AYV News, March 24, 2025
The Sierra Leone Advocacy Foundation, a body comprising experienced judges and lawyers, has successfully conducted an intensive training session aimed at equipping legal practitioners with essential advocacy skills.
The training brought together junior and senior lawyers from across the country to refine their expertise in case analysis, witness-examination techniques, ethical courtroom conduct, and advocacy. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between legal theory and practical courtroom application, ensuring that lawyers, both new and experienced remain well-equipped to uphold the rule of law.
Delivering the opening remarks, Hon. Justice R. S. Fynn emphasised the importance of continuous training in the legal profession and how the foundation aims to create a structured platform for ongoing learning.
“This foundation is still in its early stages, but our goal is to provide continuous training for lawyers so that our skills do not become stale. Advocacy is not just about knowledge of the law; it is about the ability to effectively present cases, persuade the bench, and uphold ethical standards both in and out of the courtroom. We are eager to pass on our experience and equip the next generation of legal minds,” Justice Fynn stated.
Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda in his keynote address, reflected on his own experience with advocacy training which he described as a turning point in his career.
“Advocacy is one of the most powerful tools a lawyer can possess. It builds confidence, not just in the lawyer but in the client they represent. It is a skill that must be mastered, refined, and continuously improved. This training will help ensure that our legal professionals are well-prepared to present cases efficiently and uphold the highest standards in our justice system,” Hon. Justice K. Kamanda CJ explained.
He further highlighted the need for advocacy training beyond junior lawyers, stating that even seasoned practitioners can benefit from continuous learning. According to him, legal advocacy is dynamic, requiring lawyers to stay updated on new techniques, argument structures, and professional decorum.
Participants received in-depth training from judges and senior legal professionals, including case analysis, witness-examination techniques, ethics & professionalism, public speaking & persuasion and understanding judicial expectations.
The training was conducted by some of Sierra Leone’s most respected legal minds, including: Hon. Justice F. B. Alhadi, Hon. Justice E. Taylor, Hon. Justice J. King, Hon. Justice Glenna Thompson, Hon. Justice R. S. Fynn, Mr. Maurice Garber, Mr. Osman Jalloh, Ms. Rhoda Suffian-Kargbo, Mrs. Fatmata Sorie and Mr. Derek Beoku-Betts and other senior legal professionals.
These professionals shared their expertise and provided practical demonstrations on real-life legal scenarios, giving participants hands-on experience in handling cases more effectively. At the conclusion of the training, certificates were awarded to participants, marking their successful completion of the program.
The Sierra Leone Advocacy Foundation hopes to expand these sessions into regular training programs, ensuring that legal practitioners continue to receive high-level coaching throughout their careers.
As Sierra Leone’s legal landscape continues to evolve, strong advocacy and professional ethics remain essential. With more lawyers receiving structured training, the country’s justice system stands to benefit from improved legal representation, stronger courtroom engagements, and a more effective legal process.
For the lawyers who attended, the training was not just a learning experience but also a call to raise the standard of legal advocacy in Sierra Leone.
