How much do fresh lawyers earn in Nigeria?

Asked by: Dr. Eleanora Jerde  |  Last update: November 18, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (29 votes)

While some of the top-tier law firms offer competitive salaries, many Nigerian lawyers, especially entry-level or junior associates, earn modest incomes compared to global standards. For many entry-level lawyers, particularly those fresh out of law school, salaries can range from ₦50,000 to ₦120,000 per month.

How much do lawyers in Nigeria get paid?

The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is NGN 197,500 per month in the Nigeria area, with an average salary of NGN 127,500 per month.

How old is the youngest lawyer in Nigeria?

"I am 24 and not 20"- Esther Chukwuemeka who went viral for being the youngest lawyer to be called to the Nigerian bar sets the record straight on her age and education.

Can a Nigerian lawyer work in the UK?

From September 2021, lawyers from abroad and overseas students who wish to qualify in England and Wales can sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE allows you to qualify as a solicitor by taking the same exam as domestic candidates.

How much do banks pay lawyers in Nigeria?

Get feedback on your pay or offer

The estimated total pay range for a Consulting Attorney at Access Bank PLC is NGN 4.1M–NGN 4.5M per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Consulting Attorney base salary at Access Bank PLC is NGN 3.9M per year.

10 Signs You Should Become A Lawyer

18 related questions found

What is the richest profession in Nigeria?

Highest Paying Jobs In Nigeria 2025
  • Orthopedic Surgeon: N770,000 – N2,200,000.
  • Cardiologist: N270,000 – N1,960,000.
  • Pilot: N200,000 – N1,800,000.
  • Anesthesiologist: N550,000 – N1,500,000.
  • Solutions Architect: N290,000 – N1,500,000.
  • Medical Doctor: N180,000 – N1,500,000.
  • Sailor: N200,000 – N1,400,000.

Who is the richest lawyer in Nigeria?

Jubril Adewale Tinubu is my first on the list as the Richest Lawyer in Nigeria currently. According to Forbes, Jubril Adewale Tinubu has an estimated net worth of $700 million. He began his career in 1992 as a specialist in corporate and petroleum law assignments and also as an attorney.

How many years is a law degree in Nigeria?

The following conditions are required to graduate from the LL. B programme: Years/Semester Required: Minimum Duration of the Bachelor of Laws Programme is five (5) years of 10 semesters and four (4) years of Eight (8) semesters for direct entry students.

How much do lawyers make in the UK?

Lawyer salaries in United Kingdom

The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is £69,439 per year, with an average salary of £60,970 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Are Nigerian qualifications Recognised in UK?

The United Kingdom Visa and Immigration Service (UKVI) recognises a variety of English language credentials, including those issued in Nigeria. For instance, a Senior School Certificate from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or a National Examinations Council (NECO) with a “Credit Level Pass (C) in English.

Which Nigerian actor is a lawyer?

Anayo Modestus Onyekwere MFR // popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo // (born March 1, 1962) is a Nigerian actor and lawyer. In 2006, He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the movie Family Battle.

Is 37 too old to become a lawyer?

It's never too late in life to apply to law school. Although most applicants are under 25, about 1 in 5 are 30 or older and a much smaller proportion are over 40. Many older law school graduates build fulfilling second careers that draw on preexisting skills and experiences.

What is the name of the first lawyer in Nigeria?

Chief Christopher Alexander Sapara Williams CMG (14 July 1855 – 15 March 1915) was the first indigenous Nigerian lawyer, called to the English bar on 17 November 1879. In addition to his legal practice, he came to play an influential role in the politics of Nigeria during the colonial era.

What is the most prestigious law firm in Nigeria?

Top Ten Law Firms in Nigeria
  • Aelex.
  • Aluko and Oyebode.
  • Banwo & Ighodalo.
  • Olaniwun Ajayi LP.
  • Templars.
  • G. Elias & Co.
  • Pavestones.
  • Olajide Oyewole LLP.

Which medical course is the richest in Nigeria?

Top 10 Highest Paying Medical Jobs & Healthcare Careers in Nigeria
  1. Heart Surgeon. Heart Surgeons, also known as Cardiothoracic Surgeons, are surgical experts that specialize in the chest organs, especially the heart. ...
  2. Orthopedic Surgeon. ...
  3. Neurosurgeon. ...
  4. Podiatrist. ...
  5. Urologist. ...
  6. Plastic Surgeon. ...
  7. Vascular Surgeon. ...
  8. Pharmacist.

Which company pays the highest salary in Nigeria?

Highest Paying Companies In Nigeria 2024 - Top 10
  1. Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) ...
  2. Chevron Nigeria Limited. ...
  3. Mobil Producing Nigeria. ...
  4. Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) ...
  5. MTN Nigeria. ...
  6. Nestle Nigeria Plc. ...
  7. Total Nigeria Plc. ...
  8. Dangote Group.

Which type of lawyer makes the most money?

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.

In which country do lawyers earn the most?

The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.

Are lawyers underpaid in UK?

Job site Indeed reports the average salary for a solicitor is just under £50,000 a year, based on almost 11,000 reported salaries. Of course, this figure can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier, with some London based, Magic Circle firms paying experienced professionals well over £100,000 a year.

Does law pay well in Nigeria?

To become a lawyer, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree in law and then attend law school. You could earn well as your experience and professionalism grow. Salary Range: From N150,000 to N1,330,000 per month.

How long is bar 1 in Nigeria?

The Bar Part 1 programme lasts for a period of six months, within which time students are required to study and pass the following subjects in the Bar Part 1 examination: (a) Nigerian Legal System, (b) Nigerian Land Law, (c) Nigerian Constitutional Law, (d) Nigerian Criminal Law.

Can a law graduate be called a lawyer in Nigeria?

Call to the Bar: Upon successful completion of the Nigerian Law School program, graduates are eligible to be called to the Nigerian Bar. This is a formal ceremony during which they take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Legal Practice.

What are Nigerian lawyers called?

Nigerian lawyers are associated with different names or appellations and they practise their legal profession in different categories and institutions, which include the following: Barristers. Solicitors. Attorneys. Advocates.

Who is the youngest female lawyer in Nigeria?

Meet Barrister Esther Chukwuemeka, Nigeria's youngest Barrister. She was called to Bar yesterday at the Young age of 20. She hails from Okigwe in Imo State, She finished her secondary School at the Age of 13, passed her SSCE and got admission in ABSU, but the school denied her the admission citing that she was underage ...

Who is the top 10 richest man in Nigeria and their?

Top Billionaires in Nigeria with Net Worth

Aliko Dangote, leads as the 1st in Nigeria, with $10.88B in Manufacturing sector. Followed by Mike Adenuga, 2nd in Nigeria, making waves in Diversified at 472th globally, and Abdulsamad Rabiu, 3rd in Nigeria, contributing significantly to Diversified at 680th globally.