Lawyer , career path in Ghana
Lawyers advise clients, draft and negotiate agreements, and represent people and organisations before courts and regulators.
Possible pathway , SHS to professional
This is one legitimate route, not the only one. See “Alternative routes” below.
- 1
SHS
Build a strong WASSCE profile in the subjects below.
- 2
WASSCE subjects
English Language, Literature, Government, History, Economics
Open →
- 3
Programme
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and related programmes
Open →
- 4
University / institution
Accredited Ghanaian institutions offering these programmes.
Open →
- 5
Skills
Legal research, Drafting, Case analysis, Regulatory knowledge
Open →
- 6
Projects
Join moot court and legal aid clinics
- 7
Internship
Vacation attachments at law firms
- 8
Entry-level role
Legal Assistant, Pupil / Associate, Compliance Officer
- 9
Professional career
Lawyer
- 10
Specialisation
Judge, Arbitrator or Policy Leader
- 1
SHS
Build a strong WASSCE profile in the subjects below.
- 2
WASSCE subjects
English Language, Literature, Government, History, Economics
Open →
- 3
Programme
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and related programmes
Open →
- 4
University / institution
Accredited Ghanaian institutions offering these programmes.
Open →
- 5
Skills
Legal research, Drafting, Case analysis, Regulatory knowledge
Open →
- 6
Projects
Join moot court and legal aid clinics
- 7
Internship
Vacation attachments at law firms
- 8
Entry-level role
Legal Assistant, Pupil / Associate, Compliance Officer
- 9
Professional career
Lawyer
- 10
Specialisation
Judge, Arbitrator or Policy Leader
What this career involves
- Research law and precedent
- Draft contracts, opinions and pleadings
- Advise clients on risk and compliance
- Appear in court or arbitration (once called to the Bar)
- Negotiate settlements and deals
Recommended SHS background
Relevant university programmes
Alternative programmes
Recommended certifications
- Ghana School of Law professional course and call to the Bar (required to practise)
- Compliance or arbitration certifications for specialists
Projects you can build
- Join moot court and legal aid clinics
- Write case commentaries
- Volunteer with a legal aid or human rights NGO
Internship opportunities
- Vacation attachments at law firms
- Attorney-General's Department
- In-house legal or compliance teams at banks and telcos
Entry-level roles
Industries
Career progression
- Legal Assistant
- Associate
- Senior Associate
- Partner or General Counsel
- Judge, Arbitrator or Policy Leader
Alternative routes
- First degree in another field, then a post-first-degree LLB
- Compliance or paralegal work while studying part-time
- Policy or regulatory career without call to the Bar
Further education
- Ghana School of Law (professional)
- LLM specialisation
- Arbitration and mediation qualifications
Skills you need
Tap any skill for what it is and free places to learn it. Sources are credited on the credits page.
Foundation skills
Start here — these make everything else easier.
Technical skills
The core know-how employers test you on.
Tools & technologies
The software and equipment used on the job.
Soft skills
How you work with people. Often decides who gets hired.
Industry knowledge
Rules, regulators and context specific to Ghana and the sector.
Advanced skills
Build these after the basics to specialise and stand out.
Verified programmes for this career
Loading verified programmes…
Common roles
Employers hiring in Ghana
Reported salary range
GHS 3,000 - 15,000/month
Ranges are indicative market reports, not guaranteed pay.
Remote & international potential
Mostly in-person; compliance and contract review roles can be remote.
Search: 'Legal Officer Ghana', 'Compliance Accra'. Follow the Ghana Bar Association.
Related careers
Sources
Last updated 2026-08-20