LNBA Continuing Legal Education (CLE) POLICY 2025
Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA)
Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Policy
- Introduction
The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), as the umbrella organization for licensed legal practitioners in Liberia, recognizes the critical importance of continuous learning and professional development. In fulfillment of its mandate to promote legal excellence, uphold the rule of law, and improve access to justice, the LNBA hereby adopts this Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Policy.
- Purpose
This policy establishes a national framework for Continuing Legal Education to:
Ensure that lawyers maintain and enhance their legal knowledge and skills. Promote high standards of ethics and professionalism.
Integrate human rights, constitutional law, and gender justice into legal practice.
Provide accessible and equitable legal education opportunities across Liberia.
- Scope and Applicability
This policy applies to:
All licensed lawyers who are members of the LNBA.
- Legal practitioners seeking to renew their practicing license. • Legal interns and junior lawyers (on an optional basis).
Trainers and institutions accredited by the [NBA to offer CLE.
- Mandatory CLE Requirement
- Each practicing lawyer is required to complete a minimum of 10 CLE credit hours annually, including:
O 3 hours in legal ethics and professional responsibility.
O 3 hours in human rights, gender justice, or anti-corruption.
All credits must be earned from LNBA-approved programs or accredited providers.
Compliance is mandatory for annual license renewal. Accordingly, clearance rnust be obtained from the local bar as condition precedent.
- CLE Delivery Formats
CLE may be delivered through:
In-person training sessions and workshops.
Online courses and webinars (subject to LNBA standards) Conferences, symposia, and seminars.
Supervised research and publication (limited credits). Regional training.s via County Bar Associations.
- Accreditation and Quality Assurance
The LNBA CLE Committee shall:
o Approve all CLE curricula and training providers.
O Maintain a registry of approved programs and facilitators.
- Conduct periodic reviews and evaluations to ensure content relevance and quality.
- Trainers must have demonstrable subject matter expertise and adhere to LNBA training guidelines.
- Monitoring and Compliance
The CLE Division shall maintain digital records for each member. Non-compliance may result in:
o Denial of practicing license renewal.
o Referral to the Ethics and Grievance Committee for further action.
- Exemptions and Deferrals
The following categories may apply for a temporary exemption or deferral:
Lawyers with medical incapacitation.
- Lawyers on diplomatic appointments.
Retired members who no longer practice law.
Applications must be submitted in writing and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Fees and Funding
CLE programs may carry a modest participation fee, determined by the [NBA.
- The LNBA shall seek donor and partner support to subsidize CLE, particularly for rural practitioners.
- Trainers may receive honoraria as per the CLE Division’s budget.
- Policy Review and Amendment
This policy shall be reviewed biennially or as needed by the CLE Division, with recommendations submitted to the National Executive Council for approval.
1 1 . Entry into Force
This policy becomes effective on the date of its adoption by the National Executive Council of the LNBA and shall remain in force until amended or repealed by the LNBA.
Adopted and approved in the City of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County on this 21 st Day of August AD 2025 by the National Executive Council of the LNBA.
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
| NAMES | SIGNATURES | ||||||
| l . Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah | National President | ||||||
| 2. Cllr. F. Juah Lawson | National Vice President | ||||||
| 3. Cllr. Elisha T. J. Forkeyoh | National Secretary General | ||||||
| 4. Cllr. Yemi-lfe Shobayo Williams | National Treasurer | ||||||
| 5. Cllr. Sam Y. Cooper | President, Montserrado Bar | G J*e/lJ.PosJ | |||||
| 6. Cllr. Morris M. Davis, Jr. | Grand Bassa Bar | ||||||
| 7. air. K. Jlayteh Sayor | Sinoe Bar | ||||||
| 8. cur. E. Gidu Johnson Savice | Maryland Bar | ||||||
| 9. Cllr. Eugene La Massaquio | Grand Cape Moun Bar | ||||||
| 10. Cllr. Kanjo BaiGbala | Grand Gedeh Bar | ||||||
| 1 1 , Cllr. Kim Amelia Harris | Nimba Bar | ||||||
| 12. air. Johnstone G. Mcgill | Bong Bar | |||
| 1 3. air. Sagie F. Kamara | Lofa Bar | |||
| 1 4. Cllr. Robert M. Beer | Bomi Bar | |||
| 1 5. Cllr. James B. Seekpee | Rivercess Bar | |||
| 1 6. air. Bonyenoh Nah-Mabande | Grand Kru Bar | |||
| 1 7. Cllr. Thomas Preston Bombo | Margibi Bar | |||
| 18. Cllr. Denise S. Sokan | River | |||
| 19. Cllr. Tommy N. Dougba | President, Gbarpolu Bar | |||