By Benjamin Q. Z. Johnson
MONROVIA–Chief Justice Yarmie Q. Gbeisaye has temporarily suspended Cllr. Peter King from practicing law before any court in Liberia, following his reported failure to appear for an investigation into a professional misconduct complaint.
According to a release sanctioned by the Chief Justice, the suspension stems from a complaint filed by Beatrice Swen, who accused Cllr. King of professional misconduct in connection with an alleged criminal matter.
The release states that the Chief Justice made several attempts to have Cllr. King appear for questioning concerning the complaint, but the lawyer allegedly failed to appear.
The matter was subsequently referred to the Judiciary’s Grievance and Ethics Committee for further investigation.
However, according to the release, Cllr. King again failed to appear before the Committee when summoned.
As a result, the Chief Justice sanctioned the temporary suspension of Cllr. King’s license to practice law.
The suspension bars Cllr. King from practicing as a Counselor-at-Law before any court in Liberia until the complaint is investigated and the matter is properly adjudicated.
The Judiciary’s Grievance and Ethics Committee is mandated to receive, review, and investigate complaints of professional misconduct and ethical violations against lawyers practicing before Liberian courts.
The Committee is also empowered to conduct hearings, make inquiries, and receive evidence concerning alleged breaches of the Code of Moral and Professional Ethics for Lawyers before making findings and recommendations for appropriate disciplinary action.
The Judiciary’s Code of Moral and Professional Ethics for Lawyers, under Rule 1, concerning “The Lawyer’s Duty to the Courts,” provides that it is unprofessional for a lawyer to advise, initiate, or participate, directly or indirectly, in conduct that tends to undermine or impugn the authority, dignity, or integrity of the courts or judges, thereby hindering the effective administration of justice.
The suspension, however, does not by itself establish that Cllr. King committed the misconduct alleged in the complaint.
Rather, the action temporarily removes him from the practice of law while the disciplinary process proceeds.
The case has drawn renewed attention to Liberia’s system of professional accountability within the legal profession, particularly the Judiciary’s authority to investigate complaints against lawyers and ensure compliance with established ethical standards.
Further proceedings before the Grievance and Ethics Committee are expected to determine the facts surrounding the complaint and Cllr. King’s reported failure to appear for the investigation.
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