Former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has urged newly called lawyers to uphold diligence, discipline, and integrity in their professional lives, describing the law profession as a “sure insurance against poverty” for those who remain committed to excellence.
Speaking over the weekend at the 2025 Learned Dinner organised by the Law Students Network (LSN) in collaboration with Dame and Partners, Mr Dame encouraged the new lawyers to remain faithful to the ethics of their profession and take full advantage of the opportunities it offers.
“There is no profession that can guarantee protection against poverty better than the legal profession,” the former Attorney General said.
He advised the new lawyers to be diligent in their work and to pay fidelity to the principles of the legal profession, adding that dedication and competence would ensure their long-term success.
Mr Dame further assured the young lawyers that there were many senior practitioners available to mentor and support them in their early years at the Bar. He emphasised that discipline, humility, and consistency remained the hallmarks of great lawyers.
Learned Dinner
The Learned Dinner serves as a networking platform to connect newly called lawyers with senior members of the Bar and to encourage professional mentorship.
This year’s edition was attended by several distinguished legal practitioners and Members of Parliament, including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi; Sammi Awuku, MP for Akuapem North; and Kow Essuman, Legal Advisor to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Earn Your Place
Delivering his remarks, Gary Nimako Marfo, Founder and Managing Partner of Marfo & Associates and Director of Legal Affairs of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), also advised the new lawyers to uphold the highest ethical standards in their work.
He cautioned them not to rely on political affiliations to advance their careers but to first prove their competence as lawyers.
“Politics can be a game changer,” he said, “but it is your professional excellence that opens doors for you. Even political opportunities depend on the reputation you build as a lawyer.”
Mr Nimako added that senior lawyers often recommend diligent and ethical juniors for professional and political opportunities, hence the need to build a solid foundation rooted in hard work and integrity.
