At 67, new lawyer vows to defend the disadvantaged

Samuel Victor Addo, who was called to the Ghana Bar at 67 this year after retiring from a successful career in corporate America, says he intends to practise law actively, with a particular focus on helping disadvantaged and underserved people access legal assistance. Mr Addo said his decision to pursue law later in life was not simply about earning a professional qualification but also about putting his knowledge to use in supporting people who might otherwise struggle to obtain legal advice.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Personality Profile with Lexis Bill on Thursday, October 22, he said he intended to begin with general legal practice while assessing the areas in which he could make the greatest contribution. “I plan to actively practise law, and I think it will be general practice because specialisation may take a while for you to figure out how to specialise and what if the area of your interest and specialisation is not really fulfilling or lucrative,” he said.

Mr Addo explained that, for as long as his health and energy permitted, he wanted to remain active in the profession and use his skills to help people in need. “So, I think my plan is that, so far as I have the strength and the energy, I would continue to practise law with the aim of helping the disadvantaged, the indigent, and the underserved,” he said.

Legal help beyond the courtroom Mr Addo said he also hoped to assist people within his family, social circles and personal networks who needed legal guidance. He noted that having a lawyer within a family could be valuable when important decisions had legal implications, helping relatives understand their options before committing themselves to a course of action.

“And people in my social and personal orbit who need legal help or even advice. A lawyer in a family can also be very pivotal because there are decisions that will be made that need legal advice and legal input,” he said. His comments reflect his intention to make legal support accessible not only through formal representation but also through advice that could help people make informed decisions.

Mr Addo said he expected to remain active in legal practice for as long as he was physically able. “So in that respect, I think I’ll be very active as far as practice of law is concerned,” he said. His decision to enter the legal profession at 67 follows his return to Ghana after a career in the United States, including work with Delta Air Lines. He has described his legal studies as demanding but rewarding and said his determination helped him complete the programme alongside much younger students.

His next challenge will be to translate that qualification into practical service, particularly for people who need legal assistance but have limited means to obtain it.