An investigation by Verity News has uncovered a classified document detailing the widespread unemployment of city solicitors and prosecutors assigned to various magisterial courts across Liberia.
The document reveals a sobering fact: over 90% of these legal officers remain unpaid and unofficially employed.
Despite receiving formal appointments through letters of patents signed by the Minister of Justice, these government lawyers continue to serve in legal limbo, working without contracts, salaries, or basic employment protections.
The Role of City Solicitors in Liberia’s Legal System:
City solicitors are frontline legal representatives of the Liberian government, serving in magisterial courts responsible for handling criminal and administrative matters.
These lower courts serve as the first point of legal entry, with many cases eventually advancing to Circuit or Supreme Court levels.
Though their roles are formalized through letters of patent-which grant authority to prosecute on behalf of the state, the reality on the ground paints a different picture.
Most of these solicitors receive no salary, no benefits, and no legal employment status.
Who Are the City Solicitors – And Why Are They Not Paid?
The leaked document contains names and court assignments of dozens of solicitors across counties including Nimba, Montserrado, Lofa, Margibi, River Gee, and Bong.
Despite being assigned to active court jurisdictions-such as Paynesville, Gardnerville, Kakata, Sanniquellie, and Voinjama-the vast majority are not on the government’s payroll.
Poor infrastructure and logistical limitations compound the problem.
Many court locations are remote and hard to access by road, with limited or no internet connectivity.
A senior member of the City Solicitors Association told Verity News that compiling a full, up-to-date roster of unpaid solicitors has proven nearly impossible under such conditions.
Nevertheless, the leaked list offers a telling glimpse.
