On March 25, 2026, the Budding Lawyers Network successfully hosted its monthly mentorship session, featuring Charles Boakye as guest speaker. The session, held virtually, was anchored on the theme: “Professional Ethics Begins in School, Not at the Bar.” It focused on critical issues such as academic honesty, plagiarism, cheating, shortcuts, and the consequences of ethical failure.
Understanding Ethics: The Foundation of Legal Practice
In his presentation, Lawyer Boakye began by explaining that the concept of ethics is derived from the Greek word ethos, meaning character. He emphasized that for legal practitioners, ethics is not optional but foundational. A lawyer owes a duty first to the profession, then to the court, and finally to the client.
He stressed that lawyers are custodians of justice and representatives of the rule of law. As such, trust remains the most valuable asset any lawyer can possess.
To reinforce this point, he cited Republic v High Court Kumasi; Ex parte Hansen Kwadwo Koduah, noting that the case underscores how legal practice is built on trust. Any abuse of court processes or misrepresentation can lead to judicial intervention and damage a lawyer’s professional credibility.
Academic Honesty: The Beginning of Reputation
Lawyer Boakye highlighted that reputation begins in school, not in the courtroom. He cautioned students against examination malpractice and emphasized that academic honesty involves doing one’s own work and properly acknowledging the contributions of others.
He further noted that trust among colleagues and within the profession is earned through consistent demonstration of good character. Without integrity, competence alone is insufficient.
Plagiarism as Intellectual Theft
A major highlight of the session was the discussion on plagiarism. He defined plagiarism as presenting another person’s ideas or work as one’s own without acknowledgment, describing it as intellectual theft and entirely unacceptable.
He supported this with the case of Daniel Ofori v Ecobank Ghana Ltd, where the court held that plagiarism constitutes serious misconduct and dishonesty. The ruling affirmed that such conduct can justify dismissal, as it destroys the trust essential to professional and employment relationships.
The Danger of Shortcuts
Lawyer Boakye strongly warned against the use of shortcuts, including buying assignments, copying and pasting work, and the irresponsible use of AI tools. According to him, such practices undermine intellectual development and will eventually be exposed.
He emphasized that legal practice requires careful research, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning, skills that cannot be outsourced but must be developed individually. Students who rely on shortcuts, he noted, ultimately validate their own incompetence.
Consequences of Ethical Failure
The session also addressed the serious consequences of misconduct. At the academic level, students found guilty of malpractice may have their examinations cancelled. At the professional level, lawyers risk disciplinary action by the General Legal Council, including suspension or disbarment.
He cited the case of Samuel Nerquaye-Tetteh, a former Chief State Attorney, who was disbarred after being found guilty of professional misconduct involving the misappropriation of client funds. This serves as a stark reminder that ethical breaches can permanently end a legal career.
Building Ethical Character
In concluding his presentation, Lawyer Boakye outlined practical steps for developing ethical character:
• Commit to intellectual honesty by citing proper authorities
• Do your own work and learn from your mistakes
• Respect examination rules
• Choose character over shortcuts
Conclusion
The session served as a powerful reminder that professional ethics is cultivated long before one is called to the Bar. Integrity, honesty, and discipline must be consciously developed during one’s academic journey.
The message was clear and compelling:
Choose honesty over shortcuts, for character is the true foundation of a successful legal career.
About Lawyer Charles Boakye
Charles Boakye Esquire. He is a qualified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court in Ghana. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Ghana and a Diploma in Accounting and Business from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), UK.
As a dynamic and results-oriented lawyer at Zoe, Akyea & Co., Charles’s practice spans a diverse mix of corporate, commercial, tax, land, real estate, intellectual property, employment, banking, insurance, dispute resolution, and criminal justice matters.
At Zoe, Akyea & Co., He demonstrates exceptional skills in legal research, drafting transactional documents, and providing strategic legal opinions.
Charles is recognised for his analytical rigour, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.
His passion for criminal law, human rights, and legal ethics is reflected in his published works and active participation in international legal conferences.
He is dedicated to mentoring young legal professionals and contributing to the advancement of Ghana’s legal landscape.