By: Julius Konton
The Bomi County Bar Association has formally welcomed Attorney Zleh L. Lansanah into its professional fold, marking a significant moment in the county’s legal landscape and reinforcing ongoing efforts to strengthen judicial professionalism at the sub-national level in Liberia.
The official welcome ceremony was conducted by the Vice President of the Bomi County Bar Association, Counsellor Bowoulo Taylor-Kelley, acting with the approval and endorsement of the Bar’s President, Counsellor Robert Beer.
The event formed part of activities marking the opening of the February Term of Court, a critical period in Liberia’s judicial calendar when legal practitioners, judges, and court officers recommit to the administration of justice.
Professional Transition in Line with Legal Standards
Attorney Lansanah’s admission followed her successful and procedurally compliant transfer from the Montserrado County Bar Association, Liberia’s largest and most legally active bar.
Montserrado County hosts more than 60 percent of Liberia’s registered legal practitioners, according to data from the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), making transfers from the capital region to rural counties an important contribution to decentralizing legal services.
Her transfer aligns with established legal practice norms in Liberia, which allow attorneys to practice across counties upon fulfilling bar requirements and receiving formal approval from the relevant county bar leadership.
Upon her official acceptance, Atty. Lansanah was presented with a certificate, symbolizing her full integration into the Bomi County Bar Association and her eligibility to practice before courts within the county’s jurisdiction.
Strengthening Local Justice Delivery
Speaking during the ceremony, Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor-Kelley, herself a prominent female lawyer and native of Bomi County, emphasized the importance of professional solidarity and service to local communities.
“I remain a proud Bomi County woman lawyer, deeply committed to the legal profession and to delivering impactful service within the justice sector,” Cllr. Kelley stated.
Legal analysts note that the addition of experienced lawyers to county bars is critical to improving access to justice, especially in counties where legal representation remains limited.
Liberia, with a population exceeding 5 million people, has fewer than 1,000 licensed lawyers nationwide, many of whom are concentrated in Monrovia.
Counties such as Bomi continue to benefit from the steady redistribution of legal expertise.
Women’s Growing Role in Liberia’s Legal Sector
The admission of Atty. Lansanah also highlights the gradual but steady rise of women in Liberia’s legal profession.
Historically dominated by men, the sector has seen increased female participation over the past two decades, driven by post-war reforms, expanded legal education, and advocacy for gender equity within professional institutions.
The Bomi County Bar Association, established to uphold ethical standards, professional development, and the rule of law at the county level, has played a growing role in supporting inclusive participation within the justice system.
A Broader Institutional Context
The February Court Term opening traditionally serves as a platform for bar associations to admit new members, review professional conduct standards, and reinforce cooperation with the judiciary.
Such ceremonies underscore the symbiotic relationship between the Bar and the Bench, which is essential to maintaining judicial independence and public confidence in Liberia’s courts.
With the admission of Atty. Zleh L. Lansanah, the Bomi County Bar Association not only expands its membership but also strengthens its capacity to deliver legal services, promote professional ethics, and support the rule of law in one of Liberia’s fast-growing counties.
