Sierra Leone’s Parliament has opened a public consultation process on the Legal Practitioners’ Act 2025, inviting individuals, professional bodies and institutions to submit written views and legal opinions on the proposed legislation.
The Bill has been referred to Parliament’s Legislative Committee for detailed scrutiny in accordance with Standing Order 51. The move provides an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the review of legislation that could significantly reshape the legal profession in Sierra Leone.
In a public notice, Parliament said it was seeking position papers and legal opinions as part of efforts to promote a more inclusive and participatory legislative process.
“Given the nature of the Bill, the House do hereby request for position papers and/or legal opinions on the Bill in a bid to enrich the scrutiny process and broaden the space of participatory law-making,” the notice stated.
The call for submissions comes after the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, introduced the Bill in Parliament on Thursday, 16 July 2026. He was accompanied by the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, during the presentation of the proposed legislation.
The Legal Practitioners’ Act 2025 seeks to consolidate and amend existing laws governing the legal profession in Sierra Leone. Among other matters, the proposed legislation addresses the admission and enrolment of legal practitioners, professional discipline and the practice of law in the country.
The Bill is expected to provide a more comprehensive legal framework for regulating legal practitioners and addressing issues relating to professional conduct and the administration of the legal profession.
By inviting submissions from the public and relevant institutions, Parliament is seeking to broaden the range of perspectives available to lawmakers before the Legislative Committee completes its examination of the proposed law.
Legal practitioners, professional associations, civil society organisations, academic institutions and other interested stakeholders are expected to have the opportunity to assess the Bill and raise concerns, make recommendations or offer legal interpretations that could inform the parliamentary review process.
The consultation also reflects Parliament’s efforts to strengthen public participation in law-making by allowing stakeholders to engage with proposed legislation before it proceeds through the remaining stages of the legislative process.
All position papers and legal opinions must be submitted by 24 July 2026, which Parliament has set as the deadline for receiving submissions.
The Legislative Committee will subsequently consider the submissions alongside its examination of the Bill before the proposed legislation advances through the parliamentary process.
The outcome of the consultation could therefore influence the final form of the legislation, particularly on matters relating to professional regulation, disciplinary procedures, admission requirements and the broader practice of law in Sierra Leone.
