MLS seeks clarification on senior counsel honors



By Chisomo Phiri

The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has sought clarification from the government regarding the conferment of senior counsel honors on multiple lawyers, including Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda.

This move appears to contravene Sections 52 and 54 of the Legal Education and Legal Practitioners Act of 2018.

In a letter dated August 24, 2024, addressed to Solicitor General Allison M’bangombe, MLS President Patrick Mpaka stated that the proposed conferral on Chakaka Nyirenda is based on an application rather than his service as AG for over two years.



The letter highlights that Nyirenda was admitted to the Bar on July 22, 2008, and lodged the application on July 13, 2022, with less than 15 years of practice at the Bar.

The Solicitor General responded in a letter dated August 25, 2024, acknowledging the MLS’s observations but noting that since the recommendations came from the MLS’s Honours Committee, the Society should convene a meeting to address any overlooked issues and advise the authorities accordingly.