Law Internship in Ghana, Accra

Africa | Ghana | Internships & Work Experience | Business & Law

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Tour ID:121310

Ages:20 - 45

People on trip:2

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Arrival:Accra - Kotoka International Airport (airport code ACC)

Dates are flexible

Prices are Per Person

On a professional Law internship in Ghana you will have the rare opportunity to work alongside some of the country’s top lawyers, assisting with real cases, collating evidence, producing reports and attending court sessions. This reputable placement is an excellent opportunity for law based graduates and under-graduates alike to launch a successful career in law.

Teshie, Accra, Ghana

: Law in Ghana
The state of human rights and legal justice is acknowledged as being of a poor level in many developing nations, and Ghana is of no exception. A lack of financial support and resources often results in neglected cases and overlooked issues resulting in mistrust of the government and a feeling of uncertainty and lack of safety in the communities. However, due to its position as an ex colony of the British Empire, Ghana holds many of the same principles and systems in the court room that we are familiar with in the West. Furthermore Ghana follows the three main elements of governance that are apparent in the majority of democratic countries which consists of the Judiciary, Legislature and the Executive. This similarity in the legal system and format makes Ghana the perfect place to build on your experience in the field of law as you gain an insight into the processes of law in a developing country without feeling overwhelmed in an alien legal environment.

Your Law Internship in Ghana
This is an amazing opportunity to develop on your existing legal knowledge, whether that is academic or practical, whilst gaining first hand experience working alongside a law firm in the diverse and exciting capital of Ghana, Accra. Through this established placement we have developed connections with reputable organizations and companies in the area who are keen to take on international students as part of an internship scheme. This benefits both parties as you provide support and advice to the legal company that you are assigned to whilst they guide you through the ins and outs of the Ghanaian legal system, providing you with the skills you need to develop a future career in law. Through this process you will be exposed to many aspects and dimensions of Ghanaian law and this will be a unique opportunity to observe how a law practise deals with the financial restraints and setbacks apparent in a developing community.

This internship will see you placed in a reputable law firm with various specialities ranging from human right law, financial law, commercial law, industrial law and criminal law. As an intern you will work alongside legal practitioners and top lawyers in the legal field shadowing their work and providing practical assistance where appropriate. This placement will provide invaluable experience for those wishing to pursue a career in law, as you gain a hands on understanding of the legal system and how to adapt to each individual case. Furthermore due to the Ghanaian judicial system the knowledge that you gain can be directly applied to your future studies or career in law and would certainly be an impressive addition to your CV and set you apart from others in the field.

You Law Internship Role
Your placement role will provide you with the foundations to learn the fundamental techniques and relevant legal knowledge needed for a future career in law. This internship is not about sitting back and observing the system at work, you will be an integral and influential part of the company and will be responsible for assisting the attorney with assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the charges you are dealing with. Helping to make these informed decisions will increase your confidence working on various size cases whilst developing your ability to communicate professional evidence and opinions. The satisfaction of knowing that the hard work you have put in could positively influence a legal case and improve the lives of an individual or community is hugely rewarding and you will certainly be inspired as you work alongside like minded and passionate staff.

Day to day activities will vary depending on the case and you will be required to stay open minded and adapt to different working conditions appropriately. You will have the opportunity to attend relevant court sessions on a regular basis and may be asked to write reports on proceedings. Once you have found you feet on the internship and developed your confidence within the company, the lawyers you are working alongside will share evidence bundles and expect you to share your insights and critical analysis, directly aiding the progress of the case you will be working on.

Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.

Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.

2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.

3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.

4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.

Student Work Experience and Career Break Law Internship in Ghana
Build and enhance you CV for a future career in law on a unique law internship in Ghana. Gain first hand experience working directly within a law firm, meet some amazing people and experience one of Africa’s most exciting and diverse countries all whilst helping to support the local community.
: You can arrive on any first or third weekend of a month to start activities on a Monday. Please try to arrive on a Sunday into Accra. We’ll pick you up from the airport and take you back to the accommodation to settle you in and meet the rest of the team.

