Freetown, Sierra Leone – Few names command as much respect in Sierra Leone’s legal landscape as Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK). A seasoned legal practitioner, former Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and later Attorney General, JFK has long been a symbol of integrity and a relentless advocate for justice. His presence at the inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Lawyers’ Society, held on 20 February 2025 at T-Hall, Big Water, York, was not just significant—it was defining.
At a time when the legal profession is at a crossroads, JFK stood before his colleagues as a testament to resilience, principle, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. He reminded the gathering of the struggles that led to the formation of the Lawyers’ Society, recalling how attempts to silence them in Kenema and Brookfields failed. His message was clear: this was not just another legal body—it was a movement, a force that would stand against corruption, compromise, and injustice.
JFK’s career has been built on the firm belief that the law must serve the people, not the powerful. As ACC Commissioner, he took on high-profile corruption cases, refusing to bow to political pressure. As Attorney General, he upheld the rule of law with steadfast determination. Now, as a leading voice in the Lawyers’ Society, he is once again at the forefront of a fight that will define the future of Sierra Leone’s legal profession.
The significance of his words resonated deeply among the attendees, many of whom see JFK not just as a leader but as a role model—someone who has walked the difficult path of standing for justice in a system often resistant to change. His call for legal practitioners to uphold their oath, reject corruption, and serve the nation with integrity was a challenge to every lawyer in the room.
Supporting his stance, Vice President Wara Serry-Kamal emphasized that the Society was born out of defiance against compromise. She praised those who remained committed to their principles despite challenges, echoing JFK’s call for resilience and unity. Chairman of the event, Mohamed Pa Momoh Fofana Esq., reinforced this, stressing that the legal profession must be a beacon of integrity if Sierra Leone is to progress.
Beyond the legal sphere, prominent voices in governance and civil society backed the Lawyers’ Society’s mission. Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr commended the association for standing up against injustice, while SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla urged for unity within the profession to strengthen the broader fight for justice.
The AGM also received international support from Faith M.A. Odhiambo, President of the Kenya Law Society, who emphasized that lawyers must remain non-partisan and at the forefront of legal reform. Drawing from Kenya’s legal battles, she highlighted the crucial role of legal practitioners in ensuring democracy remains intact.
As the AGM continues today, 21 February, discussions will focus on the Society’s constitution, leadership elections, and future strategies. One thing, however, is already clear: Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara remains a towering figure in Sierra Leone’s legal profession—a leader whose career has been defined by courage, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to justice. His presence at the helm of the Lawyers’ Society signals a new era for the profession, one where the rule of law is defended without fear or favor.
