2 answers
Deborah
Student
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
1
Question
Updated
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What advice would you give me ? I currently have an LLB degree and is a QCL candidate in Ghana who looks foward to working in the diaspora .
I am in my final year at the law school
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2 answers
J Barnes
5
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
J’s Answer
Hi,
My advice is to always remember your "why" or the reasons you are on the career path you are on today. When working with human beings there will be many factors that you cannot control but you can control yourself and how you choose to show up in the world. Remembering your "why" will help you to remain passionate, curious, and excited as you experience the challenges, and highs and lows that all careers bring. I'd advise you to find ways to prioritize your own joy, hobbies, and mental health so you can know when you need step away to refuel yourself and you know which methods work to refuel so you can continue the noble work you intend to do and not experience fast burn out. If you have not done so already, adopt some practices that will help you stay organized personally and professionally. Find systems by writing things down or using phone reminders to remind you. Adopt other practices that allow for human connection outside of work ( like friends and family). Build those communities so you have a soft place to land when needed. If you have already done some of these things then you are on a good path.
All the best
My advice is to always remember your "why" or the reasons you are on the career path you are on today. When working with human beings there will be many factors that you cannot control but you can control yourself and how you choose to show up in the world. Remembering your "why" will help you to remain passionate, curious, and excited as you experience the challenges, and highs and lows that all careers bring. I'd advise you to find ways to prioritize your own joy, hobbies, and mental health so you can know when you need step away to refuel yourself and you know which methods work to refuel so you can continue the noble work you intend to do and not experience fast burn out. If you have not done so already, adopt some practices that will help you stay organized personally and professionally. Find systems by writing things down or using phone reminders to remind you. Adopt other practices that allow for human connection outside of work ( like friends and family). Build those communities so you have a soft place to land when needed. If you have already done some of these things then you are on a good path.
All the best
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Deborah !
Please consider that if you are in your "last year" in Law School, are you sure that you already hold your Law Degree ? The Qualifying Certificate in Law in Ghana is required and in your country it is for those who complete their Bachelor of Law Degree, so you still have to take this component and exam which is a two year program still. So you still have some time to go before practicing as a Lawyer. If you are a candidate, that means you'll be taking the course and the exams once you hold your Bachelor of Law Degree. If you are in law school and not sure of the path at the end, visit your Law School's advisors to obtain the best information.
That being said, working with Diaspora is a very thoughtful aim, and that will mean working with people of Ghanaian descent and African descent that are living abroad. Find out from your Law School if you need any additional certifications because you'd be working with people all over the world in different countries. Your Law School should guide you on this, not random people.
Once you are able to practice law, and if you want to work with diaspora clients only, it may take some time to get work. You'll be an immigration lawyer for people who live all over the world, so consider having a second type of law that you can practice in between obtaining diaspora clients. You'll have to build a website, build up a strong reputation so people in other countries will know to go to you, use Linked In, participate in as many online networking events as you can, and join international legal associations which your Law School will need to refer you to. My advice is to keep an open mind and do not limit the work that you could do as a Lawyer. It will take a lot of time to get known as someone who serves diaspora clients. My advice is to make stronger connections with your current Law School and rely on their informative guidance.
You can find out where the diaspora are by contacting the Diaspora Affairs Office of your government, the Diaspora Support Unit at The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration at the Diaspora Affairs Bureau. Also look into The Diaspora African Forum. Research about this is valuable even before you start practicing as an attorney.
Thanks for reaching out about this and I wish you all the best !
Please consider that if you are in your "last year" in Law School, are you sure that you already hold your Law Degree ? The Qualifying Certificate in Law in Ghana is required and in your country it is for those who complete their Bachelor of Law Degree, so you still have to take this component and exam which is a two year program still. So you still have some time to go before practicing as a Lawyer. If you are a candidate, that means you'll be taking the course and the exams once you hold your Bachelor of Law Degree. If you are in law school and not sure of the path at the end, visit your Law School's advisors to obtain the best information.
That being said, working with Diaspora is a very thoughtful aim, and that will mean working with people of Ghanaian descent and African descent that are living abroad. Find out from your Law School if you need any additional certifications because you'd be working with people all over the world in different countries. Your Law School should guide you on this, not random people.
Once you are able to practice law, and if you want to work with diaspora clients only, it may take some time to get work. You'll be an immigration lawyer for people who live all over the world, so consider having a second type of law that you can practice in between obtaining diaspora clients. You'll have to build a website, build up a strong reputation so people in other countries will know to go to you, use Linked In, participate in as many online networking events as you can, and join international legal associations which your Law School will need to refer you to. My advice is to keep an open mind and do not limit the work that you could do as a Lawyer. It will take a lot of time to get known as someone who serves diaspora clients. My advice is to make stronger connections with your current Law School and rely on their informative guidance.
You can find out where the diaspora are by contacting the Diaspora Affairs Office of your government, the Diaspora Support Unit at The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration at the Diaspora Affairs Bureau. Also look into The Diaspora African Forum. Research about this is valuable even before you start practicing as an attorney.
Thanks for reaching out about this and I wish you all the best !