MONROVIA – The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr., has with immediate effect barred Emmanuel Hilter, a City Solicitor at the Ministry of Justice, from practicing law in any court within the Republic of Liberia after an investigation found that he allegedly represented himself as a Counselor-at-Law without the required legal authorization.
The decision, issued on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, followed an investigation into a complaint filed by Hilter against Her Honor Naomi Crusoe, Stipendiary Magistrate of the Owens Grove Magisterial Court in Grand Bassa County.
According to the Supreme Court’s findings, Hilter appeared before Magistrate Crusoe and attempted to represent a client as a Counselor-at-Law. However, the Magistrate reportedly refused to allow him to participate in the proceedings after he failed to produce a valid Counselor-at-Law license.
The report stated that after repeated demands for proof of his legal standing, Hilter presented an identification card showing his position as a City Solicitor at the Ministry of Justice rather than a license authorizing him to practice as a private attorney.
The Supreme Court said Hilter became angry, left the courtroom with his client, allegedly insulted the Magistrate, and assaulted a bailiff who attempted to intervene. He was subsequently restrained and imprisoned before later filing a complaint against Magistrate Crusoe.
Chief Justice Gbeisay conducted a preliminary hearing to determine whether the matter involved sufficient ethical violations to warrant referral to the Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC), the body responsible for addressing alleged ethical misconduct involving judges and magistrates.
During the hearing, Hilter reportedly admitted appearing before Magistrate Crusoe as a Counselor-at-Law and claimed to have seven years of legal experience. He also stated that he was the dux of his Counselor-at-Law examination class, an employee of the Ministry of Justice, and had previously worked in several courts, including Paynesville, Monrovia City, Unification Town, Barnesville, and West Point.
However, after reviewing the matter, Chief Justice Gbeisay concluded that Hilter’s actions represented a serious embarrassment to the Judiciary and violated the standards expected of members of the legal profession.
“In view of the investigation, the Judiciary has decided to no longer tolerate the appearance of Mr. Hilter as a City Solicitor in any of its courts. He has been prohibited from entering any courts under the guise of a City Solicitor since he is not a lawyer or a gentleman worthy of the legal profession,” Chief Justice Gbeisay declared.
The Chief Justice also found that Magistrate Crusoe had a duty to conduct a proper hearing and take evidence regarding allegations that Madam Teah, Hilter’s client, allegedly committed criminal mischief by damaging a four-bedroom house on a disputed property in violation of a stay order.
The Supreme Court’s ruling means Hilter is immediately prohibited from appearing as legal counsel in any court across Liberia.
The decision has drawn attention within legal circles, with some magistrates reportedly accusing Hilter of displaying arrogance and refusing to accept professional guidance. Others alleged that his conduct created confusion in court proceedings and negatively affected cases before the Judiciary.
The Supreme Court’s action underscores renewed efforts by the Judiciary to enforce professional standards and ensure that only properly licensed individuals represent parties in Liberian courts.
The ruling also serves as a warning that misrepresentation of legal qualifications and unauthorized legal practice will not be tolerated within Liberia’s justice system.
