In response to the disturbing events witnessed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) in Kenema, the General Legal Council (GLC) has taken decisive action by setting up a committee to investigate the misconduct.

The GLC, mandated to regulate lawyers’ conduct under the Legal Practitioners Act, 2000, expressed deep concern over the gross misconduct displayed by legal practitioners during the AGM on May 17th and 18th, 2024. An emergency meeting convened by the GLC on May 24th, 2024, saw members unanimously condemning the violent behavior witnessed during the Bar elections.

During the AGM, scenes of chaos unfolded as legal practitioners resorted to violence, disrupting proceedings by throwing tables, chairs, and voting materials. Such conduct was deemed dishonorable and not representative of the noble profession of law.

While clarifying its jurisdiction over the conduct of the elections, the GLC asserted that the election process falls under the purview of the courts. However, the GLC emphasized that the misconduct of legal practitioners at the AGM is a matter solely within its mandate to address.

To ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of the legal profession, the GLC has constituted an investigation committee comprising five members. This committee is tasked with probing the violent conduct at the AGM and recommending appropriate disciplinary measures within two weeks, in accordance with the Legal Practitioners Act and its Code of Conduct.

The GLC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professionalism and ethical standards within the legal profession. Upholding the dignity and reputation of the legal profession is paramount, and the GLC remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure that such misconduct is met with appropriate consequences.