CHRIS BAFFOUR AWUAH
DUMFRIES,VA
Summary
A spirited, innovative, reliable, commercially astute and inspired young man with strong organizational, communication, team building, research, analytical and numerical skills. Having appreciable working experience in Private Legal Practice, Insurance, Project Development, Marketing, External Relations, Logistics and Transport Management, Administrative Support, Data Gathering and Analysis as well as Stakeholder Management. Strength lies in managing complex and interwoven situations and marrying practical development situations with sound legal, socio-cultural, political and economic analysis. Demonstrable leadership skills and motivates teams to achieve corporate objectives as well as skills in forward planning and organizing work schedules and pays attention to detail.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate
Light Associates Unlimited
Ghana, Ghana
07.2021 - 07.2024
- Provided guidance on compliance with applicable laws to ensure that businesses are operating within the bounds of the law.
- Advised clients regarding legal matters, business transactions and claim liability.
- Presented court cases to jurors and judges.
- Drafted wills, powers of attorney, trusts and estate planning documents.
- Negotiated and drafted settlement agreements to resolve litigated cases.
- Interviewed clients and witnesses to acquire additional insight into case details.
- Coordinated with investigators and law enforcement agencies to obtain information or evidence used in hearings.
- Interpreted statutes, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Wrote legal opinions and submissions
- Providing legal advice and guidance
- Negotiated settlements of civil disputes between parties.
- Investigated facts to determine causes of action and prepared statements of claim or defense accordingly.
- Regularly updated clients on progress made towards resolution of their cases.
- Represented clients in court proceedings by examining witnesses and presenting evidence.
- Attended hearings in order to present evidence or make arguments before judges or juries.
- Filed appeals with appellate courts when necessary to protect a client's interests.
- Prepared cases for trial by researching case law and preparing arguments.
- Conducted research on relevant laws, regulations and court decisions.
- Maintained accurate records related to each case handled.
- Worked closely with other professionals such as accountants, financial advisors, real estate agents in order to provide comprehensive advice to clients.
- Collaborated with colleagues on various aspects of case preparation.
- Advised clients regarding business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- Counseled clients on various matters related to their legal rights and obligations.
- Researched new developments in the field of law in order to maintain professional knowledge base.
- Explained technical aspects of legal matters in an understandable manner to non-lawyers.
- Reviewed and drafted legal documents, such as contracts and wills.
- Drafted pleadings for use in court proceedings.
- Analyzed complex legal issues and provided advice to clients.
- Developed strategies to resolve complicated legal issues for clients.
- Reviewed legal materials for compliance to correct issues.
- Conducted legal research and analysis to draft legal opinions, studies and reports.
- Maintained current knowledge of laws to provide clarification on legal concerns.
- Interpreted legal instruments, agreements, memoranda of understanding and internal policies for governing bodies.
- Negotiated with opposing parties to remedy disputes.
- Spearheaded negotiations to settle cases before trials.
- Leveraged knowledge of precedents and applicable laws to determine probable case outcomes.
- Gathered public records and interviewed witnesses relevant to cases.
- Conducted in-depth research in order to write effective proposals, agreements, and contracts.
- Managed successful voir dire processes to optimize jury selection.
- Examined legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuits.
Pupil/Associate
Light Associates Unlimited
Ghana, Ghana
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Held conference with clients and represent them in court
- Drafted legal documents and court processes
- Wrote legal opinions and submissions
- Collated evidence and research case studies
- Provided legal advice and guidance
- Wrote and reviewed contracts.
- Compiled data from multiple sources into spreadsheets or databases for analysis.
- Attended client meetings to discuss the progress of cases and provide advice.
- Reviewed statutes, regulations, ordinances, court decisions and other sources of law.
- Conducted legal research on various topics and drafted memorandums summarizing findings.
- Maintained communication with clients throughout the duration of their case.
- Interviewed potential clients to gather information about their case.
- Attended hearings before judges or other judicial officers on behalf of attorneys.
