You are not getting called to the bar?

Not seeing your name on the pass list in Ghana School of Law, in Part 2, means that you are not getting called to the bar. In today’s message, I want to specifically address those who did not see their names on the pass list, and I do hope that you read this message to the end and are able to appreciate it in its entirety.

The disappointment that comes with not making the pass list, is indescribable. As you can attest to right now, the pain will make you restless, rob you of your appetite for weeks and weeks to come, and of peaceful sleep. That is because understandably, you put in your all, and did not expect to fail/ to be failed. This is why I’d urge you to take some time off social media now, so you can work through these emotions and the pain that it comes with, void of celebratory messages and social media updates. You’ll have to accept and understand, that some people celebrating being on the pass list, have failed over and over again, and so have every right to announce their testimonies. For some, it is breaking a family pattern, and truly, being called to the bar is an achievement. So, you cannot fault them for celebrating, just make sure you don’t put yourself in a position to have it so glaringly remind you of the fact that you are not going to be called in October.

The next thing to do is to remind yourself that it is not over yet. Gather resources and wait for forms to petition your scores to open. This will usually take some time, and will be after the call, but that is okay. If you are convicted that you passed, you should definitely pick those forms up and submit them. Now, I want to tell you, that it is okay to not congratulate anyone if you genuinely are unable to put yourself together just yet. You are going to have to put your sanity first, pretty much. Surround yourself with people who love you and care for you, and allow yourself to grieve.

There are going to be a few people here and there, who might be tactless in their approach to your plight. Very few of these or almost none are intentionally done to spite you. Some people just don’t know how to handle a situation like this, so take it in good faith and make mental notes to not repeat their mistakes in dealing with others.

After grieving, remind yourself that this is not the end of your journey-far from it. However, you’ll have to acknowledge that it will proffer some disadvantages. It will now be in your best interest to do everything you can, to add more value to yourself for prospective employers. Some firms/companies start their pupillage programmes in November. If you want to work with a firm like that, you’ll definitely be waiting a year, at least. This is also an opportunity to rest, and garner experience through internships, particularly international ones.

Above all, be reminded of the reason you started this journey and keep your head up.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me, if you need someone to talk to.

Author of the article is Benjamina Bernice Amihere. A practice lawyer.