Becoming a lawyer in Ghana requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. The journey is long but rewarding for those who complete it. If you aspire to practice law in Ghana, here is a step-by-step guide on how to become a lawyer in Ghana.
Requirements to Become a Lawyer in Ghana
- Have a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from an accredited university in Ghana.
- Pass the Ghana School of Law entrance exam.
- Complete the Ghana School of Law Professional Law Course (PLC).
- Pass the final bar exam.
- Get called to the Bar
- Get Your License
- Congratulations you are now a Lawyer 🎉
Steps to Become a Lawyer in Ghana
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree, preferably in law. However, you can pursue any undergraduate program as long as you meet the minimum requirement set by the Ghana School of Law.
Your bachelor’s degree must be from an accredited university recognized by the National Accreditation Board of Ghana.
Some of the common undergraduate degrees for aspiring lawyers in Ghana include Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy, and Psychology. Courses in these programs will equip you with critical thinking, research, writing, and analytical skills to prepare you for law school.
To increase your chances of getting into law school, ensure you maintain a high Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0. Getting excellent grades demonstrates your ability to handle the rigors of legal education.
Take the Entrance Exam
After earning your bachelor’s degree, the next step is to take the entrance exam to the Ghana School of Law. The current requirement is you must pass the Graduate Entry Examination. This is a standardized test designed to assess your readiness for law school.
The exam consists of a multiple-choice section testing your critical thinking and analysis skills. You’ll also have an essay portion to gauge your writing abilities. The entire exam takes approximately three hours.
Thorough preparation for this exam is vital to gain admission to the Ghana School of Law. Give yourself at least three months for revision. You can find study materials and sample tests online or in bookstores.
Apply to Ghana School of Law
Once you pass the entrance exam, it’s time to apply to the Ghana School of Law. This prestigious institution is currently the only way to gain admission to practice law in Ghana.
Begin the application process online through the school’s website. You’ll need to provide documents such as your bachelor’s degree certificates, transcripts, entrance exam results, passport photos, and reference letters.
There is an application fee you must pay. Also, make sure to apply before the deadline to increase your chances of securing a spot. Competition is very stiff, with thousands applying and only a few hundred gaining admission yearly.
Complete the Professional Law Course
Upon admission to the Ghana School of Law, the next requirement is completing a two-year full-time Professional Law Course. This course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills for legal practice in Ghana.
The curriculum includes courses in corporate law, criminal law, civil procedure, evidence, taxation, intellectual property, and more. You’ll also participate in clinical legal education to gain hands-on experience. Mock trials and moots are a key component to prepare you for real-world practice.
To graduate, you’ll need to pass all your coursework and exams over the two years. The school also requires you complete a six-month pupillage under a practicing lawyer in Ghana. This allows you to learn by shadowing professionals in the field.
Get Called to the Bar
After successfully completing your professional law studies, the final step is to get called to the bar. This ceremony formally admits you to the Ghana Bar Association to practice as a licensed lawyer.
The call to bar ceremony is held at the Supreme Court in Accra. You will be presented to the Chief Justice to take the lawyer’s oath. This pledge confirms your commitment to upholding the ethics and sacred duties of the legal profession.
Once called to the bar, you will receive your license to practice law in all courts of Ghana. Congratulations – your long journey to become a lawyer in Ghana is finally complete! You can now seek employment or set up your own legal firm to start your career.
Getting Licensed in Other Countries
As a lawyer qualified in Ghana, you may also consider obtaining licenses to practice in other countries. This can broaden your career opportunities globally.
For example, with further training and exams, you can become qualified in other common law jurisdictions like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and more. Each country will have specific requirements to meet for foreign-trained lawyers.
You can also practice Ghana law in other countries that allow foreign lawyers. This requires proper registration with the relevant regulatory body in that nation. Always check the local rules carefully before providing any cross-border legal services.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed lawyer in Ghana takes several years of hard work and perseverance. But it’s a noble and rewarding profession for those passionate about law. By following the steps outlined above, you can realize your dream of having a successful legal career in Ghana.
The process requires dedication from earning your bachelor’s degree to passing the entrance exam, graduating law school, and getting called to the bar. Gain legal experience along the way through clinics and pupillage. Consider qualifications to practice abroad to maximize opportunities. Stay determined and keep your eyes on the final prize of becoming a lawyer.
