What makes a good lawyer? – Ntrakwah(Esq) counsels potential practitioners
“You are all aware that the number of lawyers called each year to the Bar is on the ascendancy so this means that as lawyers, or potential lawyers, you must set yourselves apart.”
Managing Partner at Ntrakwah and Co, Abena Ntrakwah-Mensah has counseled law students on the real qualities and attitudes to imbibe in preparation for becoming good lawyers.
She notes that the first step to becoming a successful lawyer is by settling on where one wants to get to, as a student of law.
Addressing Law students at the 2022 FALAS CONFERENCE at the University of Ghana School of Law, Madam Ntrakwah further advised the students to bear in mind that in addition to their academic certificates, they need soft skills to stand out as lawyers.
By soft skills, the legal practitioner meant teamwork, confidence, adaptability, problem-solving, leadership skills, work ethics, and time management.
“You are all aware that the number of lawyers called each year to the Bar is on the ascendancy so this means that as lawyers, or potential lawyers, you must set yourselves apart.”
Setting yourself apart from other lawyers
She noted that for one to achieve this, he/she ought to have other areas of interest or options like a foreign language, IT, Finance, and anything else aside from law.
Moreover, Madam Ntrakwah touched on some online courses that are key in setting potential lawyers apart from their colleagues like Digital Marketing, Intellectual property, Financial Market, Negotiation, Arbitration, Project Management, and Business Development.
She thus cautioned the students against looking down on learning other courses because they do not know where their next clients as lawyers may come from.
Specialization
Additionally, the lawyer took time to highlight some areas of specializations that a lawyer may want to go into.
She mentioned Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Land Law, Aviation, Environment, Intellectual Property, Sports Law, Entertainment Law, Tax Law, Labour Law, and many others.
Further to the above, Madam Ntrakwah also mentioned that after being called to the Bar, where a lawyer starts his/her career influences his/her advancement in the practice noting that a lawyer who begins professional practice in an environment where there is no learning or training, will be limited thus advised them not to be only interested in money.
Moreover, the private legal practitioner emphasized that Legal Education goes beyond the acquisition of an LLB or Call to the Bar.
She said that a lot more is required of a lawyer and thus advised students who do not gain access to Law School in Ghana or elsewhere, not to give up because a combination of a law degree and another discipline in any field, is a sure way to make a difference.
