GLC clarifies that lawyers are not required to write exams to renew their license
The General Legal Council (GLC) has issued a statement to clarify that lawyers in Ghana are not required to write examinations to renew their license. The statement comes after erroneous reportage of the Chief Justice’s speech at the enrolment ceremony of 196 lawyers on Friday, May 5, 2023.
The GLC explained that the Chief Justice only informed the new lawyers of an initiative of the Council that was still pending. The requirement for lawyers to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) before the renewal of a practicing license is a standard requirement in some jurisdictions around the world.
According to the GLC, the CPD programme is aimed at sharpening the skills of lawyers and keeping them abreast of recent developments in the law for the benefit of the clients they serve. The Council also stated that plans are far advanced to make the CPD programme a prerequisite for the issuance of a practicing license to all lawyers under the Legal Profession Bill, which would soon be made a law.
For the most part, lawyers in Ghana are not required to write examinations to renew their license. However, they are required to complete the CPD programme before renewing their practicing license. This is a standard requirement in some jurisdictions around the world, aimed at keeping lawyers up-to-date with recent developments in the law and ensuring that they provide the best possible service to their clients.
The GLC’s clarification comes as a relief to many lawyers who were concerned about the reportage that suggested they would have to write examinations to renew their license. It is also a reminder of the importance of keeping up-to-date with developments in the legal profession and the need for lawyers to continually improve their skills to provide the best possible service to their clients.
In summary, the GLC’s statement clarifies that lawyers in Ghana are not required to write examinations to renew their license. However, they are required to complete the CPD programme before renewing their practicing license, a standard requirement in some jurisdictions around the world. The GLC’s initiative is aimed at ensuring that lawyers are up-to-date with recent developments in the law and providing the best possible service to their clients.