Ghana School of Law PLC: Advocacy and Legal Ethics (GLC)

Under the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32), which body is established as the governing authority for legal education and professional conduct of lawyers in Ghana?

• AThe General Legal Council (GLC)
• BThe Ghana Bar Association (GBA)
• CThe Independent Examinations Committee (IEC)
• DThe Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General's Department

Which of the following describes the statutory panel composition of the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council under Section 17 of Act 32?

• AA chairperson and two other members of the General Legal Council
• BFive members of the Ghana Bar Association selected by the President
• CA High Court Judge, a State Attorney, and a representative of the GBA
• DThe Attorney-General, the Chief Justice, and the Director of Legal Education

A lawyer aggrieved by a decision of the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council under Act 32 has a right of appeal to which body?

• AThe Court of Appeal
• BThe Supreme Court of Ghana
• CThe High Court (Civil Division)
• DThe Minister for Justice and Attorney-General

What is the statutory timeline for filing an appeal against a decision of the GLC Disciplinary Committee to the Court of Appeal under Act 32?

• AWithin 21 days after the date on which the decision is communicated
• BWithin 14 days after the decision is delivered
• CWithin 30 days after the decision is delivered
• DWithin 3 months after the decision is communicated

Under the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32), what is the legal effect of a lawyer practicing law without a valid annual practicing license?

• AIt is a criminal offense, and the lawyer cannot recover fees for work done during that pe…
• BIt is a minor administrative infraction that only results in a warning letter from the GLC
• CThe work is valid, but the lawyer must pay a double license fee upon renewal
• DIt constitutes an ethical breach but does not affect the lawyer's right to sue for fees

Which of the following is required for a person to be admitted to practice as a lawyer in Ghana and have their name entered on the Roll of Lawyers?

• AA Qualifying Certificate in Law from the GLC, good moral character, and signing the roll
• BAn LL.B degree and a pass in the Ghana Bar Association entrance exam
• CThree years of pupillage under a lawyer of at least 5 years' standing
• DA letter of recommendation from the Chief Justice and the Attorney-General

Under L.I. 2423, which rule governs the establishment and operation of a law firm partnership in Ghana, particularly concerning partnerships with non-lawyers?

• APartnerships with non-lawyers are strictly prohibited for the practice of law
• BPartnerships with non-lawyers are permitted if the non-lawyer holds a minority stake
• CPartnerships with accountants and auditors are permitted to provide multi-disciplinary se…
• DPartnerships with any professional are permitted as long as the firm registration is appr…

Under L.I. 2423, what is the stance on fee-sharing or splitting professional legal fees with a non-lawyer (such as a referrer or an agent)?

• AIt is strictly prohibited and constitutes professional misconduct
• BIt is permitted if the non-lawyer is a registered clerk or firm employee
• CIt is permitted up to 10% of the total fee as a standard referral commission
• DIt is permitted if disclosed to and approved by the client in writing

A lawyer employs a non-lawyer clerk who actively recruits clients by visiting accident wards in hospitals and promising them legal representation. Under L.I. 2423, this practice is known as:

• ATouting, which is professional misconduct for which the lawyer can be held responsible
• BProactive business development, which is permitted if the lawyer provides competent servi…
• CDirect client intake, which is acceptable if the clerk is salaried rather than commission…
• DPublic outreach, which is allowed under the access to justice provisions

Under L.I. 2423, a lawyer is permitted to practice as a sole proprietor, in a partnership, or as what other form of legal entity?

• AA legal practitioner professional company (incorporated under the Companies Act)
• BA limited liability partnership (LLP) with general business investors
• CA cooperative society for legal services
• DA multi-disciplinary limited liability company

According to Act 32, what is the maximum duration of pupillage that a newly admitted lawyer must undergo under a supervisor before they can practice independently?

• ATwelve (12) months
• BSix (6) months
• CTwo (2) years
• DThree (3) years

Which of the following seniorities is required for a legal practitioner to qualify as a pupillage supervisor under the GLC directives?

• ANot less than seven (7) years' standing at the Bar
• BNot less than five (5) years' standing at the Bar
• CNot less than ten (10) years' standing at the Bar
• DMust be a Justice of the Superior Courts of Judicature

If a lawyer commits an act of professional misconduct in Ghana, who has the statutory authority to lodge a formal complaint with the GLC Disciplinary Committee?

