'There is space for everyone at the Bar' – Ace Ankomah to new lawyers

Lawyer Kojo Anan Ankomah has urged newly qualified lawyers not to be discouraged by the growing number of entrants into Ghana’s legal profession, saying opportunities exist for those willing to work hard, develop expertise and identify their strengths.

His advice follows the call to the Bar of a record 1,092 new lawyers on Friday, a development that has raised concerns about whether the legal profession has enough opportunities to accommodate the increasing numbers.

Responding to the concerns, Ankomah said there was room for lawyers to thrive but stressed that individual choices, dedication and the ability to create value would determine their success.

“My answer is ‘yes, but it depends on the individual.' You can make this profession a heaven or hell, all by yourself,” he said in a message to the new entrants.

Ankomah cautioned against the perception that becoming a lawyer necessarily meant practising in court, arguing that the profession offered several career paths beyond courtroom advocacy.

He identified opportunities in academia, government institutions, corporate organisations, commercial transactions, advisory services, dispute resolution, non-governmental organisations and the judiciary.

According to him, lawyers can pursue careers in legal research and teaching, work with the Attorney-General’s Department and other public institutions, serve as in-house counsel for private companies or advise clients on commercial transactions without handling disputes.

He also highlighted civil and criminal litigation, alternative dispute resolution, industrial and administrative hearings, regulatory investigations and police work as areas where legal training could be applied.

Ankomah noted that these career paths were not mutually exclusive, adding that lawyers could specialise in particular fields or combine expertise across several areas.

He advised new lawyers to identify the areas in which they perform best and can earn a sustainable income while continuing to strengthen their knowledge of other aspects of the profession.

“Very few people excel in all of these: it’s often in one or two of them. You must find the area where you work best and which will pay you some money; then work hard at it while making sure that you aren’t weak in the other areas,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that professional success did not always begin with a preferred career path, noting that circumstances might compel young lawyers to accept available opportunities.

He urged them to approach such assignments with commitment rather than dismissing work that might initially appear unsuitable.

“Whatever happens, still give it your best shot. You might end up liking it and becoming very good at it. You then add that to your arsenal or repertoire,” he advised.

On financial expectations, Ankomah cautioned against expecting immediate wealth after being called to the Bar. He said sustained hard work, competence and the ability to add value to assignments would eventually create opportunities for financial success.

“My experience is that if you work hard and add value to everything you do, this profession will take care of you… very well,” he said.

He also reminded the new lawyers that their legal education could open doors beyond conventional legal practice, noting that some might choose to apply their knowledge in other professions or ventures.

Ankomah urged the newly qualified lawyers to embrace continuous learning and thorough preparation, stressing that professional success required more than obtaining a qualification.

“Gear up and show up! Dress up and show up! Read, read, read, and apply everything there is on a given job,” he said.

Using case preparation as an example, he urged lawyers to study all relevant authorities before advising clients or handling a matter, rather than relying on a few familiar cases.

“If there are 20 cases on a matter, read them all. Choose those that best apply and distinguish those that don’t apply. Simply, make every job a WOW MOMENT!” he added.

Ankomah concluded by welcoming the new lawyers to the profession and encouraging them to approach their careers with confidence, diligence and a determination to excel.

EA