The Moot Court of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia has been formally named in honor of Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), in recognition of his contributions to legal education and the promotion of accountability in Liberia.
The announcement was made during the dedication ceremony of the law school’s newly constructed Multi-Purpose Building, a development described by university officials as a major step forward for the institution.
In remarks delivered at the ceremony, Dr. Barbu said he was deeply humbled by the tribute, describing the naming of the Moot Court as both an honor and a renewed call to service.
He underscored the importance of moot courts in shaping the next generation of lawyers, noting that such platforms provide essential practical training and help instill the principles of justice and the rule of law.
Dr. Barbu commended the students and alumni whose leadership and determination drove the transformation of the site from a modest palava hut into a modern academic facility. He praised their initiative as a powerful example of how collective action can strengthen national institutions.
Reflecting on the legacy of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, Dr. Barbu described it as Liberia’s premier legal training ground, highlighting its long-standing role in producing distinguished jurists, policymakers, and legal practitioners who have served across all branches of government.
During the event, he paid tribute to his former mentor, Michael Wilkins Wright, a former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia.
Dr. Barbu credited Justice Wright’s guidance as instrumental in shaping his academic development and lifelong commitment to public service.
The ceremony drew senior representatives from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, as well as faculty members, alumni, and students, underscoring the national significance of the occasion.
Dr. Barbu, who previously served as Dean of the Law School, now heads OWECC-L, the body tasked with advancing the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia-a long-debated mechanism aimed at addressing accountability for past atrocities.
University officials said the naming of the Moot Court stands as recognition of Dr. Barbu’s impact on legal scholarship, institutional reform, and the broader pursuit of justice in the country.
The dedication, they added, also highlights the transformative potential of student-led initiatives in strengthening higher education and reinforcing the values of integrity, excellence, and service within Liberia’s legal system.
