Actions not Words – Black History Month and Pro Bono

PRO BONO

Actions not Words – Black History Month and Pro Bono

I was scanning the Law Society website one day in 2016 and saw an article about the work of the UK Sierra Leone Pro Bono Network. My instant reaction was “I need to be a part of this!” I got in touch with Momo Turay and Richard Honey KC at the Network and the rest as they say is history.

As a British Sierra Leonean lawyer, I felt an instant affinity with the work of the Network and was eager to contribute in some way. I wanted to use my skills and experience as an economic crime investigations and prosecutions expert to help make a difference. The Network is a loose affiliation of lawyers, law enforcement officers, judges and other experts with a Steering Group chaired by Dame Linda Dobbs DBE. I was welcomed with open arms by all and soon become the Anti-Corruption Lead for our work with the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Judiciary in Sierra Leone. I have worked alongside two Commissioners, two Chief Justices and led at least 6 in-country missions since 2017. My pro bono journey has been challenging at times as I struggled to balance building my investigations practice, family life alongside my commitment to this work. There have been times when I didn’t think I could do it anymore and the support of my family and other members of the Network has been invaluable.

The theme for this year’s Black History Month is “Actions not Words” and it aligns perfectly with how I view my pro bono work with the Network. It has allowed me to engage with amazing professionals who work in very difficult circumstances and with limited resources. It has given me the opportunity to build relationships within the institutions we support, that is based on mutual respect and trust. My pro bono work has allowed me to give back to my country of birth by collaborating with other professionals to make an impact. I enjoy the camaraderie amongst members of the Network and admire the passion and steadfast dedication to our work. Whilst I have sought to make a difference through my pro bono work, it has unexpectedly made an even bigger difference to my personal and professional life.

Lloydette Bai-Marrow

Lloydette Bai-Marrow

CEO/Founding Partner

Parametric Global Consulting