At 67, Samuel Victor Addo has added a new professional chapter to his life, having been called to the Ghana Bar this year after retiring from a career in corporate America. His goal is not personal advancement but to use his legal training to assist underserved communities and individuals who struggle to access legal help.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Personality Profile with Lexis Bill on Thursday, October 22, Addo said he planned to begin with general legal practice. He explained that specialising might take time and could turn out to be unfulfilling or unprofitable. “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.
He intends to remain active in the profession for as long as his health and energy allow. “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,” Addo added.
Beyond courtroom representation, Addo sees a role for himself in providing legal advice within his personal and social circles. He noted the importance of having a lawyer in the family to help navigate decisions that require legal input. “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.
Addo returned to Ghana after working in the United States, including a stint at Delta Air Lines. He described his legal studies as demanding but rewarding, completing the programme alongside much younger students. His determination carried him through the challenge of starting a new career at an age when many consider retirement settled.
His next challenge is to translate his qualification into practical service, especially for individuals who lack the means to secure legal assistance. This intention to serve disadvantaged groups comes after a lifetime outside the legal profession, signalling a distinct late-in-life career shift.
Addo’s approach to practising law is grounded in pragmatism and service rather than prestige or financial gain. He expects to maintain an active role in the profession as long as he remains physically able, aiming to provide accessible legal support in both formal and informal settings.
This year’s call to the Bar at 67 adds a singular chapter to Addo’s life story, one that intersects with Ghana’s ongoing conversation about access to justice and the role of legal professionals in society.
According to Joy Online.
