…As Several Prominent Legal Figures Struggle to Meet Obligations
The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) has published its latest list of lawyers in compliance with bar dues payments—a mandatory annual requirement for all licensed legal practitioners in the country. The list has sparked widespread attention, as several high-profile legal and political figures are noticeably absent.
A review by the Spoon News Desk reveals that former Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, impeached Associate Justice Kabineh M. Jan’eh, and former Solicitor General Cllr. Syrenius Cephus, Cllr. Varney Sherman, House Speaker Fonati Koffa, former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, and ex-Solicitor General Betty Lamin Blamo are among those reportedly non-compliant. as applications started since March of this year.
Interestingly, the over 373-name list does not include members of the National Association of Trial Judges of Liberia (NATJL), raising concerns that several sitting judges may also be delinquent in meeting their obligations to the Bar.
Judges reportedly in alleged non-compliance include Nancy Finda Sammy, A. Blamo Dixon, Roosevelt Willie, Wesseh Alphonso Wesseh, and Golda A. Bonah Elliott.
Sources close to the Bar indicate that the incoming Chief Justice, His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, is expected to work closely with the LNBA leadership to address the root causes of these lapses, especially concerning judicial officers.
Bar dues are not merely a formality—they serve both regulatory and ethical purposes, ensuring legal practitioners maintain their eligibility to practice law in Liberia. Non-compliance can result in suspension, disqualification from court appearances, and possible disciplinary action.
The LNBA’s latest move reinforces its commitment to upholding the integrity and professionalism of the legal system. By Melvin Jackson