• AAny person who is aggrieved by the lawyer's conduct, or the Attorney-General, or a judge
• BOnly the President of the Ghana Bar Association
• COnly a client who has paid a retainer to the lawyer
• DOnly a judge of the Superior Courts of Judicature before whom the misconduct occurred

Which of the following sanctions can the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council impose on a lawyer found guilty of professional misconduct?

• AStriking the name off the roll, suspension from practice, or a formal reprimand
• BImprisonment for up to 5 years in a state penitentiary
• CCivil damages payable to the complainant up to any amount
• DExpulsion from the Ghana Bar Association only, without affecting their license to practice

Under L.I. 2423, a lawyer is prohibited from practicing under a name that is misleading. Which of the following firm names would be considered an ethical violation?

• AA name containing "and Associates" when the lawyer is actually a sole practitioner with n…
• BA name using the surnames of deceased former partners of the firm
• CA name consisting of the full name of the founder followed by "Law Chambers"
• DA name registered and approved by the Registrar General that contains the founder's initi…

What is the role of the General Legal Council in relation to the Ghana School of Law under Act 32?

• AThe GLC has direct statutory oversight and responsibility for the administration of legal…
• BThe GLC is a subsidiary body of the school and merely advises on syllabus options
• CThe GLC has no regulatory authority over the school, which is governed by the Ministry of…
• DThe GLC only issues bar certificates but has no say in the academic curriculum or examina…

A lawyer admitted to the bar in a foreign jurisdiction wishes to practice in Ghana. Under Act 32, what is the mandatory requirement for their admission to the Ghanaian Bar?

• AThey must pass the Post-Call Law Course examination conducted by the GLC and satisfy citi…
• BThey are automatically admitted upon showing proof of active practice in the foreign court
• CThey must undergo a 3-year LL.B program at an accredited Ghanaian university
• DThey must serve as a legal clerk in Ghana for five years before they can apply for admiss…

Under L.I. 2423, which of the following is true regarding a lawyer operating a separate business, such as a real estate agency or consultancy, alongside their legal practice?

• AIt is permitted only if the business is completely separate and does not compromise the l…
• BIt is strictly prohibited for a practicing lawyer to engage in any other trade or commerc…
• CIt is permitted without restriction, and the lawyer can refer law clients to the business…
• DIt is permitted only if the business is registered under the same name as the law firm

Which statutory committee under the General Legal Council is directly responsible for organizing and conducting examinations for admission to the professional law course?

• AThe Independent Examinations Committee (IEC)
• BThe Judicial Council of Ghana
• CThe Board of Legal Education
• DThe Ghana Bar Association Examinations Directorate

If a lawyer is suspended from legal practice by the GLC Disciplinary Committee, what is the status of their enrollment during the suspension period?

• AThey cannot practice law or represent themselves as a lawyer, and their name is temporari…
• BThey can continue to give legal advice from their chambers but cannot appear in court
• CThey can practice under the supervision of a senior partner in their firm
• DThey must immediately surrender their LL.B certificate to the Registrar General

Under Act 32, who is the permanent Secretary of the General Legal Council?

• AThe Judicial Secretary
• BThe Director of Legal Education
• CThe Attorney-General
• DThe Registrar of the Supreme Court

Under L.I. 2423, which of the following is true regarding a lawyer who has been struck off the Roll of Lawyers in Ghana?

• AThey can only be reinstated by a formal order of the General Legal Council after a petiti…
• BThey are eligible for automatic reinstatement after 5 years
• CThey may practice in lower courts or tribunals that do not require formal bar membership
• DThey can practice immediately if they obtain a foreign practicing certificate

A lawyer has a dispute with their firm partner over the sharing of partnership profits. Under L.I. 2423, what is the preferred professional approach to resolving this dispute?

• AThey should refer the dispute to the President of the Ghana Bar Association or a senior m…
• BThey must immediately file a complaint with the GLC Disciplinary Committee
• CThey should unilateral freeze the firm's client accounts to protect their share
• DThey should publicize the dispute in the media to put pressure on the partner

Under L.I. 2423, what is the rule regarding a lawyer practicing law while also holding a full-time position in the civil service or as a salaried employee in a private company?

• AThey are prohibited from private practice as a advocate, except to represent their employ…
• BThey may run a private law firm on weekends and after official hours without restriction
• CThey can appear in court for private clients if they obtain permission from their supervi…
• DThey are exempt from paying annual licensing fees during their employment

Under Act 32, what is the legal status of an agreement between a lawyer and a client where the lawyer agrees to finance the litigation in exchange for a share of the proceeds (classic champerty)?

