The Grievance and Ethics Committee is an oversight body established by the Supreme Court of Liberia pursuant to its constitutional authority under Article 75 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which vests the Court with exclusive power to regulate the practice of law and prescribe rules governing the moral and ethical conduct of lawyers. The Committee serves as a key mechanism for enforcing professional discipline and maintaining ethical standards within the legal profession.
The Committee is charged with the responsibility to:
- Receive, review, and investigate complaints of professional misconduct and ethical violations against lawyers practicing before the courts of Liberia;
- Conduct hearings, make inquiries and receive evidence into alleged breaches of the Code of Moral and Professional Ethics for lawyer;
- Make findings and recommendations to the Supreme Court for appropriate disciplinary action; and
- Promote integrity, accountability, and public confidence in the legal profession and the administration of justice.
The Committee is composed of eleven (11) members, drawn from both the legal profession and civil society, reflecting a balanced and inclusive approach to professional accountability. The membership includes lawyers and non-lawyers.
The Committee is supported by a Secretariat, which is responsible for the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the Committee, including case management, correspondence, record-keeping, and coordination of hearings.
The Secretariat is headed by a lawyer, who serves as the principal Administrator and Executive officer of the Committee.
Through its work, the Grievance and Ethics Committee plays a critical role in safeguarding ethical conduct within the legal profession, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring that lawyers uphold the highest standards of professionalism in service to the courts and the people of Liberia