STRENGTHENING ETHICS IN CLINICAL LEGAL EDUCATION: ANALYSIS OF CLIENTS EXPECTATION AND STUDENT’S PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Indigent clients are the major beneficiaries of law clinics in Nigeria. Law clinics bridge the gaps between the poor and the justice system. Clients using law clinics come with much expectation including ethical expectations. However, the Rules of Professional Conduct generally applies to lawyers called to the Nigerian Bar and not to law students. It becomes imperative for law clinics to develop strategies to strengthen ethics in clinical legal education program not only in the teaching of ethics but also in promoting ethics in every aspect of discharging duty at the law clinic. This paper undertakes an analysis of student’s obligation under the rules of professional conduct and its ability to meet client’s expectation. Also utilizing findings from the law clinics in Kano, Yola and Yenagoa campuses of the Nigerian Law School, it identifies challenges and makes recommendations that will strengthen the teaching and application of ethics in clinical legal education programmes.