{
  "id": 13252548,
  "title": "In the matter of my first year at the Bar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/in-the-matter-of-my-first-year-at-the-bar",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T23:10:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/in-the-matter-of-my-first-year-at-the-bar/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the matter of my first year at the Bar, I have learned a great deal in the Court of Appeal, the High Court, and Circuit Court. The rules of procedure provide the skeleton for a court, but the room has a living body, with judges having habits and registries having rhythms. The lawyers I admire most are often the least vocal, working diligently and calmly. Practicing between the High Court and the Circuit Court has demonstrated that they cater to different instincts. The High Court values authority and organized bundles, while the Circuit Court, especially in family matters, operates closer to the people whose lives are affected, and a petitioner for a matrimonial cause wants to know when proceedings will conclude. Litigation is filled with waiting; the other party may not have been served, and a date months away may be announced as a success. Clients often fail to understand this and blame us for our culture of adjournments. I intend to be prepared on the day and inform clients about delay early. My first Monday in the Circuit Court was unremarkable, as I was required to argue a judgment day matter alone. I found myself sitting at the bar, opening a notebook, and listening intently as the judge read his judgment. I learned the importance of hearing correctly and reporting faithfully, as my senior would plan his next moves from my notes. Standing up to make a motion for substituted service was my first time speaking alone before the court. Despite rehearsing for two days, I stumbled over the opening sentence, but the judge patiently asked a question that cut through my confusion. I learned that stating my application in two sentences was crucial to understanding it. The Court of Appeal is a different world, with a quieter atmosphere and questions coming from three sides simultaneously. Appealing arguments revolve around whether the law was correctly applied, judged by a panel that has scrutinized the record more closely than I could. I remember reflecting on the first Monday and feeling the distance. Law is not solely about earning money; paying rent and maintaining a professional standard is essential. However, taking every matter that pays quickly often teaches nothing and can be costly in the long run. Early years at the Bar are an apprenticeship, and every hour in court and correction of drafts is invaluable training that cannot be replaced by tuition. The Bar has shortcuts, such as undercutting colleagues, accepting beyond your competence, and promising results that no honest lawyer can guarantee. These shortcuts consume reputation, which young practitioners cannot easily regain. I maintain my passion for writing articles, mostly about football, alongside my legal practice. Balancing both can be challenging, especially when deadlines overlap. However, I believe that law school and courtroom experience have made me clearer in submissions, while writing has helped me become more cautious about publishing undefensible claims. The legal profession is smaller than it appears, and the people you meet will play a significant role in your career. Be courteous, never lie to a court, and always be prepared to defend what you say. Credibility is the only asset a young lawyer truly possesses. I am grateful for the guidance and mentorship of my seniors, brother Andrew Khartey and Elikem Adisenu-Doe, and I intend to emulate their teaching methods. While I am not yet the lawyer I aspire to become, I recognize the profession's demands: diligent preparation unseen by others, honesty that may incur costs, and patience. My journey began with listening on the Monday after my call, and I am thankful for the start. To the 1400 newly called to the Bar, commiserations to my cousin David Andreas Hesse Jnr and friends Samuel Kyeremeh, Daisy Hanson-Nortey, and Anne Adjasah. The years of study and sacrifices of family members culminate in this moment, and you stand before the auditorium. Have a successful year ahead.",
  "summary": "A year ago, I heard my name read out as a member of the Bar in Ghana. Twelve months in the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the Circuit Court have since taught me more than the long years of preparation that came before. What follows is what I have learnt, written for myself and for the lawyers who will be called this Friday. What the Rules Do Not Tell You The rules of procedure give a court…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}