• AIt is illegal and void as contrary to public policy and professional conduct rules
• BIt is valid if registered with the Registrar of the High Court
• CIt is permitted for all civil claims, provided the lawyer's share does not exceed 50%
• DIt is permitted only in land and property disputes

Under L.I. 2423, a lawyer must not represent a client in a matter where the lawyer is likely to be called as a:

• AMaterial witness, as this creates an irreconcilable conflict of interest
• BMediator or arbitrator
• CConsultant on foreign law
• DCharacter reference in unrelated proceedings

A lawyer wishes to open a branch office of their law firm in another region in Ghana. Under L.I. 2423, what is required?

• AThe branch must be registered with and approved by the General Legal Council
• BThey can open the branch without notifying any regulatory body
• CThey only need the permission of the local branch of the Ghana Bar Association
• DBranch offices are prohibited; a firm can only have one physical location

Under L.I. 2423, if a lawyer is convicted of a criminal offense involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, what action must the GLC take?

• AInitiate disciplinary proceedings to strike the lawyer off the roll or suspend them
• BWait until the lawyer serves their sentence before deciding on their status
• CSuspend the lawyer automatically for exactly one month
• DPermit them to practice only in administrative or corporate law

Under the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32), who has the power to make regulations for the execution of the Act, subject to approval by Parliament?

• AThe General Legal Council (GLC)
• BThe Chief Justice alone
• CThe President of the Ghana Bar Association
• DThe Rules of Court Committee

What is the statutory title of the roll maintained by the Judicial Secretary of Ghana where all admitted lawyers' names are recorded?

• AThe Roll of Lawyers
• BThe Bar Register
• CThe Legal Directory of Ghana
• DThe Roll of Advocates and Solicitors

Under L.I. 2423, what is the rule regarding a lawyer entering into a business transaction with a client?

• AIt is generally prohibited unless the transaction is fair, terms are disclosed in writing…
• BIt is strictly prohibited under all circumstances to prevent exploitation
• CIt is permitted without restriction as long as the lawyer does not charge for legal servi…
• DIt is permitted only if the client initiates the transaction in writing

Under the client care rules in L.I. 2423, when must a lawyer provide a client with a written Letter of Engagement or Retainer Agreement?

• AAt the commencement of representation or as soon as practicable thereafter
• BOnly if the client requests one in writing
• COnly if the estimated fees exceed GHS 10,000
• DWithin 30 days after the case is resolved

Under L.I. 2423, what are the restrictions on a lawyer charging contingency fees in Ghana?

• AContingency fees are allowed in civil matters if reasonable and in writing, but strictly…
• BContingency fees are completely prohibited in all legal matters in Ghana
• CContingency fees are permitted only in criminal defense cases where the client is acquitt…
• DContingency fees are permitted without restriction in all civil and criminal cases

Which of the following is a fundamental rule regarding the management of client funds under the client account rules in L.I. 2423?

• AClient funds must be kept in a separate, dedicated "Client Account" and never mixed with…
• BClient funds can be mixed with the firm's funds if the firm maintains detailed accounting…
• CInterest earned on client funds in a Client Account belongs to the lawyer as administrati…
• DClient funds must be deposited directly into the personal account of the lead advocate

Under L.I. 2423, when is a lawyer permitted to withdraw funds from a client account?

• AOnly to make a payment to or on behalf of the client, or to pay a bill of costs delivered…
• BWhenever the firm faces a cash flow shortage, provided they replace it within 30 days
• CTo pay the salaries of firm clerks and office rent
• DTo invest in short-term treasury bills for the firm's benefit

A lawyer representing Client A in a land dispute is asked by Client B to sue Client A in an unrelated contract matter. Under L.I. 2423, what is the rule?

• AThe lawyer cannot represent Client B against Client A without the informed, written conse…
• BThe lawyer can represent Client B since the contract matter is completely unrelated to th…
• CThe lawyer can represent Client B only if they assign the contract case to a junior assoc…
• DThe lawyer must immediately terminate representation of Client A to represent Client B

Under L.I. 2423, what is the duration of a lawyer's duty of confidentiality to their client?

• AThe duty continues indefinitely, even after the death of the client or termination of rep…
• BThe duty ends when the representation is formally terminated
• CThe duty lasts for 7 years after the file is closed
• DThe duty expires when the client discloses the information to any third party

Which of the following represents an authorized exception to a lawyer's duty of confidentiality under L.I. 2423?