- Reviewed legal documents and identified relevant information to support case preparation.
- Observed trials in order to gain a better understanding of courtroom procedures.
- Provided administrative assistance such as scheduling appointments or maintaining calendars.
- Analyzed complex legal issues and prepared written summaries for clients.
- Organized files, exhibits, pleadings and other materials in preparation for court proceedings.
- Attended depositions with attorneys to take notes regarding witness testimony.
- Drafted motions, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents for attorney review.
Internship
Afisem Chambers
06.2020 - 08.2020
- Assisted in drafting legal documents
- Attended court to observe court proceedings
- Collated evidence and researched case studies
- Took part in client conferences.
- Compiled data from multiple sources into spreadsheets or databases for analysis.
- Attended client meetings to discuss the progress of cases and provide advice.
- Reviewed statutes, regulations, ordinances, court decisions and other sources of law.
- Conducted legal research on various topics and drafted memorandums summarizing findings.
- Reviewed legal documents and identified relevant information to support case preparation.
- Observed trials in order to gain a better understanding of courtroom procedures.
- Provided administrative assistance such as scheduling appointments or maintaining calendars.
Internship
Kaneshie Court
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Observed court proceedings
- Undertook research on cases and the law
- Drafted court processes.
- Organized and maintained a large database of records, including case files, court dockets, and other related materials.
- Collaborated with other departments within the courthouse to ensure efficient operation.
- Prepared daily reports on cases processed during each session of court.
- Provided administrative support to the court staff by preparing and filing legal documents.
- Processed payments for fines or fees associated with cases heard in court.
- Attended all sessions of court and recorded minutes of proceedings.
- Served as liaison between the courts and law enforcement agencies when necessary.
- Provided clerical support such as typing letters, memos, orders and judgments.
- Maintained confidentiality concerning all matters heard in open court or discussed with attorneys or clients.
Internship
Attorney General’s Department
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Assisted in case filing
- Assisted in case advising
- Performed clerical duties.
- Evaluated new legislation that may affect existing criminal statutes.
- Prepared written opinions explaining why certain actions taken by law enforcement officers were constitutional or unconstitutional.
- Conducted legal research on criminal cases and drafted motions, pleadings, and briefs for court proceedings.
Internship
Koffi And Partners
05.2016 - 08.2016
- Assisted in case filing
- Performed clerical duties
- Undertook research on cases and the law
- Attended court to observe court proceedings.
Marketing Manager
JeRock Insurance
01.2012 - 08.2014
- Built and maintained business relationship with clients
- Scheduled and attended meetings
- Discussed and assessed clients' current and future insurance needs relaying these to technical staff
- Promptly attended to clients' requests and handled all complaints
- Researched into new insurance policies and products
- Prepared reports, quarterly and monthly financial accounts for management and the National Insurance Commission
- Collected insurance premiums
- Undertook general administrative duties.
External Relations Assistant
West African Gas Pipeline
08.2011 - 01.2012
- Ensured that the Company adhered to all safety policies, procedures and practices pertaining to the Company’s construction site(s)
- Coordinated monthly Stakeholder engagement register from the four countries for supervisor’s review
- Provided assistance to the External Relations team members in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo in implementing social intervention programs in the Company’s Host Communities
- Assisted in the implementation of an effective grievance mechanism by ensuring that all grievances are received and given prompt attention
- Monitored Community Development Projects and designed a project statutory report
- Organized community awareness sessions on pipeline safety and emergency response in host communities
- Responsible for building community contacts and developed strong relationships with representatives of community groups
- Performed responsibilities of community outreach programs, conducting research, writing and editing copy for newsletters, informational brochures, and corporate information
- Handled the tasks of developing community programs as well as coordinated service delivery
- Took minutes and or report of meetings with stakeholders and submitted same to supervisor for review
- Compiled and submit Weekly and Monthly Report from the four countries for the External Relations Manager’s review.
