By Sampat JMB Kpakimah
MONROVIA – CMB Law Group, LLC, hosted a celebratory luncheon to honor the women who have recently graduated from the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, bringing together senior members of Liberia’s judiciary and bar to urge the new lawyers to lead with integrity, seek mentorship, and shape the future of justice.
The event, themed “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” served as a platform for some of Liberia’s most distinguished female legal professionals to show solidarity with and commitment to the next generation. It was headlined by CMB Law Group head Cllr. Charlyn Brumskine, who encouraged the graduates to embrace the power of connection and remain humble as they advance in their careers.
“I am proud of you,” Cllr. Brumskine told the graduates. “Look around this room. There are many amazing senior female lawyers here today. Before you leave, take someone’s number. Ask someone to mentor you. Networking is not optional—it is essential to success in Liberia.”
Reflecting on her own early years in practice—when female lawyers were few—she noted that the scarcity of women in the profession at the time deepened her resolve to mentor others. “Remain humble,” she urged. “Humility opens doors that arrogance closes. Let it guide your professional growth.”
Delivering the day’s special remarks, Guest of Honor Professor Cllr. F. Juah Lawson, President of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), praised CMB Law Group for creating a platform that not only celebrates women’s achievements but actively fosters the mentorship necessary to sustain them.
“This initiative is both timely and significant,” Cllr. Lawson told the gathering. “It recognizes the accomplishments of women in law while reinforcing that our progress is collective—and our work is far from finished.”
Cllr. Lawson extended particular appreciation to Cllr. Brumskine for cultivating an environment where successful women in law can be celebrated, encouraged, and empowered to uplift others. Reflecting on her own journey, Cllr. Lawson noted that her tenure as the first female President of the LNBA is not merely a personal achievement, but a symbol of the broader advancement of women in Liberia’s legal profession. “My presence in this role reflects the collective progress of women who have worked tirelessly to ensure our voices are heard and our leadership recognized,” she said. “It is a reminder that when one woman rises, she carries others with her.”
She emphasized that women in law possess the unique power to influence the direction of justice in Liberia. “Through the law, rights are protected, institutions are strengthened, and justice is pursued,” she stated. “Women are not only shaping society—they are leading transformative change in governance, business, education, and the legal profession. The same is true here in Liberia.”
Cllr. Lawson assured the newly minted lawyers that under her leadership, the LNBA is committed to ensuring that young graduates are equipped with the tools necessary to thrive. She outlined plans for training and capacity-building programs, mentorship initiatives, and professional exchange opportunities designed to accelerate career growth and strengthen legal practice.
“These efforts will help you build the skills and networks you need to succeed,” she said. “But you must also serve as sources of inspiration for other young women who aspire to walk this path. Our achievements will inspire others to believe that they too can belong here.”
Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, addressed the gathering with a message both inspiring and sobering. After presenting plaques to the honorees, she acknowledged the intelligence and promise of the new lawyers, but challenged them to uphold the highest ethical standards.
“You are all intelligent women,” Senator Karnga-Lawrence said. “But the challenge within our judicial system is to ensure ethical standards and uphold the rule of law. Some before you have made poor decisions. You must be different. You must be the change.”
She urged the graduates to distinguish themselves through integrity and professionalism, emphasizing that the future of Liberia’s justice system rests, in part, on their choices. “Integrity is the key,” she said. “Set ethical standards. Distinguish yourselves. Take advantage of every opportunity—but never at the expense of your principles.”
Also offering brief remarks, retired Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh added her voice to the chorus of encouragement, reminding the honorees that they stand on the shoulders of those who came before—and that their own shoulders must now be strong enough for those who will follow.
