By Princess Gibson
Ten years may seem like a short time in the life of an institution, but for the Legal Aid Board of Sierra Leone, the past decade has been nothing short of transformational. As someone who witnessed and documented its formative years, I feel compelled to add my voice to this moment of reflection and celebration.
The Legal Aid Board, established in 2015, was born out of a national commitment to make justice accessible to all, especially to indigent Sierra Leoneans. This mission was critical given the lessons of our country’s history. The civil war erupted in 1991 had many root causes, but injustice and a broken legal system were central among them. The creation of the Board represented a bold step toward righting those wrongs, offering free legal services to citizens who would otherwise be left to plead their cases to God alone.
From day one, the Board’s Executive Director, Claire Carlton-Hancils, has been at the helm. Her leadership has been both strategic and deeply human. She understood that justice is not just about the courtroom—it is about people, fairness, and dignity. Her drive, empathy, and tireless commitment to service breathed life into the institution and laid a solid foundation for what it has become today.
From its early days at the modest Guma Building office on Lamina Sankoh Street, which overflowed daily with clients seeking legal help, to the now robust network of regional offices, the Legal Aid Board has grown into a pillar of justice delivery in Sierra Leone. I recall those first years vividly—the office felt like a legal clinic, brimming with activity, hope, and sometimes heartbreak. Yet, through it all, the staff remained dedicated and professional.
The Board’s legal team, including respected names like Francis Gabidon Esq., Nicky Spencer-Coker Esq., Cecilia Tucker esq and the late Ivan Sesay Esq., rose to the challenge with passion and expertise. They were supported by paralegals who served as the foot soldiers of justice, reaching the unreachable and representing the voiceless. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) unit also proved instrumental, especially in handling sensitive family matters like child neglect and abandonment. I still remember the humor and humanity that often surfaced during mediation sessions—a testament to the healing power of dialogue.
Equally inspiring was the Board’s collaboration with trade groups like the Drivers’ Union, the Traders’ Council, and the Labour Congress. These partnerships created platforms for legal education and community outreach, demystifying the law and reducing conflict in fundamental, tangible ways.
One of the most emotional moments I experienced covering the Board’s work was witnessing the acquittal and release of detained persons from the Pademba Road Correctional Centre after receiving legal representation. Many of these individuals emerged frail, lost, and disoriented, but thanks to Madam Hancils’ compassion, they left not only with their freedom but also with dignity restored. Her willingness to go beyond her mandate—providing food and transport for the newly freed—spoke volumes about the values that underpin the Board’s work.
By 2016, the Legal Aid Board began expanding its reach to the regions—Makeni, Kenema, Bo, Moyamba, Kono, and beyond. I was fortunate to be part of those journeys with my cameraman, Akie Hubbard. They were not just work trips but filled with laughter, stories, and a shared sense of purpose. “Korpoi on my mind,” as we often joke, yet with each mile traveled, we knew we were witnessing justice reaching places it had long been absent. Not forgetting Derrick Nat George, the first Public Relations Officer of the Board.
Ten years later, the Legal Aid Board continues to uphold its mandate with integrity and resilience—even during political transition. Claire Carlton-Hancils remains a steady hand at the wheel, guiding the institution with the same strength, grace, and clarity she brought in 2015.
This milestone is not just a celebration of years—it is a celebration of lives changed, freedoms restored, and justice delivered. Congratulations to the Legal Aid Board, its leadership, and every staff member past and present who has contributed to this journey. You have written a proud chapter in Sierra Leone’s legal history.
Viva Legal Aid Board!
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The author, Princess Gibson, is a seasoned journalist and media professional with extensive experience in justice reporting and public communication. As a court reporter at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), she played a pivotal role in covering the formative years of the Legal Aid Board, bringing national attention to issues of access to justice and the challenges faced by underserved communities. A passionate advocate for legal rights, Princess continues contributing to civic education and media development in Sierra Leone.
She serves at the National Commission for Democracy and as a Media Consultant for the Initiatives for Media Development (IMdev).