IN RE: THE PETITIONS OF ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW FOR ADMISSION TO THE SUPREME COURT BAR AS COUNSELLORS-AT-LAW

Heard December 11, 1997 Decided January 23, 1998

MR. JUSTICE JANGABA delivered the opinion of the Court.

The petitioners herein, attorneys-at-law, petitioned this Court during its October Term, A. D. 1997, praying for admission to the Honorable Supreme Court Bar as counsellors-at-law. The petitioners averred in their petitions that they are law school graduates of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, and the University of Leeds, Eng-land, respectively; that they were admitted to the Montserrado County Legal Bar, that they have actively practiced law at least three years before various courts and other tribunals within this Republic, and that they are citizens of the Republic of Liberia of good moral and professional character.
On Thursday, December 11, 1997, this Court, as customary, heard the reading of thirteen (13) petitions and accepted eleven (11) thereof. The Court accordingly appointed two committees to examine the petitioners moral and ethical conducts and their professional qualifications for membership of the Supreme Court Bar. Members of the two committees are as follows:

A. EXAMINATION COMMITTEE

1. Cllr. David D. Kpomakpor – Chairman
2. Cllr. Victor Hne – Co-Chairman
3. Cllr. Oswald Tweh – Member
4. Cllr. Pei Edwin Gausi Member
5. Cllr. Beyan Howard – Member
1. MORAL AND ETHICAL COMMITTEE
   1. Cllr. Frances Johnson-Morris - Chairman
   2. Cllr. Frederick Cherue - Co-Chairman
   3. Cllr. Charles Abdullia - Member

4. Cllr. Evelyn Cooper - Member

The reports of both committees showed that ten (10) of the eleven (11) candidates/petitioners, duly examined, were found to be fit and qualified to practice before this Honourable Court. They are as follows:

1. Atty. Joseph N. Nagbe
2. Atty. Jerome G. Korkoya
3. Atty. Moses G. Peagar
4. Atty. Abla Gadegbeku Williams
5. Atty. Jaunita K. Jarret
6. Atty. Kabinah M. Ja’Neh
7. Atty. Yousif D. Kaba
8. Atty. Wheatonia Dixon Barnes
9. Atty. Malia J. Doe
10. Atty. Comfort S. Natt

We first extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to members of both committees for the services rendered this Court, notwithstanding their busy schedules, and hope that the cordial relationship existing between the Bench and the National Bar will be further cemented in the years ahead.
This Court is always concerned that the third Branch of Government is made up of noble men and women of worthy legal education and of good moral and ethical character in dispensing justice, thereby reflecting a reliable judicial system in our nation.
In this regard, we urge you to continue to be lawyers of good moral and ethical character and to uphold the dignity and integrity of this Court and the subordinate courts. It is also our hope and expectation that the admitted candidates shall live up to their oaths to be administered hereafter, and shall endeavor to be responsible and diligent counsellors of this Court.
This Court carefully reviewed the qualifications of the petitioners pursuant to statute, and unanimously voted and determined that the petitioners are qualified for admission to the Supreme Court Bar.

WHEREFORE, and in view of the foregoing, it is our considered opinion that the petitions of the above named attorneys-at-law should be, and the same are hereby granted. The Clerk of this Court is hereby ordered to issue to each petitioner a counsellor certificate for each of the signatures of the Justices, and the Chief Justice is by this Court authorized to administer the oath to the candidates as Counsellors of this Honourable Court. And it is hereby so ordered.