Published: November 22, 2024
MONROVIA – Cllr. Bornor Varmah, Secretary General of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the Bar and improve Liberia’s justice system as he campaigns for the presidency of the association.
Varmah, one of three candidates vying for the presidency, articulated a range of reforms that touch on the welfare of legal professionals, the modernization of the Bar, and the advancement of legal education. At the heart of his vision is a commitment to improving the lives of lawyers, strengthening the justice system, and ensuring the LNBA remains a leader in shaping national conversations on governance and the rule of law.
At a press conference held in Mornrovia, Cllr. Varmah pledged to advocate for better financial security for lawyers, particularly those in government ministries and agencies. He proposed the establishment of a Provident Fund to support lawyers and called for a uniform pay grade to ensure fairness across the profession. He stressed that the financial well-being of lawyers is critical to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the justice system.
He recognized the importance of expanding Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs to benefit both law students and practicing attorneys. Cllr. Varmah also proposed establishing an Institute for Practical Legal Training to equip lawyers with hands-on skills necessary for modern legal practice. He highlighted the need to enhance the autonomy of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law and called for stronger support for Liberia’s dual legal systems, which encompass both formal and customary justice. Furthermore, he underscored the value of fostering international exchange programs with global law schools to broaden the educational experience of Liberian law students.
As part of his vision, Cllr. Varmah outlined plans to recognize and celebrate excellence within the legal profession. He proposed the introduction of awards to honor high-performing judges and other key actors in the legal sector. These awards, he explained, would not only motivate individuals to uphold the highest standards of justice but also reinforce public confidence in Liberia’s legal system. Additionally, he vowed to facilitate international scholarships for young lawyers to gain advanced legal training and global exposure.
He stated his commitment to strengthening relationships between the Bar and the three branches of government. He stressed that the LNBA must play a central role in promoting the rule of law and effective governance in Liberia. To achieve this, he proposed regular policy statements from the Bar on critical national issues, reaffirming its leadership in advocating for justice and civil society.
Governance and modernization of the LNBA featured prominently in Varmah’s plan. He pledged to push for the review and amendment of the 1907 LNBA Act to modernize the association’s operations. He also proposed improving the financial systems of the LNBA by transitioning to bank-based payment systems for greater transparency. On infrastructure, Varmah promised to expedite the completion of the LNBA Headquarters to provide a central hub for legal professionals and improve the organization’s overall efficiency.
Support for other legal institutions, including the National Association of Trial Judges, the Prosecutors Association, and the National Association of Public Defenders, was highlighted as a critical aspect of Varmah’s platform. He stressed that a balanced and effective justice system requires the collaboration and welfare of all key actors within the legal profession.
Global partnerships and knowledge exchange also form a vital part of Varmah’s vision. He promised to facilitate connections between the LNBA and international legal organizations to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of Liberian lawyers. Additionally, he plans to revamp the LNBA website to include detailed profiles of all licensed lawyers, increasing their visibility and professional opportunities.
Cllr. Varmah reaffirmed his commitment to reforming the LNBA and creating a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful institution. He called on members of the Bar to support his vision, emphasizing that the challenges facing Liberia’s legal profession require bold and decisive leadership.
“The LNBA must rise to the occasion and lead by example,” he said. “Together, we can build a Bar that is inclusive, innovative, and impactful for the betterment of Liberia’s justice system.”
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