– LNBA President Urges MoJ to Consider Lawyers as City Solicitors
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson, I.
The President of the Liberia National Bar Association, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah has called on the Government through the Ministry of Justice to consider Law School Graduates for appointments as County Solicitors across the country.
The Bar President employed that the employment of Law School Graduates will strengthen the quality and credibility of legal representation and adjudication across the country.
“We urge the Ministry to prioritize the recruitment of recent law school graduates, many of whom are well-trained, qualified, and actively seeking placements. Employing these young legal professionals will not only address unemployment among new graduates but also strengthen the quality and credibility of legal representation and adjudication across the country.”
Cllr. Varmah argued that the actions of the ministry to employ unlicensed individuals as City Solicitors, constitute a clear case of aiding and abetting the unauthorized practice of law and directly violate title 17 of the Judiciary Law and Rule 5 of the Rules of Court.
The LNBA National President made his charge on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the 2025 Law Day celebration held under the theme “Justice, Accountability, and Inclusion: Building a Stronger Liberia Under the Rule of Law,” and asserted that the employment of unlicensed persons to practice law as solicitors undermine the integrity and professionalism of Liberia’s justice system
“The recent appointment of unlicensed individuals as City Solicitors by the Ministry of Justice, coupled with some Magistrates and Judges’ allowance of non-lawyers to practice in courts of Liberia is unacceptable.
These actions constitute a clear case of aiding and abetting the unauthorized practice of law and directly violate Title 17 of the Judiciary Law and Rule 5 of the Rules of Court. Such practices not only undermine the integrity and professionalism of our justice system but also erode public confidence in the rule of law.”
The LNBA National President averred that allowing unqualified individuals to occupy positions reserved for licensed legal professionals diminishes the value of legal training and lowers the standards of legal service delivery. Therefore, charged the Ministry of Justice to cease unlawful appointments and recommit to upholding the legal and ethical standards governing the practice of law.
“We strongly encourage the Ministry of Justice to immediately cease these unlawful appointments and recommit to upholding the legal and ethical standards governing the practice of law in Liberia.”
The LNBA recognizes that the legitimacy of any democratic society rests on the credibility and accessibility of its justice system. Adding that it remains unwavering in its commitment to upholding justice, judicial accountability, and the rules of law and traditional justice.
Meanwhile, the Bar further admonished Lawyers to recommit themselves as legal professionals to the higher ideals of service, integrity, and justice.
“As we commemorate Law Day, let us recommit ourselves as legal professionals and citizens to the higher ideals of service, integrity, and justice. Let us reaffirm that no one is above the law and that a fair and inclusive justice system is not a privilege, but a right for all. Let us also remember that democracy is not merely about elections—it is about institutions, it is about accountability, and above all, it is about justice”