Please note that some national holidays may cause disruption to normal sessions but our in-country team will do their best to support activities around this.

Visa
Most visitors to Ghana will require a visa to enter. We suggest you apply for a tourist visa and we will supply you with all the required information once you have booked. You can check your visa requirements by visiting the Ghana High Commission website. Please search online for details.

Everyone will also require a yellow fever vaccination to enter Ghana and a certificate to prove you have had this. We also highly advise getting malaria tablets. You should contact your doctor to discuss this further.
: Other Optional Activities in Ghana
It is likely that there will be a whole variety of other activities you can get involved with while you are away. Because we have focused in-country teams, they will be able to inform you of other opportunities both inside and outside the capital. This gives you a unique chance to combine projects and experience the country in a whole variety of ways.

Social Life in Ghana
Our social life is unrivalled and we believe it is important to give volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. Some of these activities include visits to the best night spots, group meals, trips away and sports teams where you can to take on local competition.

Travel and Adventure in Ghana
You will be encouraged to explore Ghana during your free time so you can sample some of its breathtaking sights and meet some of Africa’s friendliest people. The capital, Accra, is full of great places to visit and you will meet both locals and other travellers at a variety of bars and restaurants that provide authentic African live music and dancing. There are also a large number of western-style pubs and clubs, including an Irish Bar, an American Sports Bar and a series of dance-venues very close to where you are living. And, if you fancy a football experience to remember, then prepare yourself for watching Hearts of Oak at the National Stadium where the locals wave flags, blow horns and dance on the roofs of the terraces!

Beyond Accra, there are countless places to visit. You could take a Sunday pleasure-cruise on Lake Volta (the biggest man-made lake in Africa) or you might want to visit the history-laden slave castles of Cape Coast and Elmina. You may want to take a walk on the wild side with the elephants at Mole National Park or spot tropical birds in the rainforest canopy at Kakum National Park. Then there is the 60-metre-high Wli waterfalls, the Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (where monkeys are preserved as ‘sacred’ creatures!) and the endless palm-tree beaches lining the Atlantic coastline! The captivating places, intriguing people and diverse landscapes will make Ghana one of the most enlightening experiences a traveller could wish for. Our in-country team will also help you build a travelling itinerary and give you plenty of advice on how to make your way through the country.

Accommodation
The accommodation is basic but comfortable and you will stay in a dormitory style room. The accommodation has a very sociable atmosphere and you will find it a great place to relax and unwind in the evenings. The accommodation is also centrally located to the placements. Shops and other useful amenities are either a short walk or taxi ride away.
: Accommodation
Communal House; Basic but comfortable; Dormitory style rooms (4-10 people per room); Shared toilets and showers.

Food
3 meals a day; Basic but nutritious local foods

Airport Pick-Up
Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early.

Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.
: Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Payment for transport to / from placement; Laundry service; Soft drinks and alcohol; Extra activities not on itinerary.
: You will be met on arrival. Full details will be provided once you have booked your trip with us.
: Preferred Duration
Interns should try to come for as long as possible preferably for 8 or 12 weeks. This ensures better management of the placement and also helps you get the most from the social activities and group travel opportunities on offer.

Typical Hours
Monday-Friday; 4-6 hours a day; Please be aware that some public holidays may cause disruption to times / days during your placement.

Pre-requisites
You should have knowledge in law and preferably be studying or have graduated with a law degree. You will need to send us your CV so we can assess your suitability for the law placement. When you do this it would be helpful to know which area of law you’d be interested in focusing on. We only accept 2 interns at any one time.

Ideal For
Law Work Experience in Ghana; Degree Students and Career Break Business and Law Placements; Professional Internships in Ghana; Constructive Travel in Africa.
: Suitable for ages 20 to 45
Most participants are between 20 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community.
: What is the minimum age restriction?

