“In an era of global interconnectedness, the legal professional must possess cross-border awareness, digital literacy, and a firm grasp of emerging legal trends“- Joan M.S. Bull
Joan M. S. Bull is a distinguished legal professional, law enforcement officer and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Sierra Leone. Beginning her career as a teacher after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fourah Bay College. She went on to study law, obtaining her LL.B with Honours and was called to the Bar in 2011. She served as State Counsel and Prosecutor at the Ministry of Justice before joining the Sierra Leone Police in 2018. A.C.P. Bull prosecutes criminal cases, directs investigations, and advises on legal matters. She has held critical roles as Legal Adviser to the Criminal Investigations Department and Legal Expert for the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) and West African Police Information System (WAPIS). Since 2021, she has headed the Legal and Justice Support Department, overseeing legal compliance, policy development, and human rights integration in policing. A recipient of both the Chevening and Fulbright Scholarships, she holds an MSc in Transnational Crime, Justice and Security from the University of Glasgow and an LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law from Franklin Pierce School of Law, University of New Hampshire. Promoted to ACP in 2023, she is a passionate advocate for justice reform, mentorship, and gender inclusion.
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession.
ACP Joan M.S Bull’s passion for the legal profession was ignited by a deep-seated desire to use the law as a tool for justice, fairness, and national development. Growing up in Sierra Leone, she observed how the legal gaps, and institutional weaknesses could affect lives sometimes irreparably. This inspired her to pursue a career where she could help fill those gaps, advocate for the vulnerable, and contribute to building stronger, more accountable systems. Over the years, this passion has been shaped and sustained through hands-on experiences.
Her work in critical investigations and her role in strengthening the criminal justice chain, especially in the area of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), has brought the law to life in practical and impactful ways. Serving as a facilitator in national capacity-building efforts (training prosecutors, investigators, and institutions) has deepened her appreciation for the law as both a science and an art of public service. The law, for her, is not just a career but a calling. What makes it continuously fulfilling is knowing that each investigation and prosecution, each case, each training session, and each policy contribution has the potential to shape positive outcomes, restore confidence in institutions, and protect the integrity of our society. It is this transformative power of the law and the opportunity to inspire the next generation of legal professionals that keeps her passion alive.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
A truly exceptional lawyer in today’s world is not only defined by technical knowledge of the law but by their ability to adapt, think critically, and maintain integrity under pressure. In an era of global interconnectedness, the legal professional must possess cross-border awareness, digital literacy, and a firm grasp of emerging legal trends such as cybercrime, financial investigations, and anti-money laundering frameworks. Equally important are emotional intelligence, empathy, and communication skills especially for lawyers serving in public institutions or advising vulnerable populations. ACP Joan M.S Bull has found that clarity, accountability, and continuous learning are essential qualities that distinguish great legal professionals. She believes young lawyers can cultivate these qualities through mentorship, active engagement in legal reforms, and seeking interdisciplinary exposure. Most importantly, she emphasizes that they must stay grounded in service, letting purpose guide their pursuit of excellence.
3. Significant Ongoing Project or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
ACP Joan M.S Bull encountered a significant challenge during her leadership at the Legal and Justice Support Department of the Sierra Leone Police, where she was tasked with overseeing the prosecution of complex and sensitive criminal cases across the country. One of such cases involved high-level land fraud that implicated influential individuals. Rather than yielding to external interference, she adopted a methodical, evidence-based approach, ensuring that her team remained professional, ethical, and focused on the law. She facilitated coordination between investigators, prosecutors, and partner agencies, while also managing internal morale and protecting the integrity of the process. Through this experience, ACP Bull learned that leadership is not only about making tough decisions but also about maintaining balance between courage and caution. It reinforced her belief in institutional transparency, resilience, and the need for strong systems over individual influence.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books.
ACP Joan M.S Bull believes that legal professionals are central to promoting good governance and the rule of law, especially in developing countries. They serve not only as interpreters of the law but also as guardians of justice and accountability. In her experience, legal practitioners help build public trust in institutions by ensuring that justice is accessible, fair, and impartial. She has consistently used her role within the Sierra Leone Police to strengthen investigative and prosecutorial standards, support legal reforms, and train personnel in ethical legal practice. She also plays a pivotal role in cross-agency collaborations involving anti-corruption, financial crimes, and transnational organized crime, reinforcing the importance of due process. To her, legal professionals must champion transparency, advocate for legal literacy, and be bold in confronting impunity. Their work lays the foundation for democratic stability, social equity, and sustainable national development.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
ACP Joan M.S. Bull played a critical role during the investigation and prosecution of electoral-related violence in Sierra Leone. Following tensions arising during the past election, several politically charged cases were brought before the courts involving allegations of arson, assault, and destruction of public property. As Head of the Legal and Justice Support Department, she supervised a team of prosecutors handling these matters. Despite the political sensitivity and public scrutiny surrounding the cases, she ensured that each was treated with legal objectivity, insisting that suspects (regardless of political affiliation) be granted fair trial rights and that the evidence determined the course of prosecution. Her guidance helped maintain public trust in the justice system during a fragile period. Through her calm leadership, firm grasp of legal standards, and respect for human rights, she reinforced the department’s role as an impartial defender of the rule of law.
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Editorial Team
Silver Obioha
Clinton Nyamongo
Kazeem Afolabi
Dikeledi Matlhagare
Tolulope Olasunkanmi
Sulaimon Badmus
Aya Hamdy
Princess Maake
Jemilat Akerele
Vera Enubianozor
Brandon Otieno
Oluwabusayo Awodele
Kyenpiya Wonang
Gift Nwoke
Jessica Odoh
Tracy Karumba
Mary-Jones Ossi
Halimah Oladunni
Mary Linus
Peter Momoh
Jessica Omoruyi
