A statement by Liberian lawyer Atty. Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo I drew laughter and sparked debate among hundreds of high school students in Gbarnga on Friday when he declared, “Lawyers don’t lie.”
Dugbo made the remark while addressing 12th-grade students during a Career Day program organized by the Office of Hon. James M. Kolleh and the Bong County High School Presidents Caucus.
According to him, the statement immediately triggered laughter and skepticism from students, reflecting the widely held belief that lawyers often twist the truth to defend their clients.
The reaction briefly interrupted the program as organizers worked to restore order before Dugbo continued his presentation.
Once calm was restored, he used the opportunity to challenge what he described as a common misconception about the legal profession.
“Lawyers are not God. They are not everywhere at the same time, and they were not present when most disputes occurred,” Dugbo told the students. “The facts come from the parties, the evidence comes from the parties, and the witnesses come from the parties.”
He explained that a lawyer’s role is to present and argue a client’s case based on the facts, evidence, and applicable law, not to create information or manufacture evidence.
“A lawyer’s duty is to represent a client’s interests within the framework of the law,” he said. “We do not create facts or invent evidence. We work with the information available and make legal arguments on behalf of our clients.”
Dugbo said many people wrongly associate legal representation with dishonesty, particularly when lawyers defend individuals accused of wrongdoing.
“The justice system is built on advocacy, evidence, and impartial judgment,” he said. “Lawyers present their clients’ cases, witnesses provide testimony, and judges determine the facts. Arguing a case is not the same as inventing one.”
He also reminded the students that legal ethics prohibit lawyers from knowingly presenting false evidence or misleading the court.
The Career Day program brought together students from several high schools across Gbarnga to learn about different professions and career opportunities.
Organizers said the event was intended to help students make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
For many students in attendance, Dugbo’s presentation offered a different perspective on the legal profession and challenged some of the stereotypes often associated with lawyers.
His remarks generated lively discussion among participants and highlighted the importance of understanding the role lawyers play in the justice system.
