US-based lawyer calls for scrapping of SAN titleship in Nigeria

A United States-based attorney, Christian Oronsaye, has urged the Nigerian government to abolish the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) titleship.

Oronsaye, a California attorney who spoke to Tribune Online at the sideline of events at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, believes the titleship is one of the challenges hindering the development of Nigeria’s legal system.

According to Oronsaye, a former best graduating student of the Nigerian Law School, the SAN titleship is discriminatory, clogs the court system, and creates unfair market advantages.

He noted that in the US, attorneys like himself, who have practiced for over 10 years, do not receive special treatment in court.

“The scrapping of SAN titleship will bring sanity to the legal system.

“It’s creating an unfair market advantage, clogging the system at the top in favor of a select few, and discriminating against other lawyers,” Oronsaye said.

Oronsaye pointed out that in Nigeria, SANs often receive preferential treatment, such as being allowed to sit in the front row and having their cases prioritised.

In contrast, he noted that in the US, attorneys specialize in specific practice areas, and the system is more merit-based.

“I’ve been an attorney in California for over 10 years, and I don’t have the power to tell the court that my case should be held first.

“We have over 200 practice areas, and lawyers specialize in specific areas. I think the Nigerian legal system should expand and create more market opportunities for its people.” He said.

By abolishing the SAN titleship, Oronsaye believes the Nigerian legal system can become more efficient, fair, and competitive.