General Legal Council Warns Lawyers Over Unruly Conduct on Social Media
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The General Legal Council has issued a stern warning to legal practitioners, particularly young lawyers, over what it describes as unruly and discourteous conduct on social media platforms.
In a notice dated March 30, 2026, the Council expressed concern about behavior among lawyers who, it said, have taken upon themselves to be disrespectful to one another, to senior members of the profession, and even to non-lawyers. The Council reminded legal practitioners that the profession is characterized by respect, nobility, good temperament, and decorum.
The notice, signed by Council Secretary Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq., emphasized that every lawyer is expected to uphold the highest standards of courtesy and decorum both in and out of court, including on social media.
The Council cited Rule 4 sub-rule (2) of the Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) Rules, 2010, which states: “A legal practitioner shall act courteously and respectfully towards all persons with whom he has professional contact, including judges, other legal practitioners, court staff, litigants, witnesses, victims and clients.”
It further referenced Rule 55 of the same Rules, which provides that failure to comply shall be regarded as unprofessional, dishonorable, or unworthy conduct, rendering the legal practitioner liable to punishment under the Legal Practitioners Act, 2000.
As part of measures to enforce professional standards, the Council announced that it will henceforth refuse to issue Certificates of Good Standing and Compliance to any legal practitioner whose conduct is found to be repugnant to the profession.
Additionally, the Council reminded legal practitioners that it reserves the right, upon good cause shown, to refuse admission to any person to practice law in Sierra Leone, even if they have fulfilled the requirements prescribed by law. Similarly, under section 19(3) of the Legal Practitioners Act, 2000, the Council may refuse an application for the issuance or renewal of a practising certificate.
The Council called on all legal practitioners, especially young members of the profession, to maintain decorum and be respectful at all times. It noted that discourteousness and lack of good temperament are not the same as constructive criticism and constructive engagement, and urged lawyers to resist the temptation to be discourteous.
