By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
After a long wait, Saturday, August 9, 2025, marked a momentous day for the students who sat for the 2024/2025 Bar Finals examination, organized by the Council of Legal Education for Sierra Leone (CLE-SL) on Sunday 10th August 2025. The examination, which took place earlier this year in April and June, is a key requirement for admission to the Bar as Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of Sierra Leone.
According to the Council, more than 500 students participated in the Bar Finals, aiming to join the ranks of the legal profession in Sierra Leone. Of those who took the exam, over 300 students successfully passed, while around 70 students were referred to retake specific papers. The remaining candidates will need to repeat the entire program.
The Bar Finals examination, set by the Council of Legal Education (CLE), is a crucial gateway for students who have completed a rigorous four-year law course at various universities across the country, such as Fourah Bay College (FBC), Njala University (NU), University of Makeni (UNIMAK), and IMATT College. Those who pass this examination are then enrolled into Sierra Leone’s Legal Register and legally recognized as Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of Sierra Leone.
In an exclusive interview with this reporter, *Madam Linda M. Jaward (Esq.)*, a successful candidate upon her Call to the Bar, expressed her deep gratitude to God for passing the Bar Finals. She described the process as daunting but incredibly rewarding.
“I am thrilled to pass the Bar Finals, a journey that demanded commitment, dedication, and courage. It was not easy, but I am proud and fulfilled,” she said. “Becoming a lawyer has always been my dream, and I aim to contribute to the fair and equitable delivery of justice to those who truly deserve it.”
Madam Jaward acknowledged the immense challenges she faced at law school and credited her success to faith, determination, and the unwavering support of her family, colleagues, and well-wishers.
When asked how she would use her status to assist the less privileged, she clarified that she would not do so based on the social or economic status of individuals, as this would undermine justice. Instead, she emphasized that justice should be dispensed based on fairness, not wealth or poverty.
“I will use my resources to help those in need, but not at the expense of perverting justice,” she said. “Justice is not about being rich or poor, but about upholding the truth and fairness.”
Madam Jaward encouraged future law school candidates to stay focused and dedicated. “The journey is difficult, but with hard work, perseverance, and faith, you can succeed, just like I did.”
Mustapha Momoh, another successful candidate, shared his excitement about passing the Bar Finals, calling it his greatest achievement. He noted that the total number of passes this year exceeded previous years, with over 500 candidates sitting for the examination.
Mr. Momoh explained that the passing threshold for each subject is 50 percent, with 30 percent allocated for continuous assessment and 70 percent for the final exam. He also highlighted the diverse subjects covered in the Bar Finals, including Law of Evidence, Civil Procedure (Part A and Part B), General Paper (Tort, Criminal Law, Contract Law, and Equity and Trust), Professional Practices and Advocacy, Professional Practices and Ethics and Criminal Procedure.
The top eight performing students in this year’s Bar Finals came from various universities across the country. The list of top performers includes Samura Kabba – FBC (Star Pupil), Mohamed Alie – UNIMAK, Musa Kabia – UNIMAK, Fredrica Thomas – FBC, Jenifer O. Thomas– FBC, Victoria – FBC, Hajaratu Kargbo – FBC and Salamatu Kakay – FBC
As these students prepare for the much-anticipated “Call to Bar” ceremony in the coming weeks or months, the atmosphere remains one of celebration. Passing the Bar Finals is considered one of the most fulfilling milestones in the lives of students who have undergone years of rigorous legal education.
Upon the Call to the Bar, these new lawyers will be formally addressed as “Esqs.” They will then undergo a year of Pupillage under experienced Pupil Masters before signing the official Court Book to become full members of the High Court of Sierra Leone.