Emerging legal professional Elinam Akotey shares her powerful journey into law shaped by self-awareness, adaptability, and a commercial mindset developed across multiple industries. A thoughtful and practical episode of TheLawyerFiles.
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In this episode, I sit down with Elinam Akotey — in-house legal counsel with experience at Harrods and in the fashion industry. Originally drawn to war journalism, Elinam made the decision to pivot into law, carrying with her a strong foundation in advocacy, communication, and client awareness.
Her story offers honest reflections on learning through career pivots, gaining confidence in non-traditional legal paths, and developing the soft skills that matter most in commercial legal practice.
We talk about:
✅ Why she pivoted from journalism to law and how storytelling still shapes her thinking
✅ Her time as a Paralegal at Harrods and how she balanced legal risk with business needs
✅ What it’s really like working in-house for a global fashion brand
✅ Why listening is an underrated superpower in legal work
✅ The value of soft skills in commercial settings and how to build confidence across career transitions
✅ What she would tell her younger self — and her advice to aspiring lawyers finding their own path
Whether you’re pursuing a legal career outside the traditional route, working in-house, or learning how to bring your personality into your profession, Elinam’s story is a reminder that commercial strength and human insight can go hand in hand.
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Guest Details:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinam-akotey/
Contact/Enquiries:IG: @1Denice.xEmail: thelawyerfiles@outlook.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o