Gambia Bar Association Information

The Association is governed by its constitution which provides that every legal practitioner enrolled to practice law in The Gambia is entitled to be a member of the GBA with all its privileges upon payment of the prescribed annual subscription fees. The aims and objectives of the Association include:To maintain the standards, integrity, honour and independence of the Bar, to promote, preserve and improve the services and functions of the Bar, and to represent and act for the Bar generally as well as in matters affecting the administration of justiceTo consider, lay down and implement general policy with regard to all matters affecting the BarEstablish schemes for the promotion and protection of the welfare, security and economic advancement of legal practitionersTo defend and uphold freedom, justice and the rule of law in The GambiaTo maintain and defend the honour, independence and integrity of the legal professionTo maintain and defend the independence of the judiciaryTo promote the advancement of legal education, continuing legal education, advocacy and jurisprudenceTo maintain professional standards, discipline and etiquette and to regulate, under the guidance of the General Legal Council, the conduct, practice and discipline of Legal PractitionersTo support the establishment, maintenance and efficient operation of a system of prompt and efficient legal aid and assistance for those in need but who are unable to pay for sameTo promote good relations among the members of the Association and the furtherance of good relations between the Association and similar organizations of legal professionals in other countriesTo promote the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as defined under the Constitution of The Gambia, international charters, conventions and protocols to which The Gambia is a signatory and all local laws in force in the GambiaThe Bar is very cognizant of the importance of maintaining confidence in the discharge of its duties. According, the GBA focuses on assuring professional discipline of its members by strict compliance with the Code of Conduct. The GBA receives complaints from the general public about legal practitioners and can investigate members' conduct for further action to be undertaken by the General Legal Council. ( hyperlink to define role of GLC)