National Service
West African Gas Pipeline
11.2010 - 08.2011
- Provided assistance to the External Relations team members in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo in implementing social intervention programs in the company’s host communities
- Compiled and submitted Weekly and Monthly Report from the four countries for the External Relations Manager’s review
- Produced and maintained complete, organized and proper documents, standing operating procedures and manuals required by Work Safe, including the timely reporting of incidents (as required) and/or filing of appropriate documents
- Filled all documents manually and electronically on Livelink (software)
- Assisted in the acquisition of office stationeries
- Assisted in organizing community awareness sessions on pipeline safety and emergency response in host communities.
Education
LLM - Masters In Law
Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science And Technology
01.2023
QCL/BL - Qualifying Certificate in Law
Ghana School of Law, Ghana
LLB (Hons) - Bachelor of Laws
Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology, Ghana
B.A (Hons) - Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Resource Development with Minor in Philosophy
University of Ghana
SSCE - Secondary School Certificate
Mfantsipim
Skills
- Management Support
- Workplace Safety
- Program Support
- Data Entry
- Cash Handling
- Preparing reports
- Mediation
- Analytical Reasoning
- Legal Analysis
- Client Counseling
- Legal Document Preparation
- Litigation Experience
- Microsoft Office
- Analytical Skills
- Case Law and Outcome Analysis
- Discovery and Document Review
- Organization and Administration
- Establishing Effective Relationships
- Contract Review and Negotiation
- Legal Case Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Excellent Communication
- Administration management
- Management Consulting
- Schedule Coordination
- Office Administration
- Customer Service
- Travel Coordination
- Administrative Support
- Office Management
- Stakeholder Relations
Accomplishments
- Co-Authored the book “Intellectual Property Law In Ghana”.
- Developed a Facts sheet for Community Sensitization and Awareness
- Designed a project statutory report for on-going projects at West African Gas Pipeline
- Contributed to the development of External Relations strategy, goals and objectives and assisted in facilitating result-based approach into an effective program delivery plan
- Developed a data management system for WAPCo External Relations Department
Certificatesandtraining
- Certificate in Motor Insurance – Ghana Insurance Brokers Association
- Workshop on Compulsory Group Life plan – Facilitated by Ghana Insurance Commission
- Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety – Facilitated by West African Gas Pipeline
- Workshop on Capacity Building (Livelihood Restoration) - Facilitated by World Bank.
- Certificate in Pipeline Emergencies- Organized by the National Association State Fire Marshals of USA.
- Introduction to Oil and Gas organized by WAPCo.
- First Aid training organized by WAPCo and facilitated by West African Rescue Association.
References
- Mr. Richard Obeng Mensah, Light Associates (Glory Chambers)
- Mr. Nyarko Adu Esq, Afisem Chambers, 0244176588
- H/H Rosemond Agyiri, 0244039933
- Mr. William Osei-Owusu, West African Gas Pipeline Company, 0244342797, woseiowusu@wagpco.com
Certification
- Co-author of the book Intellectual Property Law In Ghana
Timeline
Associate
Light Associates Unlimited
07.2021 - 07.2024
Pupil/Associate
Light Associates Unlimited
01.2021 - 07.2021
Internship
Afisem Chambers
06.2020 - 08.2020
Internship
Kaneshie Court
06.2019 - 08.2019
Internship
Attorney General’s Department
05.2017 - 08.2017
Internship
Koffi And Partners
05.2016 - 08.2016
Marketing Manager
JeRock Insurance
01.2012 - 08.2014
External Relations Assistant
West African Gas Pipeline
08.2011 - 01.2012
National Service
West African Gas Pipeline
11.2010 - 08.2011
LLM - Masters In Law
Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science And Technology
QCL/BL - Qualifying Certificate in Law
Ghana School of Law, Ghana
LLB (Hons) - Bachelor of Laws
Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology, Ghana
B.A (Hons) - Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Resource Development with Minor in Philosophy
University of Ghana
SSCE - Secondary School Certificate
Mfantsipim
- Co-author of the book Intellectual Property Law In Ghana
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