MONROVIA: Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Cllr. Michael Wilkins Wright has urged members of the Montserrado County Chapter of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) to lead the process and scrutinize the way and manner in which new lawyers gain admission and acceptance to the bar and what, according to him, appears like a usurpation of function on the part of the Supreme Court.
Associate Justice Wright made the assertion which was said to have sparked controversy on Saturday, May 25, 2024 when he delivered the keynote address at the convention of the Montserrado County Chapter of LNBA where he spoke out on the role and the functions of the local bars and the provision that makes the apex court to oversee the process.
He opined that it is right and proper for the Supreme Court to admit and where necessary withhold licenses as part of its functions but proffered that it is not for the highest court in the land to determine who can be a member of the legal fraternity in the country.
The eminent jurist who had also served with the Liberian Diplomatic Mission at the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) then called on members of the Montserrado bar to engage the LNBA and seek ways to clearly set out processes and procedures which appear murky.
The convention received the report of the Montserrado County Bar President Sam Cooper and thanked him for his service and commitment to the growth of the local bar.
The President of the bar then appointed Cllr. Angelique Weeks to head the Committee to review local bar admission processes and procedures.
The convention which was graced by two distinguished senior counsels and members of the Montserrado bar, Cllrs James E Pierre and Lloyd Kennedy along with specially invited guest and former President of the LNBA, Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe as well as the Secretary General of the LNBA Cllr Bonoh Varmah. Two other judges, Judge Kennedy Peabody of the 5th Judicial Circuit Court and Nicholas Edward of the Probate Court were in attendance.
The Montserrado County Chapter is the oldest among the 15 chapters of the LNBA.
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