By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The leadership of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), led by its President, Mrs. Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, has engaged the Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Komba Kamanda, in a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Bar and the Bench while reinforcing ethical and professional standards within the country’s legal system.
The meeting, held on Monday, 6th October 2025, at the Chief Justice’s Chambers on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown, provided an opportunity for both institutions to discuss reforms within the Judiciary and ways to promote integrity, discipline, and accountability among legal practitioners.
Welcoming the SLBA executive, Hon Chief Justice Kamanda underscored the importance of maintaining a strong and ethical legal profession, describing it as essential to the credibility and independence of the Judiciary. He commended the Bar Association for its continued engagement with the Judiciary and called for closer cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of ongoing judicial reforms.
“A strong and ethical Bar is key to preserving public trust in the justice system,” the Chief Justice emphasized. He further urged lawyers to remain exemplary in conduct, both in and outside the courtroom, and to uphold the dignity of their profession.
Chief Justice Kamanda also used the occasion to commend the SLBA for its active participation in the recent Assize Service, which marked the official opening of the 2025/2026 Judicial Year. He described the turnout of legal practitioners as “impressive” and reflective of the Bar’s commitment to the rule of law and the Judiciary’s institutional development.
However, the Chief Justice raised concerns about the growing trend of inappropriate courtroom attire among some legal practitioners, which he said undermines the profession’s standards. He disclosed that Judges have lodged several complaints about lawyers appearing in court in miniskirts, brown shoes, slippers, and other forms of dress that violate the Legal Practitioners’ Code of Conduct.
“This is unacceptable,” the Chief Justice stated firmly. “We expect lawyers to uphold the dignity of the profession through their appearance and behavior. Judges have been instructed not to hear any lawyer who appears in court improperly dressed.”
He tasked the SLBA leadership to remind its members of their professional obligations and ensure that lawyers adhere strictly to the ethical and dress codes that govern their practice.
In his closing remarks, Chief Justice Kamanda reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with the Bar Association. He expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the two institutions would further strengthen the administration of justice and enhance public confidence in the legal system.
Responding on behalf of the Bar Association, Mrs. Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara thanked the Chief Justice for his leadership and willingness to engage with the Bar on issues affecting the profession. She assured him of the SLBA’s unwavering support in promoting high professional standards, ethical conduct, and respect for the rule of law.
Mrs. Gento-Kamara added that the Bar remains committed to working closely with the Judiciary to safeguard the integrity of the justice sector and ensure that the legal profession continues to serve as a pillar of national stability and development.
