By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia: Three eminent Liberian female lawyers have been named to the 2026 list of Africa’s 100 Most Influential Female Lawyers by Courtroom Mail, a prominent legal publication and online network connecting legal professionals across the continent.
Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley, Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine, and Cllr. Kim Amelia Harris were recognized in the publication’s 2026 SHID (Super Heroes, Influencers, and Disruptors) edition, which celebrates outstanding female legal practitioners shaping the profession across Africa. Courtroom Mail, founded in 2009, selected honorees following a meticulous review of individual profiles, with organizers describing the recognition of this year’s cohort as “truly fulfilling.”
Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley:
Bowoulo Taylor Kelley is a distinguished Human Rights Lawyer with more than 15 years of dedicated service to humanity in partnership with civil society organizations and national human rights institutions in Liberia. She is the current Vice President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), an institution that has established itself as a leader in advancing women’s rights and promoting excellence in the legal profession. She was also recently appointed to serve as Counsellor at the Embassy of Liberia in Ethiopia, with accreditation to the African Union, in addition to her leadership roles, Kelley is one of the Managing Partners at the Jalah Law Firm in Monrovia, and she serves on the boards of several civil society organizations and educational institutions throughout Liberia.
Kelley has a Master of Laws Degree in Human Rights from the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, a Bachelor of Laws from the Louis Authur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the African Methodist Episcopal University, complemented by specialized trainings in other areas of the law. She maintains affiliations with esteemed professional organizations at both the national and international levels, contributing to the ongoing development of Liberia’s legal system.
She is a member of the Supreme Court Bar of the Republic of Liberia and the Liberian National Bar Association and serves as Vice President of the Bomi County Local Bar Association. With a distinguished record in legal practice, policy development, and organizational leadership, Taylor Kelley has represented especially indigent clients in both civil and criminal cases, advocating for adherence to the rule of law and reforming discriminatory laws and practices.
Her dedication extends to mentoring young female lawyers and collaborating with government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners to address issues affecting women, girls, and older persons. In her leadership role at AFELL,Taylor Kelley has championed initiatives that expand access to justice for vulnerable populations, provide comprehensive legal aid, and address gender-based violence and discrimination. Her active engagement in conferences, seminars, and public forums continues to drive meaningful policy discussions and foster positive change. Her commitment to equity, advocacy, and legal reform has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of justice in Liberia.
Throughout her career, Kelley has contributed significantly to the formulation of key human rights concept strategy papers for the Independent National Human Rights Commission and has represented the Commission at various national and international conferences. Her notable engagements include representing the Commission at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in The Gambia (2018), facilitating a United Nations workshop on evidence-based policies related to aging in sub-Saharan Africa (Nairobi, Kenya, 2021), and actively participating in the drafting and adoption of the Accra Declaration and plan of action for the protection of human rights defenders, in collaboration with National Human Rights Institutions and human rights defenders in Accra, Ghana (2022).
She contributed and led discussions on drafting the anti-female genital mutilation bill that is currently before the national legislature for enactment. She served as a legal consultant and researcher on election matters for the Honourable Supreme Court of Liberia, a role that enabled her to work as the youngest lawyer among former and retired justices on the committee. She was also the lead consultant on the constitutional review committee constituted by the National Civil Society Council of Liberia.
Motivated by a vision of fairness and equal opportunity, Bowoulo Taylor Kelley is dedicated to cultivating an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, are empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Her tenure at AFELL is marked by integrity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to elevating the voices of Liberian women. Taylor Kelley’s professional journey exemplifies leadership, advocacy, and service, positioning her as a highly respected figure within Liberia’s legal community and a passionate champion of women’s rights.
Cllr. Charlyne Mnamah-Mar Brumskine
Charlyne Mnamah-Mar Brumskine is a distinguished Liberian lawyer, entrepreneur, and politician whose career embodies excellence, integrity, and service. She has built a reputation as a trailblazer in law, business, and governance. As the Principal and Managing Counsellor of CMB Law Group, one of Liberia’s leading law firms, Cllr. Brumskine is a respected authority in corporate and commercial law. She has represented multinational corporations, international NGOs, developmental agencies, Liberian businesses, and the Government of Liberia.
Her firm stands as a testament to her entrepreneurial vision, being one of the few woman-established and –led law firms in the country. Beyond her legal practice, she has dedicated herself to shaping the next generation of legal minds. As a former Assistant Professor of Law at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, she used her nearly 20 years of legal experience to mentor and teach young Liberians, emphasizing the power of legal education as a tool for national transformation.
In 2022, she transitioned into politics. Initially, she campaigned for a representative seat in the national legislature but then transitioned from a legislative candidate to the Presidential ticket after she was selected to be the Vice-Presidential running mate to Mr. Alexander B. Cummings under the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP). Her campaign resonated deeply with Liberians, particularly women and youth, as she championed policies that addressed the importance of visionary stewardship, economic empowerment, justice, and inclusive governance.
Known for her intellectual rigor and transformative leadership, she emerged as a formidable force in national politics. Cllr. Brumskine is also a passionate advocate for access to justice. She founded The Law Belongs to Us, ‘” Gma m̀ à kɔ̃̀ de”, a groundbreaking radio program that educates Liberians on legal rights in the Bassa dialect, ensuring that legal knowledge is accessible to all. Its inaugural show will be in May 2025.
She is the Chair of the Governance Pillar of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Liberia Chapter. Her focus is on women’s participation in political and governance processes. She currently serves on the board of Harvest Intercontinental American University, a partnership with Oral Roberts University, USA, dedicated to providing quality education in Liberia. Additionally, she is Chair of the Advisory Council of the Liberty Party and has served on the boards of major institutions, including IB Bank and MNG Gold.
Cllr. Brumskine holds a Juris Doctor (JD) from Howard University School of Law (2002) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Barnard College, Columbia University, New York (1997). She was Valedictorian of the Liberia Supreme Court Bar Exam (2022) and is admitted to the Liberia National Bar (2014), New York State Bar (2003), and multiple U.S. District Courts. She is currently pursuing a Master of Law degree (LLM) in Corporate and Commercial Law from King’s College London.
With an unwavering commitment to justice, empowerment, and national development, Cllr. Brumskine hopes to continue to shape Liberia’s legal and political future, inspiring a new generation of Liberian leaders. Brumskine is widely noted as the daughter of Charles Brumskine, founder of the Liberty Party and former President pro tempore of the Liberian Senate and former Presidential Aspirant. She married her partner of five years, Mr. Charles Chanda Dennis. She and her husband have two sons and a daughter.
Cllr. Kim Amelia Harris
Kim Amelia Harris is a Liberian legal practitioner and management professional with over fifteen years of combined experience in administration, human resource management, and legal practice. She is currently a lawyer at Pierre, Tweh & Associates Inc. and serves as Managing Director at LIBLAW. Cllr. Harris brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the legal profession, having built a distinguished career spanning both the public and private sectors.
Her practice focuses on civil litigation, labor law, legal research, and policy development, with particular expertise in employment relations and workplace compliance. She obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) in Labour Law and Employment Relations from Tilburg University, The Netherlands and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia.
Prior to her legal career, Attorney Harris held senior administrative roles, including Director for Administration and Operations at the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (2010–2021), and various capacities with Concern Worldwide, an Irish international humanitarian organization.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Civil Litigation – Trial practice and case management before Liberian courts. Labour Law & Employment Relations – Deep specialization in the Decent Work Act (DWA) 2015 and international labor standards.
Policy Development – Drafting of Personnel Manuals, Internship Policies, and Gender & Sexual Harassment Policies.
Legal Research & Gap Analysis – Review of national labor laws against international instruments
Training & Capacity Building – Workplace training on sexual harassment, violence prevention, and labor rights and provisions of the Decent Work Act.
Administration & Human Resource Management – Performance management, financial planning, and organizational development.
Policy Development & Compliance
Drafted comprehensive Personnel Manuals and Internship Policies for various organizations.
Developed Gender and Sexual Harassment policies with accompanying training modules.
Conducted desk reviews of the Decent Work Act of Liberia, Civil Standing Orders, and related policies.
Performed a Gap Analysis on Equal Remuneration and Minimum Age in alignment with International Labor Instruments.
Training & Capacity Building.
Facilitated multiple training sessions for trade unions and their affiliates on the provisions of the Decent Work Act (DWA) 2015.
Conducted workshops on violence and sexual harassment prevention in the workplace.
Assisted organizations in the rollout and implementation of internal policies.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) – Member
International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network (ILAWN) – Member
Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) – Member PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
Counselor Harris believes in the power of teamwork and is deeply committed to achieving organizational goals through collaboration, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to the rule of law.
The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia congratulated its members on the recognition. “We are immensely proud of this achievement and celebrate your dedication, excellence, and leadership within the legal profession. Your work continues to inspire women across Liberia and the African continent. Congratulations to our honorees, keep shining and leading with distinction!” AFELL says.
