61 Counsellors-At- Law Admitted Into S/C Bar By: Yassah J Wright

On February 18, 2025, the Supreme Court admitted sixty-one (61) attorneys-at-law as Counsellors-At-Law into its Bar. During the admission ceremony, Associate Justice Yussif Kaba delivered the opinion to admit the lawyers into the Supreme Court Bar. Also, making presentation the candidates for admission, the Chairman of the examination committee, Cllr. G. Moses Paegar, said for and on behalf of the committee, they thanked the Supreme Court through the Chief Justice Yuoh, for affording them the opportunity to serve as examers of the Counselor at-law test. Later, Cllr. Paegar presented the candidates to the Supreme Court bench of Liberia to be admitted as Counsellors-At-Law to the Supreme Court bar. The Dux of the Supreme Court Bar Exam, Cllr. Stephen Kai acknowledged that before the newly admitted counselors of the Supreme Court Bar, there are other senior colleagues. He urged his colleagues to always respect the senior lawyers. We must not forget to note with utmost caution that “the Sun shines on those who stand under it, before those who kneel under them.” He asserted that though they are all Counselors-At-Law now, the senior lawyers experienced in the practice surpasses the junior counselors, and they can always tap into such experience provided there are due respect and courtesy. “We must respect them at all times and give them the necessary courtesies they deserve as senior Counsellors. Today, we have become Counselors-At-Law of the Supreme Court Bar. We must respect our junior colleagues who are still Attorneys-At-Law. Those of us whose palm kernels are cracked by a benevolent, spirit, should not forget to remain humble because in humility, you find the keys to success. The same respect we accord them will be rendered on to us by others tomorrow,” stated Cllr. Kai. The newly admitted Supreme Court lawyer stressed that as Counselors-At-Law, their goals should not be to win every case at all cost. But their focus should always remain as is required of them, to adequately represent our clients at all times. He admonished his colleagues to endeavor at all times not to stir up litigation but to let the clients know if they do not have a cause to go to court, they should not encourage them to do so. According to him, this will go a long way in helping to reduce the already crowded dockets of the Courts especially the Supreme Court. The lawyer noted that as they have joined the Aristocrats of the Supreme Court Bar, they must ensure that this batch of newly admitted Counsellors-At-Law will served the Honorable Supreme Court Bar with due diligence and assertiveness.  Cllr. Kai, “We must ensure that our briefs are filed on time and not to wait to be told before submitting same. The quality of the briefs we file before this Honorable Court, will inform the Justices that we are indeed Counsellors-At-Law and true members of black gowns Aristocrats, something we have all longed for more than five years ago.” Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, president of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) in remarks, said the occasion marks a defining moment in the legal career of the newly admitted lawyers, a moment that affirms their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the noble profession of law. Cllr. Varmah stated that the admission to the Supreme Court Bar is not merely a ceremonial milestone but a solemn responsibility. It signifies your readiness to uphold the rule of law, to defend justice, and to serve as guardians of our democracy.  Cllr. Varmah noted that as the counselors take the oath, they pledge not only to represent their clients zealously but also to uphold the integrity and dignity of the legal profession. He asserted that the legal profession is a calling of immense responsibility. It requires discipline, ethical fortitude, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and fairness.  “You now join a distinguished body of legal practitioners whose duty extends beyond advocacy to ensuring that the administration of justice in Liberia remains credible, independent, and effective,” the LNBA mentioned. He told the newly admitted lawyers that as members of the Supreme Court Bar, they will be called upon to contribute to the advancement of the legal system, to advocate for judicial reforms where necessary.