We generally recommend that our participants are at least 18 years old when they volunteer on our projects in Ghana. However, we are happy to accept those who are 16 or 17 years old, provided we receive written consent from a parent or guardian. If you are on an internship we may require you to be at least 20, so check the details against the trip. Please contact one of our friendly Travel Advisors for more information.

Are meals included in this trip?

We provide you with 3 meals a day (a mix of Ghanaian and some western food).

Breakfast: usually Milo, tea or coffee with bread/toast and spreads, and fruit.
Lunch: sandwiches, wraps, pasta, salads.
Dinner: rice dishes, meat, beans, chicken, beef and fish, plantain.

You will also be offered some traditional local dishes such as Fufu (fermented cassava), Banku and Kenke which are often accompanied by a sauce or relish mixed with more recognisable beef or chicken and rice. Also dishes such as Red Red, kelewele, plantain and groundnut soup are a favourite among our participants.

Water is treated and supplied at the accommodation but when out you will need to buy water sachets or bottles, which are very cheap.

What accommodation is provided?

Although basic, the accommodation is comfortable and you will find it very easy to relax after your day’s activities. You will live alongside the other travellers and our in-country team. This makes for a very safe, fun and extremely social environment. You will be staying in a dorm room of 2-8 people and will eat most of your meals together. Private rooms are available on request and for an extra charge.

Amenities
Communal area for socialising and relaxing.
For internet access we recommend getting a local sim card with a data bundle. We will help you arrange this.
Various shopping options for basic everyday items such as snacks and drinks, toiletries, SIM cards, phone credit and international phone cards.

Are there laundry facilities available at the accommodation?

Clothes washing can be done using the traditional hand wash. You can either do this yourself with the materials provided, or for a charge our in-country staff will be happy to wash and fold your clothes for you!

Can I make international calls at the accommodation?

We recommend purchasing a Ghanaian SIM card on arrival to make phone-calls home, as these will be charged at a cheaper rate and you can track your expenses on a pay-as-you-go tariff. WhatsApp is also a good app to have on your phone and just uses your data bundle or it’s free when accessing WIFI.

Can I book a private room?

If you are travelling as a couple there may be an option to book a private room at an extra fee. However, this depends on availability at the time of your trip. Individuals will be expected to share in a male/female dormitory. We may be able to arrange a private room at a local guest house, so please ask one of our friendly Travel Advisors for more info.

Where can I store valuables at the accommodation?

The accommodation is very safe and valuables can be locked in the safety deposit boxes. During the day there are staff around to manage the facilities.

How many hours a day will I be working on my placement?

You can expect to work for approx. 2 – 4 hours per day in total on your volunteer project or 4 – 6 hours for internship placements, weather and schedule permitting.

Volunteering times will vary throughout the week, depending on local needs. Additionally, you can do more if you want and we have a range of other activities that may interest you so talk with the in-country team if you would like to fill out your time more. Alternatively, a lot of participants like to visit various areas of the city, chill out on the beach or relax in the posh hotels!

What activities take place throughout the day?

As a volunteer or intern on our projects in Accra you will work during the day Monday to Friday, with some evening and weekend commitments depending on your chosen project. Most evenings and weekends will be free for social activities and additional travel. If you require a few days off around the weekends for additional travel our team can be flexible and assist you with your travel plans.

Will I run the class or assist in the teaching/coaching sessions?

In most situations you will be supporting local teachers and sports coaches. However, when you feel ready you will have the opportunity to run your own sessions. If you feel more comfortable, you can also run sessions alongside another volunteer.

What experience do I need?

You do not require any specific qualifications or experience to take part, unless we have already specified this in the pre-requisites of the trip. However, we do recommend that you have a keen interest in your chosen activity. Enthusiasm for the project is the most important element of it!

What support will I receive in country?

