In your first 90 days after Call to Bar, get your paperwork done first (enrolment at the Supreme Court, NBA branch registration and your practicing fee), then decide your next step (NYSC plan, job search or chamber), then build the habits of a working lawyer. Don’t let the weeks after the ceremony drift: the early choices shape your first few years.

The ceremony is over, the photos are posted and the certificate is in your hand. Here’s how to use the next three months.

Days 1 to 14: Get Regularized

1. Enroll at the Supreme Court. The Chairman of the Body of Benchers has advised new lawyers to go to the Supreme Court as soon as they can, with the Certificate of Call to Bar, to be enrolled on the Roll of Legal Practitioners. After enrolment, you are entitled to practice before all courts in Nigeria. bobprofolio

2. Join your NBA branch. Membership of the Nigerian Bar Association is effectively mandatory for practicing lawyers, and annual practicing fees must be paid to stay in good standing. When you pay the fee, you indicate your chosen NBA branch. Pick a branch where you live or work, since that’s where you’ll network and attend events. profoliothisdaylive

3. Keep your documents safe. Your Certificate of Call to Bar is mandatory for all legal job applications. Scan it, make several certified copies, and keep your enrolment details somewhere you can find them quickly. profolio

4. Look at the NBA stamp and seal. The NBA’s digital stamp and seal is mandatory for authenticating legal documents, and in 2026 it was offered free to lawyers 1–7 years post-call who had paid that year’s practicing fee. Terms change, so confirm what applies to you with your branch. nigerianbar

Days 15 to 45: Decide Your Direction

5. Settle your NYSC plan. Many lawyers complete NYSC during or just after Law School, often serving in legal aid organizations, chambers or government legal offices. NYSC rules depend on your age and situation, so check with the scheme and plan around its dates. profolio

6. Start your job or chamber search. Most newly called lawyers spend roughly two to six months looking for their first substantive legal role. Set yourself a routine: profolio

• Update your CV and keep a short cover letter ready.
• Make a list of 15 to 20 chambers, companies or organizations.
• Apply to several each week and note your follow-ups.
• Tell your network what you’re looking for. Many roles never get advertised.

If you did internships, use them. See our guide on getting a law firm internship for ideas on making contacts count.

7. Choose your first chamber for what you’ll learn. Ask who will supervise you, how much court and drafting work you’ll get, and what the terms are. Our guide to [your first 5 years of practice]  covers how to choose.

Days 46 to 75: Build Working Habits

8. Get court-ready. Sort out your wig, gown and bands early. If you haven’t ordered, read our guides on [measuring for a wig and gown]

9. Learn the tools. Get comfortable with a legal research platform and basic case management. See our overview of [legal tech tools Nigerian lawyers use] .

10. Watch and ask. Attend court sessions, sit in on client meetings where allowed, and ask for the reasoning behind decisions, not just the answers.

11. Build a small reference shelf. Even a few core texts help. See where to buy.

Days 76 to 90: Review and Plan the Next 90

• Check your admin. Is your practicing fee paid, your branch confirmed and your documents filed?
• Review your money. What did the first three months cost, and what do you expect next?
• Ask for feedback from a supervisor or senior colleague, and note what to improve.
• Set three goals for the next 90 days, such as a skill to learn, a person to meet and a task to take on.

Common Mistakes

• Delaying Supreme Court enrolment and branch registration.
• Letting the practising fee slide.
• Accepting a role without knowing the terms or who will train you.
• Spending heavily on image before income arrives.
• Waiting for opportunities instead of asking for them.

FAQ

What should I do first after Call to Bar?
Enroll at the Supreme Court with your certificate, then register with your NBA branch and pay your practicing fee.

Can I start practicing straight away?
After enrolment, you’re entitled to practice in any court. Most new lawyers still begin under an experienced lawyer so they can learn how practice works.

How long does it take to get a first job?
It varies, and some people take a few months. Start early and apply widely.

Do I need to do NYSC?
That depends on your age and circumstances. Check the NYSC’s current rules.

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