• ATo prevent the client from committing a crime or to defend the lawyer against a charge of…
• BTo satisfy the curiosity of the lawyer's spouse or close colleagues
• CTo help the police in a general investigation of the client's lifestyle
• DTo secure a bank loan for the firm by showing the client's financial assets

A lawyer represents a buyer in a property transaction. The lawyer discovers that the seller is their own spouse. What is the lawyer's ethical obligation?

• ADisclose the relationship in writing, and withdraw unless the client gives informed writt…
• BProceed with the transaction without disclosure, as it is a private family matter
• CAct for both the spouse and the client to save transaction costs
• DRefer the transaction to a junior associate in their firm without disclosing it to the bu…

A lawyer holds a client's funds to pay stamp duty on a land transfer. The transaction is delayed by 6 months. What must the lawyer do with the funds during this delay?

• AKeep the funds in the Client Account and ensure they are accounted for in the client's le…
• BDeposit the funds into the firm's operational account to offset administrative overhead
• CInvest the funds in a high-risk mutual fund to generate a profit for the firm
• DReturn the funds immediately to the client and withdraw from the representation

Under L.I. 2423, when is a lawyer permitted to charge a client a non-refundable retainer fee?

• AOnly if the agreement is in writing, clearly explains what the retainer covers, and the f…
• BA retainer is always non-refundable by operation of law in Ghana
• COnly in criminal defense matters where the trial is expected to exceed one year
• DNon-refundable retainers are strictly prohibited under all circumstances

A client instructs their lawyer to pay a bribe to a court clerk to expedite the filing of a suit. Under L.I. 2423, what is the lawyer's obligation?

• ARefuse the instruction, advise the client on the illegality, and withdraw if the client p…
• BComply with the instruction, as the duty to zealously represent the client overrides cour…
• CFile a complaint against the client with the police but pay the bribe to protect the clie…
• DRefer the client to a non-lawyer agent who can handle the payment

Under L.I. 2423, what is the rule regarding a lawyer holding a lien over a client's files and documents to secure unpaid legal fees?

• AA lawyer may exercise a retaining lien, but it is subject to court review and must not pr…
• BA lawyer has an absolute right to destroy client files if fees are unpaid for more than 6…
• CLien over client files is strictly prohibited; files must be returned instantly upon requ…
• DA lawyer can hold the client's passport and personal ID as security for fees

A lawyer is approached by a client who was previously represented by another lawyer in the same matter. What is the ethical requirement before the new lawyer can take over?

• AEnsure that the client has formally terminated the mandate of the previous lawyer, and no…
• BObtain the written permission of the General Legal Council
• CPay the previous lawyer's outstanding fees from the new firm's account
• DRefuse representation; a client cannot change lawyers in the middle of a case

Under L.I. 2423, which of the following details must be included in a standard bill of costs presented to a client?

• AA clear breakdown of professional fees, disbursements, and out-of-pocket expenses incurred
• BA summary of the firm's internal profit margins and partner salary allocations
• CA list of other clients who have paid similar fees for comparative purposes
• DThe lawyer's personal bank balance and annual tax assessment

Under L.I. 2423, what is the default rule regarding the ownership of documents prepared by a lawyer for a client during the representation (e.g., pleadings, agreements)?

• ADocuments paid for by the client belong to the client, but the lawyer may retain copies
• BAll documents remain the intellectual property of the lawyer and must be returned upon ca…
• CPleadings belong to the court, and agreements belong to the state
• DThe lawyer owns the documents until the client pays a separate "document release fee"

A lawyer representing a client in a divorce proceeding is offered a percentage of the final matrimonial property settlement as their fee. Is this fee arrangement ethical under L.I. 2423?

• ANo, contingency fees or percentage charges are prohibited in domestic relations (divorce/…
• BYes, it is permitted if the client cannot afford an hourly rate
• CYes, if the court approves the percentage allocation at the final judgment
• DNo, domestic relations cases must be handled entirely on a pro bono basis

Under L.I. 2423, a lawyer must represent a client competently. If a lawyer realizes they lack the necessary expertise to handle a complex tax litigation case, what is their ethical obligation?

• ADecline the brief, or associate with a lawyer who has the necessary competence with the c…
• BAccept the brief anyway and learn the law as the case progresses
• CAccept the brief and delegate the entire work to a junior clerk without supervision
• DRefer the client to a tax accountant instead of a lawyer