During your first couple of days you will receive a local orientation of Accra, and an induction to welcome you onto your project/placement. You will not only receive a great welcome, but you will also have a chance to settle in and get to know the others in your group. Please also rest assured that if you are the only person visiting at the time, then our in-country team will make that extra fuss of you and help you get the most from the experience. You will then receive 24 hour support from our in-country team.

What can I do in my free time?

You will have your evenings free after your placement, as well as your weekends, where you will be free to explore the city and take part in some awesome social activities. If required, our in-country team will arrange some interesting excursions and social activities for your group during your free time, and you are welcome to explore locally and further afield, including:

• Cape Coast: slave castles and Kakum canopy walk.
• Lake Volta
• Wli Waterfalls
• Mole National Park
• Jamestown: Ghanaian culture and Jamestown lighthouse.

When can I arrive?

You can arrive in Accra on any weekend of the year, with a Sunday being preferred. You will be picked up from Accra Kotoka International Airport (ACC) and taken to the accommodation. Note that you should only leave the airport with a member of our in-country staff. They will be holding a sign for you to recognise.

Participants will be arriving at various times throughout the weekend. Therefore, the induction will normally start on the Monday, when you will have a full briefing of the trip.

When should I book my departure?

You should book your departure flight for the end date of your project, unless you are independently travelling after. This will fall on a Saturday. We will assist you in getting back to the airport.

Is transport included?

Airport transfers on arrival are included. However, you will need to budget for your daily transport to and from your project/placement. Every other car in Ghana is a taxi which means fares are cheap and it’s likely you will share with others to make it even cheaper.

Will I need a visa?

Yes, you will need a visa to visit Ghana. For UK citizens, obtaining your visa from the Ghana High Commission is relatively straightforward, provided you follow the instructions on the Ghana Embassy website. For non UK citizens, check with the Ghana High Commission or Embassy in your country of residence. We’ll provide you with all the information you will need for the visa application once you have booked your trip with us, including a letter of invitation if required.

Will I need vaccinations?

Yes, you will need to obtain specific vaccinations before travelling to Ghana. The only compulsory, required and regulated vaccination for Ghana is Yellow Fever. However, participants travelling to Ghana are also recommended to take Malaria medication, and other various booster vaccinations. You will need to consult your local Travel Nurse or GP to check your vaccination history and personal requirements with regards to boosters.

What is the climate like in Ghana?

Ghana is a tropical country lying just north of the equator. As such, the only seasonal changes are distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season is primarily December to February, when day temperatures are in the 80s-90s F/27-36 C and nights in the 70s F/18-26 C. May to June and also September to October are the rainiest months in the south. Temperatures range from about 21°C to 32°C and the humidity is relatively high.

In most areas the temperatures are highest in March and lowest in August, after the rains. Variations between day and night temperatures are small.

Can I bring donations to my project?

Our in-country team appreciates any extra help from participants, so if you wish to bring donations, or purchase equipment whilst in Ghana to support your volunteer or internship project, it will be gratefully received.

Our in-country team will provide a small amount of project related equipment as part of the placement too. Please note that we do not want to get involved with shipping equipment to Ghana as this provides major challenges for us, so any additional equipment would have to be within your personal weight allowance with the airline you are flying with. Some participants have been able to get an extra bag with their flight but this needs to be pre-arranged with the airline company. It is also wise that you make sure you put a note against the flight booking so when you are checking in and dropping off you bags at the airport there is no awkwardness!

Prices are Per Person

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"This law internship gave me a unique perspective on law in Africa and has certainly widened my options within the law field."

Simon Smith

"Thanks to all the Ghana team for making this law internship happen for me. Such an amazing experience and Ghanaians are sooo friendly."

Heidi Mansfield

"It was so interesting working into the law sector in Ghana and getting this experience. Such a great way to spend my summer doing something totally different."

Mark Giles

Law Internship in Ghana, Accra

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