About Tanner Legal Advisory
Four decades of legal excellence, serving Sierra Leone and beyond with unwavering commitment to justice and client success
A Legacy of Legal Excellence Since 1982
Founded by Dr. Franklyn Bai Kargbo in 1982, Tanner Legal Advisory has grown from a visionary practice into Sierra Leone's premier legal firm. Our founder's distinguished career, including serving twice as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, established the foundation for our commitment to excellence and integrity.
Today, under the leadership of Managing Partner Africanus Sorie Sesay, we continue to build on this legacy, providing strategic legal counsel to high-value corporate and individual clients across diverse practice areas, with particular expertise in Shipping & Maritime Law and Sports Law.
Our Values
The principles that guide our practice and define our commitment to clients
Excellence
Committed to delivering the highest quality legal services with precision and expertise.
Client-Focused
Your success is our priority. We tailor our approach to meet your unique needs.
Integrity
Upholding the highest ethical standards in every aspect of our practice.
Innovation
Combining traditional legal wisdom with modern strategies for optimal results.
Our Leadership
Meet the partners who guide our firm's strategic vision and client service excellence
Dr. Franklyn Bai Kargbo
As founder, Dr. Franklyn Bai Kargbo serves as a highly esteemed Consultant Partner at Tanner Legal Advisory, bringing decades of unparalleled experience from the highest levels of public and private sector law in Sierra Leone and across Africa. A two-time Attorney General and Minister of Justice for Sierra Leone, he has been instrumental in shaping the nation's legal framework, having also served as a Presidential Advisor and as the Executive Secretary for the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Dr. Kargbo's distinguished international career includes senior legal roles with the African Union Commission's Peace and Security Council and its mission in Sudan (AMIS/Darfur), as well as serving as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in The Gambia. His profound expertise in public law, international justice, and strategic governance offers the firm's clients an exceptional depth of insight and counsel.
Africanus Sorie Sesay
As the Managing Partner of Tanner Legal Advisory, Africanus Sorie Sesay is one of Sierra Leone's most seasoned and respected legal practitioners. With over two decades at the firm, he has led its operations since 2009, building a formidable reputation in high-stakes civil and criminal litigation, as well as corporate and commercial law. He is renowned for providing strategic counsel in landmark cases, having represented prominent national figures including former President Ernest Bai Koroma. Beyond his role at the firm, Mr. Sesay holds the significant position of Chairman of the Board for the National Protected Area Authority and Conservation Trust Fund, demonstrating his leadership in national governance and environmental protection. His extensive experience is further complemented by his academic background, with a history of lecturing in International Law.
Brima Koroma
Brima Koroma is a Senior Partner at Tanner Legal Advisory, bringing over twenty years of distinguished post-call experience to the firm. His robust practice encompasses high-stakes corporate law, where he represents leading multinational corporations in the mining, telecommunications, and agricultural sectors, balanced by a profound, lifelong commitment to human rights. This dedication is evidenced by his leadership roles at NGOs like Timap for Justice and over a decade of pro bono service for the Ravera Children’s Rehabilitation Centre. A respected leader in the legal community, Brima has served as a public enterprise Board Chairman, a long-standing member of the Rules of Court Committee, and a law lecturer at both Fourah Bay College and N'jala University, embodying a career built on integrity, diligence, and a passion for justice.
Our Associates
Experienced legal professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional client service
James Bockarie Sesay
Emmanuel Wanna Conteh
Emmanuel Wanna Conteh is a distinguished Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone. After graduating with honours from Fourah Bay College and finishing among the top of his class at the Sierra Leone Law School, he has built a robust practice with significant expertise in Shipping Law, Sports Law & Arbitration, Corporate Law, and Litigation for both corporate and private clients. Emmanuel's work is driven by a profound commitment to integrity, professional excellence, and unwavering client advocacy, viewing the law not merely as a career but as a calling to serve humanity with faith and diligence. A dedicated member of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, he actively contributes to the legal community by mentoring young lawyers and promoting a culture of ethical excellence.
Moses Alankay Mansaray
Ibrahim Shaw
Alpha Umaru Bah
Alpha Umaru Bah is a dedicated legal professional whose expertise is built on a strong academic foundation from Fourah Bay College and the Sierra Leone Law School. His practice is significantly enhanced by specialized post-graduate training from the prestigious Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, where he earned advanced certifications in critical areas such as Children’s Rights, Accountable Governance, and the Judicial Enforcement of Socio-Economic Rights in Africa. This unique background provides him with in-depth knowledge in his primary areas of focus: Human Rights and Governance, Arbitration, **Sport Law, and Corporate and Commercial Law.
Charley Mabinty Jonah
Mariam Maamu Kakay
Yvonne Thompson-Davis
Brendaford G Wyse
Mary I. Bangura
Mary Isha Bangura is a Junior Associate at Tanner Legal Advisory with a profound commitment to human rights advocacy and securing justice for women and marginalized communities. Called to the Sierra Leone Bar in 2023, she applies her sharp analytical skills across the firm's commercial, procurement, and intellectual property practices. Her legal perspective is uniquely enriched by her formative experience at Timap for Justice, where she gained direct experience in community-based justice and alternative dispute resolution. This dedication to accessible justice is further demonstrated through her active involvement with the We Next Sierra Leone Women Empowerment Organisation, making her a passionate and insightful advocate who strives to make the law work for those whose voices are often unheard.
Joseph Kamara
Pupil Barristers
The next generation of legal excellence, training under our experienced practitioners
Ibrahim Allieu Yonga Wusu Conteh
Ibrahim is a Pupil Barrister at Tanner Legal Advisory, where he is developing his expertise in corporate and commercial law, employment law, and contract drafting. He brings a uniquely strategic perspective to the firm, holding dual degrees in Law (LL.B.) and Accounting & Finance from Fourah Bay College. This powerful combination allows him to analyze legal challenges with a sharp commercial lens, ensuring practical and effective solutions for clients. Driven by a commitment to justice and precision, Ibrahim is dedicated to contributing meaningfully to the legal profession in Sierra Leone.