LNBA: NATIONAL WELFARE POLICY (2025)

LIBERIAN NATIONAL BAR

ASSOCIATION (LNBA) National Welfare Policy

National Welfare Policy of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA)

1. Introduction

The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) is committed to the well-being of its members, ensuring their professional growth, financial security, and social welfare. This policy outlines the welfare programs available to mernberst including financial assistance, health support/ and social services.

2. Objectives

The Welfare Policy aims to:

• Provide support to members facing financial hardships, health crises, or other emergencies.
• Promote the professional and social well-being of members.
• Establish a structured mechanism for welfare benefits and assistance. Foster a sense of community and mutual support among legal professionals.

3. Eligibility

All registered and active members of the LNBA in good standing.

4. Welfare Benefits
5. Purpose

This Welfare Benefits Policy is designed to provide timely financial assistance to members of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) in times of critical medical need, and to support the immediate surviving spouse or family of deceased members to help defray burial expenses.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all members of the LNBA in good standing as defined under Rule 5 of the Rules of Court and other applicable regulations of the Association.

• Medical Assistance Benefit

The member must be in good standing with the LNBA (valid license for the current year, all dues and levies paid).

The member must present authentic medical proof from a recognized Medical Facility or licensed physician in Liberia or abroad indicating that they are critically ill and require financial assistance.

The illness must be of a nature that significantly affects the member’s ability to work and earn income.

• Bereavement Assistance Benefit
  • The deceased must have been a member in good standing at the time of death.
  • The benefit shall be paid to the immediate surviving spouse or, Next of kin as verified by the family and the Association.

4. Benefits
   • Medical Assistance Benefit

Amount: USD$500.OO (Five Hundred United States Dollars).

• Frequency: This benefit may be accessed once per calendar year per
• Purpose: To provide emergency financial support for medical expenses such as hospital admission, surgery, or life-saving treatment.

• Bereavement Assistance Benefit

Amount: USD$ 1 1000.00 (One Thousand United States Dollars).

Frequency: Payable once upon the death of a member.

Purpose: To assist with burial arrangements and related expenses.

5. Application Process
   • Medical Assistance
     • . The member or an authorized family representative must submit a written application to the LNBA Secretariat addressed to the National President, copied to the Welfare Committee.
     • The application must include:

Medical report and proof from a recognized medical facility: o Proof of membership in good standing. o Contact details for follow-up.

• The Welfare Committee shall review and verify all documentation within five (5) working days.
• Upon approval, payment shall be made via bank transfer or official LNBA cheque.

• Bereavement Assistance

l . The NAMED BENEFICIARY must notify the LNBA Secretariat immediately upon the member’s death.

2. The following documents must be submitted:
   • Death certificate or hospital confirmation of death.
   • Proof of relationship (marriage certificate for spouse, or legal proof of next of kin).
   • Proof that the deceased was a member in good standing.

3. The Welfare Committee shall verify the documents within three (3) working days.
4. Upon approval, payment shall be made promptly to assist with funeral arrangements.

6. Funding
   • The Welfare Fund shall be sustained from:
   • A percentage of annual membership dues.
   • Special welfare levies approved by the National Executive Council. o Voluntary donations from members and partners.
7. Accountability & Reporting

The Welfare Committee shall maintain a Welfare Fund Ledger recording all applications, approvals, payments, and balances.

A quarterly welfare report shall be submitted to the National Executive Council through the National President.

All payments shall be supported by receipts, acknowledgment letters, and signed disbursement records.

8. Review and Amendments
   • This policy shall be reviewed every two. (2) years or earlier if deemed necessary by the National Executive Council.

Amendments shall require approval by a simple majority at a duly convened meeting of the National Executive Council.

• A Bereavement Fund shall provide financial assistance to the family of a deceased member to help cover funeral expenses.

The LNBA shall organize and coordinate memorial services for deceased

Condolence contributions and support shall be provided to affected families

5. Welfare Fund and Funding Mechanism
   • The Welfare Fund shall be financed through:
   • Monthly or annual contributions from members.
   • Donations from law firms, corporate sponsors, and well-wishers. Fundraising activities and social events.
   • Investment returns from designated LNBA assets.
   • A transparent Welfare Committee shall manage the funds and ensure accountability through periodic audits and reports.
6. Governance and Implementation
   • The LNBA’s Welfare Committee shall oversee the implementation of this policy.
   • Applications for welfare benefits shall be reviewed based on merit, need, and available resources.

Members shall be encouraged to contribute to the fund to ensure sustainability.

7. Review and Amendments

This policy shall be reviewed every two (2) years to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Amendments shall be made based on members needs and financial viability.

8. Conclusion

The [NBA is committed to promoting the well-being of its members through structured welfare programs. This policy serves as a foundation for providing assistance, for legal professionals in Liberia.

9. Effective Date

This Welfare Benefits Policy shall take effect from August 22, 2025 and shall remain in force until amended or revoked by the Liberian National Bar Association.

Adopted and approved in the City of Buchanan, Grand passa County on this 21 ^st Day of August AD 2025 by the National Executive Council of the LNBA.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL