GBARNGA, Bong County — The President of the Bong County Students Bar Association, William Telebo Thompson, has challenged ten newly admitted Attorneys-at-Law to enter the legal profession with a strong commitment to integrity, excellence and service, urging them to recognize that their admission to the Bar carries responsibilities that extend beyond personal career advancement.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
Thompson delivered the message during the opening ceremony of the August Term of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga, where the Bong County Students Bar Association honored the ten newly admitted lawyers with certificates of recognition.
The recognition formed part of the association’s efforts to celebrate young Liberian legal professionals and encourage them to make meaningful contributions to the administration of justice and the development of Liberia’s legal system.
“Today is not simply a celebration of your academic achievement or your admission to the Bar; it is the beginning of a much greater responsibility. As newly admitted Attorneys-at-Law, you are now entering a profession that requires integrity, discipline, courage and an unwavering commitment to justice. The knowledge you have acquired must now be placed at the service of your clients, the courts, the Constitution and the Republic of Liberia. We therefore challenge you to conduct yourselves in a manner that will strengthen public confidence in the legal profession and demonstrate that your admission to the Bar is a commitment to serve, rather than simply a qualification to practice law,” Thompson said.
He said the legal profession occupies a critical position in Liberia’s justice system because lawyers serve as advocates, officers of the court and important actors in protecting the rights of citizens. Thompson urged the newly admitted attorneys to remain conscious of the influence they will have on people who seek their assistance, particularly citizens who may have limited knowledge of the law and depend on legal professionals to protect their interests.
“As you begin this journey, always remember that people will come to you at some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Some will seek justice after their rights have been violated, others will need guidance when they are facing legal challenges, and many will place their trust, their resources and sometimes their future in your hands. That trust must never be abused. We encourage you to practice with honesty, maintain confidentiality, respect the courts and treat every client with dignity, regardless of their social or economic status. Your reputation will ultimately be determined not only by the cases you win, but by the manner in which you conduct yourselves throughout your professional careers,” he added.
Thompson also encouraged the new lawyers to pursue excellence and continuous professional development, stressing that admission to the Bar should not mark the end of their learning.
He said the country’s legal environment continues to evolve and requires lawyers who are prepared to study, adapt and understand emerging legal issues while remaining grounded in professional ethics. He urged the newly admitted attorneys to use their skills to contribute to strengthening the rule of law and improving access to justice across Bong County and Liberia.
“Your admission today should be viewed as the beginning of a lifetime of learning. The law is broad, complex and constantly developing, and no lawyer should ever consider himself or herself finished with learning. Continue to read, research, listen, seek guidance from experienced members of the profession and challenge yourselves to become better advocates and counsellors. More importantly, use your legal knowledge to make a difference in the lives of ordinary Liberians. Where people are unable to speak for themselves, let your profession give them a voice; where injustice exists, let your training equip you to confront it lawfully; and where there is conflict, let your knowledge help promote peaceful and lawful solutions,” Thompson stated.
The President of the Students Bar Association further called on the newly admitted lawyers to understand that the credibility of Liberia’s justice system depends significantly on the conduct of legal practitioners. He said lawyers must resist practices that could undermine public confidence in the courts and should instead demonstrate professionalism, respect for judicial institutions and commitment to the fair application of the law. Thompson also encouraged the new attorneys to remember the values that guided them through their legal education as they transition into professional practice.
“We expect each of you to become an ambassador of integrity and professionalism. The public is watching the legal profession, and every action taken by a lawyer has the potential to either strengthen or weaken confidence in our justice system. Do not allow financial interests, personal relationships or other considerations to compromise your professional judgment. Stand firmly for the rule of law, respect the independence of the judiciary and remember that justice must remain at the center of everything you do. If you remain committed to these principles, your careers can become a source of pride not only for yourselves and your families, but also for Bong County and the Republic of Liberia,” Thompson said.
The Bong County Students Bar Association subsequently extended congratulations and best wishes to all ten newly admitted Attorneys-at-Law, expressing hope that their careers would be distinguished by professional excellence and meaningful contributions to the legal system. The recognition ceremony came as stakeholders at the opening of the August Term also discussed broader challenges confronting justice delivery in Bong County, including calls for an additional court to help speed up the adjudication of cases.
For her part, former Vice President Jewell Howard Taylor has called for the construction of an additional court in Bong County, arguing that increasing judicial capacity would contribute to the speedy disposition of cases and could help address overcrowding at the Gbarnga Central Prison. She also called on Bong County Senator Prince Kermue Moye Sr. to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the county’s judicial infrastructure.
