Benchers.

  1. Benchers Appointment Committee:

The mandate of the Committee is to advice Chairman of the Body of Benchers on matters pertaining to the appointment of Benchers in various categories. This is to ensure that those to be appointed as Benchers are persons of integrity and will actively participate in the activities of the Body of Benchers.

  1. Publicity Committee:

The Committee is responsible for the production of the Body of Benchers publications.

  1. Recruitment, Promotion and Disciplinary Committee:

The Committee is saddled with the primary responsibility of recruiting senior staff for the Body of Benchers. Likewise, the Committee is responsible for considering and approving promotion for eligible staff in the organization as well as disciplining erring staff.

  1. Mentoring Committee:

The mandate of the Committee is to provide the framework for developing a mentoring programme for young lawyers.

Adhoc Committees are as follows:

  1. Finance Committee
  2. Building Committee