The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has disclosed the successful return of its National President, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, from a month-long official visit to the United States of America, where he held a series of engagements aimed at fostering partnerships and expanding opportunities for the LNBA, the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, and Liberia’s broader legal community.
During his time in the United States, Cllr. Varmah engaged with a host of legal-based institutions, including high-level meetings with officials of the New York City Bar Association, the American Bar Association (ABA), and other prominent legal bodies. His mission focused on building strategic relationships in key areas, such as scholarship and capacity-building opportunities for Liberian law students and legal professionals; support for the LNBA’s Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs; exchange programs between the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law and American law schools; and professional networking between the LNBA and U.S.-based legal institutions.
The President’s visit culminated in a special luncheon held in his honor by the leadership of the American Bar Association at its Washington, D.C. office. The event symbolized the commitment of both organizations to deepening collaboration and formalizing future engagements. As a testament to this growing partnership, the ABA has announced plans to soon enter into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the LNBA. This MoU will serve as a binding framework for sustained cooperation between the LNBA and a number of U.S.-based legal entities.
Speaking upon his arrival in Monrovia, Cllr. Varmah described his trip as “fruitful and rewarding”, and emphasized that the relationships built will greatly benefit the Liberian legal sector in the years ahead. He expressed optimism that the engagements will translate into tangible gains for both current practitioners and future generations of legal professionals.
In a related development, the LNBA National President has constituted a Steering Committee to plan and implement the 2025 National Convention of the LNBA, in accordance with the Association’s constitution. The Committee is chaired by Cllr. F. Juah Lawson, the current National Vice President of the LNBA, and comprises seasoned members of the Bar who will ensure the successful execution of the convention. Further details regarding the Convention, including its theme, venue, and guest speakers, will be released in the coming weeks.
Other members of the Steering Committee include the below listed members: Cllr. Evelyn Lah Gongloe, Co-Chair; Atty. Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo, I, Secretary General; Atty. Williamina Budy, Member; Cllr. Elisha T. J. Forkeyoh LNBA/SG, Ex Officio; Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala/LNBA CLE Chair, Member; Atty. Alpha D. Senkpeni, Member; Atty. Omiford Saye Nyan, Jr., Member; Atty. Elijah M. Sayeh, Member; Cllr. Yemi Ife Shobayo-Williams-LNBA/Treasurer, Ex-Officio; Atty. Jargbe Roseline Nagbe-Kowo, Member; Cllr. E. Gidu Johnson-Savice, Member; Atty. Elizabeth M. Smith, Member; Cllr. Yeahnee King Allen, Member; Cllr. Kuku Y. Dorbor, LNBA Social & Welfare Chair, Ex Officio; Atty. Sally A. Fofanah, Member; Atty. Vasco Nyei, Member; Atty. T. Maxwell Grigsby, II, Member; Atty. Catherine B. Nyenkan. Member; Cllr. Kim Amelia Harris, Member; Atty. Theresa M. Davis, Member; Cllr. Julius Ronnie Addy, Member; Atty. Jebbeh N. Johnson, Member; and Atty. Hnede B. Sillah, Member.
The Committee will work in concert with the LNBA’s Social and Welfare Committee to successfully implement the LNBA 2025 annual national convention.
The LNBA said it remains committed to strengthening the legal profession in Liberia, fostering international collaboration, and creating platforms for professional growth and development.