British-Ghanaian Lawyers Union (BGLU)

This week, we introduce our beloved and wonderful Events Coordinator Lead (UK), Shelaine S. Mitchell. We asked Shelaine a few questions about her time with BGLU and where she sees the organisation in a few years time. 🎉👏🏿🎊✨😃 Q: What year did you join BGLU, and what drew you to the organisation? A: I joined BGLU in 2023 and became a part of the Operations Team in 2024. Q: Why did you join the Operations Team, and what drew you to the role? A: I was really pleased to see an organisation that brings the British-Ghanaian legal community together. As a minority in the legal profession, having a strong sense of community is invaluable. I wanted to contribute meaningfully to the group, and events stood out as an area where I could make an impact. A: Having attended many events myself, I understand their benefits and how they can educate, inform, and bring people together. I was excited to take on the role of Events Coordinator Lead, where I could create opportunities for our members to share their insights and experiences, whether as panellists or audience members. In my role I am able to apply my creativity and organisational skills to develop engaging and impactful events. Additionally, I enjoy curating events that align with our members’ needs and aspirations. Q:How has being part of the community impacted you personally and professionally? A: Being part of BGLU has allowed me to expand my network both in the UK and Ghana. I am currently mentoring one of our members who connected with me after one of our events. Additionally, I now work at a firm where two of our members are also employed, and their support has been invaluable in my new role. The community as a whole has been incredibly supportive, and I’ve benefited from the collective knowledge and camaraderie it provides. Q:What do you think is next for BGLU as a community and organisation? A: I believe the next step is to continue expanding our reach and influence. This includes hosting more events in both the UK and Ghana, strengthening connections with law firms, and fostering cross-border opportunities. I envision BGLU leading initiatives that create pathways for UK lawyers to practice in Ghana and for Ghanaian lawyers to gain experience in the UK. These efforts will solidify BGLU as a driving force for professional development and collaboration within the British-Ghanaian legal network. - Shelaine is an in-house trainee solicitor, due to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2025. Having completed the LPC at BPP University in 2019, She combines a strong academic foundation with extensive experience in television production. Shelaine has earned legal and business affairs credits on high-profile productions, including BBC’s Survivor and Richard Osman’s House of Games. This blend of legal training and industry expertise allows Shelaine to deliver innovative and commercially focused solutions for the creative industry.

BGLU x Detty December (Ghana) - Our annual BGLU Networking Mixer is here! 🎉 Join us for an Unforgettable Evening! 🎉 and let’s wrap up 2024 with style, connections, and great vibes. 🗓 Date: Monday, 30th December 2024 📍 Venue: The Lennox, Atlantic Tower Airport ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM sharp 💰 Ticket Price: GH₵450 / £25 Come ready to mingle, network, and celebrate with fellow members of the BGLU family. It’s the perfect way to end the year while building meaningful connections. 📞 For tickets and inquiries, contact us: +233 20 303 7223 or [email protected] Alternatively, you can register below and once registered, we will send you more information for payment. https://lnkd.in/dQ74CTdj

This week, British-Ghanaian Lawyers Union (BGLU)'s PR Lead (Ghana) Roxanne Amihere, Esq. takes the stage and shares with us why she joined and, what her hope for the future of BGLU looks like: Q: What year did you join BGLU and what drew you to the organisation? A: I joined the British-Ghanaian Lawyers Union (BGLU) in 2017. What drew me to the organisation was its commitment to fostering a strong and supportive network among British-Ghanaian legal professionals. As someone passionate about community building, advocacy, and diaspora engagement, I saw BGLU as a platform to contribute meaningfully while connecting with like-minded individuals who share my heritage and professional interests. Q: Why did you join the Operational Team, and what drew you to the role? A: Joining the Operational Team as PR Lead felt like a natural step. I’ve always been passionate about strategic communication, promoting inclusivity, and showcasing the achievements of individuals within the legal diaspora. This role allowed me to blend my expertise in public relations with my desire to amplify the voices of British-Ghanaian lawyers, highlighting their contributions to the legal profession both locally and internationally. Q:How has being a part of the community impacted you as a person and your career? A: Being part of BGLU has been an incredibly enriching experience. On a personal level, it has deepened my appreciation for the power of community and collaboration. Professionally, it has provided invaluable opportunities to network, grow, and learn from seasoned and young lawyers alike. Through BGLU, I’ve had the chance to engage in events that foster meaningful connections, participate in mentorship programs, and collaborate on impactful initiatives. These experiences have strengthened my leadership skills, broadened my global perspective, and empowered me to advocate for representation in the legal sector. Q:What do you think is next for BGLU as a community and an organisation? A:The future of BGLU is incredibly promising. I see the organisation expanding its influence by creating even more networking opportunities, fostering partnerships in the UK, USA, and Africa, and building stronger bridges between these regions. With a focus on mentorship, professional development, and advocacy, BGLU is positioned to lead transformative initiatives that address the legal, social, and economic challenges faced by our communities. I envision greater collaborations with global organisations, the establishment of impactful cross-border projects, and continued efforts to empower the next generation of British-Ghanaian lawyers to thrive on the world stage. Thank you Roxanne Amihere, Esq. for all your hard work, dedication and commitment. Thank you for building the community in Ghana and for always making room and space for others to excel! We appreciate you.

