The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has officially announced the formation of a Steering Committee to oversee the planning and execution of its 2025 National Convention, in keeping with its constitutional mandate.
The announcement follows the return of LNBA National President, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, from a high-profile month-long engagement in the United States, during which he explored international partnerships and development opportunities for the Bar and Liberia’s legal sector.
The newly constituted Steering Committee is chaired by Cllr. F. Juah Lawson, the current National Vice President of the LNBA. Cllr. Evelyn Lah Gongloe will serve as Co-Chair, while Atty. Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo I assume the role of Secretary General for the committee.
The committee comprises a total of 23 members, a blend of senior and emerging legal practitioners, tasked with ensuring a successful and impactful convention. Members include experienced lawyers such as Cllrs. Yemi Ife Shobayo-Williams (LNBA Treasurer), Elisha T. J. Forkeyoh (National Secretary General), and Kanio Bai Gbala (CLE Chair), among others. Ex-officio members from the LNBA’s leadership and its Social & Welfare Committee will also provide strategic oversight and support.
Convention to Address Legal Sector Priorities
While the theme, venue, and speakers for the 2025 Convention are yet to be announced, the Steering Committee is expected to begin consultations and logistical planning immediately. According to the LNBA, the Convention will serve as a critical platform for legal professionals to deliberate on issues affecting the judiciary, rule of law, access to justice, and legal education in Liberia.
“The National Convention is not only a cornerstone of our annual calendar but also a space for thoughtful reflection and action on the pressing issues within Liberia’s legal system,” said Committee Chair Cllr. Lawson. “We are committed to delivering a Convention that is relevant, inclusive, and forward-looking.”
The Steering Committee will work closely with the LNBA’s Social and Welfare Committee, chaired by Cllr. Kuku Y. Dorbor, to ensure smooth planning and execution of the Convention, including accommodations, programming, and guest engagements.
Building on International Engagements
The launch of the Committee follows shortly after Cllr. Varmah’s return from the United States, where he held high-level meetings with legal institutions including the New York City Bar Association and the American Bar Association (ABA). Those discussions centered on scholarship opportunities, Continuing Legal Education (CLE), and future exchange programs between Liberian and American law schools.
The ABA is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the LNBA to formalize ongoing collaborations, a development the Bar hopes to showcase during the upcoming Convention.
“The Convention will be an opportunity not only to reflect on domestic progress but to highlight the fruits of our growing international partnerships,” noted Cllr. Forkeyoh, LNBA Secretary General and Ex-Officio Member of the Committee.
Commitment to Legal Excellence
With preparations now underway, the LNBA reaffirmed its commitment to the advancement of Liberia’s legal system through professional engagement, institutional reform, and international cooperation.
“The 2025 Convention will be a landmark event-one that reflects the maturity, growth, and ambition of Liberia’s legal community,” the Association said in a statement.
