Liberia: Lawyers Divided Over Provision of Pro-bono Services

The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) convention recently held in Ganta, Nimba County, was marked by disagreement over the implementation of pro-bono services, resulting in the postponement of the resolution for further discussion.

The resolution committee of the Bar Convention submitted several items to be passed and added to the legal body’s constitution, including a resolution that would require lawyers to provide at least one free legal service annually to clients in need. However, there was a heated argument regarding this particular resolution, leading to its postponement until the next conference in March 2024.

The LNBA believes that every lawyer should be able to offer pro-bono services to clients who cannot afford legal representation. However, some lawyers disagreed and suggested that the issue be referred to the next general assembly for further discussion and decision-making.

The general assembly serves as a platform where unresolved issues from the convention can be addressed. The convention in Ganta was attended by over 500 lawyers and focused on maintaining peace and upholding the rule of law in the post-election period.

LNBA Secretary General, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, said that the convention provided a forum to discuss various issues concerning the performance of the Supreme Court, lawyers, judges, and their conduct in handling cases.

During the reading of the resolutions, only around 100 lawyers were present in the hall, as many others were reportedly participating in sporting activities that were part of the convention's program. Many lawyers in attendance, however, opposed the pro-bono service proposal made by the leadership of the association. 

“This is not something that should be greeted with light discussion. There is a need for serious discussions around this issue, and this must include majority members of the body,” a lawyer was heard saying.

“The LNBA wants to make the ‘pro-bono’ issue a mandate, expecting lawyers to implement it and make a report to the bar after providing at least one free legal service. However, the lawyers are saying no; the issue should be referred to the general assembly,” the Secretary-General Varmah later said. 

The convention featured the presence of Associate Justice Yamie Q. Gbeisaye, representing the Supreme Court, although past conventions have often been attended by more than one justice or the Chief Justice.

The keynote speaker, Cameroon Ambassador and Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps of Liberia Beng’yela A. Gang, commended the LNBA for its dedication to the rule of law and its leadership over the past few years.

He expressed his hope that the convention would help the LNBA continue to be a pro-bono watchdog for democratic and legal evolution in the nation, supporting the indigent and investors while adapting to changing trends and international obligations.

The convention discussed several other legal issues and was attended by a significant number of lawyers, with the construction of the National Office of the Bar progressing despite a change in contractors. The challenges posed by the government's salary harmonization policy for judges were also addressed during the convention.

LNBA President Cllr. Sylvester D. Rennie provided the update on the construction of the National Office of the Bar, stating that the ground floor is expected to be completed by June 2024.

He also highlighted that the government's salary harmonization policy for judges poses a challenge to the judicial process, as it may undermine the independence of judges who are prohibited from accepting bribes.