It's been almost five years since British-Ghanaian Lawyers Union (BGLU) started and we believe that it's important to stop and reflect on how far we have come.   This community was birthed out of a desire to bring people together and ensure that everyone (Aspiring Lawyers, Legal Assistants, Paralegals, Trainee Lawyers, NQ-5PQE, 5PQE -Partnership and Inhouse) has the opportunity to shine knowing that they have a whole village of support behind them.    We stopped asking for a seat at the table and decided to create our own. Reclaiming narratives, ultimately means to thrive beyond social constructs that devalue, dehumanise and oppress.    British-Ghanaian Lawyers Union (BGLU) will continue to celebrate this multifaceted, ingenious community. We are committed and determined to take *joy* in honouring the diversity of our African heritage in shaping us all to be well rounded lawyers.     Join us this month as we ask our operational team a few questions (some looking back and others looking forward) on their time with the team and what they believe the future holds for our community.

Thank You! Our “Empowering Young Lawyers” Event has Sold Out! ✨ We are thrilled to announce that “Empowering Young Lawyers - Enhancing Your Professional Profile” on Eventbrite has officially sold out! 🎇 This promises to be an exciting and insightful event, and we are so grateful for your enthusiasm and support. If you wanted to attend but weren’t able to register, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. We’ll do our best to assist you. The event is taking place tomorrow, at 8 PM—we can’t wait to see you there! Warm regards, Roxanne Amihere, Esq. Amihere, Esq. PR Lead, British-Ghanaian Lawyers Union (BGLU)

British-Ghanaian Lawyers Union (BGLU) Presents: Empowering Young Lawyers: Enhancing Your Professional Profile Join our wonderful host Roxanne Amihere, Esq. for an engaging and insightful panel discussion aimed at equipping young lawyers with the tools to build a strong and impactful professional profile. This event will provide practical strategies for leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, personal websites, social media, and networking opportunities to stand out in the competitive legal field. Our esteemed panelists include: • Karen S. Barnieh Olutogun, Award-Winning Barrister and UN Women UK Delegate • Kow Essuman, Counsel to the President and Young Leader of the World Economic Forum • Abenaa Agyekum, Strategic In-House Counsel, Extractive Industries • Emmanuel Sackitey Mate-Kole, Managing Partner, M&O Law Consult Date: 21st November Time: 8:00 PM Platform: Zoom Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/eW6D4qtm cc Ishmael Martey ; Stephanie Boateng; Shelaine S. Mitchell ; Ohenewaa A.

This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives,” and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. By emphasising “Reclaiming Narratives,” we shine a brighter light on our stories, allegories, and history. Join us for a virtual chat with Barbara Mills KC as we dive into her experiences and insights as someone who has been in the profession for over 30 years. We are also incredibly honoured and priviledged to have the wonderful Nana Prempeh hosting this conversation. Nana Prempeh is a Senior Legal Counsel at a long-established energy trading house in London. Following a sixteen-year journey to qualification, she is dedicated to inspiring and empowering others. Having hosted two sold-out events this year, she is excited to partner with BGLU on what promises to be both an interesting and informative event. Date: 5th November 2024 Time: 4:45-5:45 BST Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/eBprYUKV . British-Ghanaian Lawyers Union (BGLU) is committed to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full breathe of Black heritage. It’s about taking control of our stories and honouring our heroes while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally. #ReclaimingNarratives We aim to foster a space where the rich tapestry of Black history is celebrated and revered, we are excited for you to join us on the 5 November 2024!

Happy Black History Month! In celebration of this important month, we’re excited to share the recording of the second installment in our event series: Career Journey of a UK Lawyer : Newly Qualified Solicitors. Our newly qualified lawyers shared their experiences and offered valuable tips from the early stages of their legal careers. Whether you’re an aspiring lawyer or a seasoned professional, this video is full of valuable insights and advice that you won’t want to miss. A special thank you to our wonderful host, Steph L. from White & Case LLP, who led the discussion brilliantly, and to Ohenewaa A. (BGLU’s Global Strategic Partnerships (Lead)), for moderating the conversation. We were privileged to have such exceptional panelists: Joy Anim (Government Legal Department), who offered thoughtful perspectives on public sector law. Pearl Aggrey (Lewis Silkin) whose insights into private practice were both engaging and practical. Charles Ashie (A&O Shearman), who shared valuable experiences and advice with remarkable clarity. Jordan Quartey (Lewis Silkin) who brought fresh, dynamic viewpoints to the table, inspiring everyone with his passion for the profession. We also extend our thanks to: Shelaine S. Mitchell (BGLU’s Events Coordinator Lead (UK)), for curating the event, and Ishmael Martey (Digital Marketing Lead (Ghana)), for all the marketing efforts. Please find the recording below: https://lnkd.in/eB4kCrmJ

We finally made it out of the group chat!! This weekend, BGLU members headed to Rome for a quick day trip. This trip was an opportunity for members to get to know one another whilst exploring the wonderful capital! Thank you to everyone that made it!

Congratulations to Efua Ghartey, Ghana Bar Associations First Female GBA President -Elect⭐️ British-Ghanaian Lawyers Union (BGLU) extend our heartfelt congratulations to Madam Efua Ghartey on her historic election as the first female President of the Ghana Bar Association. We wholeheartedly support her vision and leadership and are committed to promoting the success of her administration. We also commend her forward-thinking policies, which include: • Engaging Heads of Chambers and Institutions to ensure decent remuneration for young lawyers. • Fostering cordiality and effective communication between the Bar and Bench. • Restoring the GBA’s role as an impartial and critical voice in national discourse. • Organizing exchange programs with international Bars and providing training on niche areas of practice. • Developing the GBA portal into a comprehensive ICT hub for education and knowledge sharing. We stand in solidarity with her efforts and look forward to working closely with the GBA under her leadership. Special Thanks to Roxanne Amihere, Esq. cc. Ohenewaa A. , Stephanie Boateng