Monrovia, Liberia — In a significant ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia, Cllr. Samuel S. Pearson has been suspended from the practice of law for six months, following findings of unethical behavior in the handling of the estate of the late Maime Hayford Pearson.
The case, which was heard in the Supreme Court during its October Term, involved a complaint filed by Mr. Ballah V. Yargbo, the surviving heir of the deceased.
The Grievance and Ethics Committee (GEC) had investigated Pearson’s role in the administration of the decedent’s estate, uncovering significant conflicts of interest and undue influence.
The Court found that Pearson, who was related to the decedent’s spouse, had obtained letters of administration to the estate, excluding the son of the decedent, Mr. Yargbo.
Furthermore, Pearson was found to have improperly benefited from the decedent’s bank accounts, which constituted a serious ethical violation.
In their Monday’s February 17, 2025, judgment, the High Court affirmed the findings and recommendations of the Grievance and Ethics Committee (GEC), but with modification.
Pearson has now been suspended for six months, barring him from practicing law either directly or indirectly during this period.
The decision was reached after a thorough review of the case, including testimonies and documentary evidence.
In an acknowledgment of the restitution process, Mr. Yargbo confirmed receipt of part of the funds owed to him from the estate.
This included Thirty Thousand United States Dollars (US$30,000.00) and One Million Five Hundred Thousand Liberian Dollars (LD1.5M).
However, the remaining balance of Nine Thousand Five Hundred United States Dollars (US$9,500.00) is yet to be paid, with an agreement that the sum will be settled by December 15, 2023.
The Supreme Court’s ruling further instructs that, should Pearson and his associates fail to settle the outstanding amount, the Monthly and Probate Court will be required to enforce a proper accounting of the decedent’s remaining assets, including nine stores in Fiamah and a water and ice factory in Brewerville, which have been under their management since the death of Maime Hayford Pearson in March 2022.
The Clerk of the Court is expected to notify the parties involved, including the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), of the Court’s decision, ensuring compliance and the continued pursuit of justice in this matter.
This decision marks an important step in reinforcing ethical conduct within Liberia’s legal profession, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in handling estate matters.
