At a recent mentorship session hosted by the Budding Lawyers Network, Her Ladyship, Justice Abena Amponsah Buansi, delivered a compelling and thought-provoking presentation on one of the most critical pillars of legal practice, integrity and reputation.
Speaking to aspiring lawyers, Her Ladyship emphasized that the foundation of a lawyer’s reputation is not built in the courtroom, but in the classroom.
According to her, integrity begins with the small, everyday choices law students make, how they handle assignments, prepare presentations, and approach their academic responsibilities.
She cautioned students against the growing temptation to take shortcuts, particularly in the face of academic pressure. For many who combine work and studies, the burden may be overwhelming. However, resorting to dishonest means,such as paying others to complete assignments,comes at a cost.
“You may succeed in school,” she noted, “but you will be exposed during practice.” The courtroom, she stressed, reveals competence and authenticity, especially when lawyers are required to defend their work and cite authorities accurately.
Her Ladyship defined integrity as “doing the right thing even when no one is watching,” and further described it as fulfilling one’s obligations truthfully and diligently. She warned strongly against plagiarism, explaining that it is not merely about copying without acknowledgment, but also about presenting another person’s intellectual work as one’s own,even when partial credit is given. Such practices, she emphasized, undermine the very essence of legal professionalism.
In a striking remark, she stated, “You cannot be a lawyer and be a thief,” reinforcing the idea that dishonesty in any form is incompatible with the legal profession.
The discussion also extended to the ethical dangers posed by over-reliance on modern tools such as Artificial Intelligence. While acknowledging its usefulness, she warned that generating submissions entirely through such means without proper understanding could lead to serious consequences. Incorrect citations, misapplied case law, and lack of preparedness can severely damage a lawyer’s credibility in court.
Her Ladyship further highlighted the long-term implications of students’ present conduct. “Whatever you do now will determine what you will do in the future,” she said, noting that habits formed in school inevitably shape professional behavior. A failure to guard one’s integrity could result in grave consequences, including misleading the court, harming clients, and even being cited for contempt.
Addressing courtroom decorum, she reminded students that respect for the bench is non-negotiable. Lawyers must refrain from using insulting language against judges, both in and out of court. Even when presenting a client’s case, caution must be exercised to ensure that submissions remain respectful and within the bounds of professional conduct.
Her Ladyship outlined key ethical rules that guide legal practice:
• Lawyers must be truthful at all times.
• They must not knowingly make false statements or present misleading evidence.
• Full disclosure is required for all materials a lawyer intends to rely on.
• Lawyers must persuade the court honestly, not attempt to improperly influence it.
• Client confidentiality must be strictly protected.
• Trust is the cornerstone of the lawyer-client relationship.
• A lawyer must avoid conflicts of interest, such as representing both buyer and seller in the same transaction.
She also urged aspiring lawyers to be mindful of their conduct online, noting that professional responsibility extends to digital spaces. Lawyers, she emphasized, are governed by various ethical frameworks, including the Ghana Bar Association Code of Conduct and other professional regulations.
In concluding her presentation, Her Ladyship left the audience with a powerful reminder: reputation is not something that can be purchased,it must be earned through consistent integrity, discipline, and ethical conduct.
Her message was clear and enduring: the journey to becoming a respected lawyer begins long before one enters the courtroom. It starts with character, is sustained by honesty, and is ultimately defined by reputation.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Her Ladyship Justice Abena Amponsah Buansi is a Justice of the High Court. She completed her O’ Level education at Wesley Day Secondary School in Kumasi and proceeded to T.I. Ahmadiyya Secondary School, also in Kumasi, for her A’ Level studies.
She later attended the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and English. She subsequently pursued her legal education at the University of Ghana, earning her LLB, and continued to the Ghana School of Law.
She was called to the Ghana Bar in 2010.
Her professional career began in private legal practice, after which she served as a State Attorney at the Attorney-General’s Department of Ghana. In 2014, she was appointed to the Bench as a District Magistrate, and in 2016, she rose to the Circuit Court.
In 2018, she obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) in Criminal Law from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the United States. Her dedication and excellence culminated in her appointment to the High Court in 2023, where she currently serves with distinction.
She is married and blessed with three children.