LA.ORG.LR stands as Liberia’s pioneering Access-to-Justice initiative, bestowed with the name of Cllr. Robert N. Gbarbea in recognition of his unwavering dedication to bolstering access to justice within Liberia. The genesis of LA.ORG.LR emerged from a profound desire to elevate the accessibility of justice throughout Liberia. It was a personal revelation, one that crystallized during my own detainment in 2017 stemming from my affiliation with PATEL, an organization committed to advocating for social justice and sustainable economic reforms to create enabling business environment in Liberia.
This revelation laid bare the shortcomings and pervasive corruption within Liberia’s justice system, which significantly contributed to the alarming rate of pre-trial detainees in the country. LA.ORG.LR was meticulously crafted to address these issues head-on. Its core mission is to raise awareness about the rights conferred by Liberian laws and streamline due-process procedures within the country’s judicial framework. Ultimately, LA.ORG.LR strives to ensure unconditional access to justice, making it an accessible and equitable reality for all.
This platform is dedicated and named in honor of my friend Cllr Gbarbee not just because he was my pro bono lawyer; but because of his immense contributions and tireless efforts in improving the Justice system of Liberia. Cllr Gbarbee zest and courage for access to justice motivated him to served until his death.
2005 – 2010
Legal Advisor – United Nations Missions in Liberia (UNMIL):
- Advocacy for the rule of law within the country;
- Monitoring of criminal trials in courts;
Revision of laws; - The facilitation of workshops and training programs for actors within the Justice system;
- Collection and analysis of court data;
- Provision of legal and material assistance to actors within the justice system;
- Coordination with other agencies involved in enhancing the Rule of Law;
- Legal assistance and support to the SGBV Crimes Unit;
- Monitoring of justice actors;
2010 – 2014
Legal Associate/Legal Liaison Officer
Ministry of Justice:
- Provision of legal advisement to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General of Liberia;
- Plan, organize, facilitate and implement quarterly training for all County Attorneys and prosecutors;
- Provision of legal advisement on issues of dispute involving the Government of Liberia, foreign embassies, UNMIL or other international institutions;
- Writing and review of pleadings, case analysis, legal briefs and legal memoranda;
- Conduct investigations on issues of corruption in Government;
- Provide capacity support to the National Council of Chief and Elders of Liberia;
2013 to Date of Death (06/21/2021)
Deputy Chief of Party & Senior Legal Associates
The Carter Center:
- Coordinated with legal and judicial institutions in Liberia to enact a draft legal aid policy and draft laws on ADR and draft mechanism to harmonize dual justice system;
- Established and coordinate the pro bono legal activities with the Liberia National BAR and local County BARs in eight counties;
- Represents The Carter Center at meetings, conferences, workshops, trainings, consultations, etc. in relations to the provision of and enhancing access to justice;
- Conducts legal training for paralegals, CSOs and traditional chiefs and leaders;