Sierra Leone Stakeholders Submit Position Papers on Legal Practitioners and Constitutional Amendment Bills

The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone has presented a detailed Position Paper on the draft Legal Practitioners Act, 2025, which would replace the 2000 law governing the legal profession. The Society welcomes the bill as a chance to modernise practice but calls for changes, including broader electoral representation for the General Legal Counsel and Disciplinary Tribunal, preserving judicial review of disciplinary decisions, allowing solo practice under defined conditions, expanding continuing legal education nationwide, and tightening penalties for unqualified practice.

Separately, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) submitted its Position Paper on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill, 2025. While acknowledging progressive elements aimed at improving electoral fairness, the Commission urges amendments such as direct appointment of Search and Nomination Committee members by their institutions, guaranteeing full terms for incumbent Electoral Commissioners past age 65, and strengthening provisions for women’s participation. Both papers aim to reinforce the rule of law, professional standards, and human‑rights protections as the bills move toward parliamentary debate.