Welcome to the thirtieth blog post for The Lawyer Files
Thank you, as always, for subscribing and following the journeys of legal changemakers. Each edition brings you honest reflections, practical insights, and powerful stories from individuals shaping the future of law with purpose and commercial awareness.
✨ In this edition, we feature Elinam Akotey — an in-house legal professional whose journey into law began with a love of storytelling and advocacy, and whose career now spans work at Harrods and a global fashion brand.
Originally drawn to war journalism, Elinam pivoted toward law with a mindset rooted in curiosity, self-awareness, and resilience. Her experience navigating legal risk within creative industries has shaped a clear, commercially grounded approach to problem-solving — all while staying connected to the human side of legal advice.
In this conversation, Elinam shares what it was like working as a Paralegal at Harrods, how she balances legal advice with brand vision in her current in-house role, and why soft skills like listening, composure, and clarity are just as vital as legal knowledge. She also reflects on the challenges of entering law from a non-traditional path, and how confidence is often built by embracing the learning curve.
If you’ve ever questioned whether your background is “legal enough,” or felt pressure to follow a conventional route, Elinam’s story is a reminder that strength lies in the details — and success doesn’t always follow one timeline.
Let’s dive in 🚀
- Can you tell us what initially sparked your interest in the legal profession?
I initially set out to become a war journalist because I was deeply interested in global affairs and drawn to the power of storytelling, especially on complex and challenging matters. I had a natural instinct for advocacy and loved both speaking and writing. However around the time I graduated, the landscape for journalists had shifted dramatically. Unfortunately the risk to journalists was growing with reports of kidnappings and fatalities in conflict zones. Naturally this made me more hesitant and I thought about how I could channel my interests in reading, writing and advocacy elsewhere, in a way that was secure but also challenging. The legal profession seemed like a good fit.
- You’ve worked with prestigious luxury brands like Harrods. How has that experience influenced your professional values or approach to client service?
Working in the luxury fashion sector has reinforced for me the importance of continuous improvement. Even at the top of the market brands are constantly evolving, not only in their products but in how they engage and serve their client base. These brands relentlessly differentiate themselves at every touchpoint.
Luxury clients aren’t a monolith. There are legacy clients who value heritage, discretion and quality, alongside emerging affluent or aspirational consumers who are more trend-driven and see luxury as a symbol of success. Additionally there is the international client base which have different cultural expectations and shopping behaviours. However all luxury consumers are united by a demand for excellence and personalised service.
As in-house counsel, I mirror this mindset of continuous improvement. I stay curious about sector changes and expand my knowledge whether on retail technologies, regulatory developments, or consumer trends – to ensure I can provide legal advice which is relevant and balanced with the company’s commercial objectives.
- How did your time in such a high-end client-facing role shape your communication, professionalism, and attention to detail?
I saw how much detail goes into creating a seamless client experience and how teams communicate clearly internally. That really informed how I approach my legal work now.
Whether I’m reviewing contracts for collaborations or advising on marketing campaigns, I understand the importance of getting the details right to protect the business. I also appreciate that communication has to be clear and tailored to my audience.
That early exposure within a high-end client-facing environment instilled a level of polish and situational awareness that underpins how I provide my legal services.
- What advice would you give to someone trying to pivot into law from a different industry?
Highlight the practical skills and insights you’ve gained from your experience and show your willingness to learn the technical legal side. Law benefits hugely from people who’ve seen the world through other lenses.
My first ever job was as a waitress at a burger chain. That was my first foray into customer service and taught me how to confidently deal with different people and stay composed under pressure. That foundation led me into premium retail and eventually luxury retail, where I refined those skills further. Strong communication, agility, and a strong client mindset all carried through into my legal work.
Key takeaways:
● Identify what skills you already have and how they can translate into legal practice.
● Be proactive in filling knowledge gaps and don’t be afraid to be at the start of a learning curve.
● Build relationships, whether with peers going through the same pivot or those already working in the field you aspire to. Those relationships can be a source of encouragement and open unexpected doors.
- What are some soft skills that you think law firms undervalue, but that are crucial for success?
Listening to understand not to answer. I think too often, lawyers can jump straight into offering solutions based on expertise and ideal predetermined outcomes without the advice truly aligning with what a client wants or needs. Of course there has to be a reasonable degree of risk management but sometimes you can arrive at a commercially positive outcome which is balanced if you talk things through with the client.
Elinam Akotey – https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinam-akotey/
In-House Solicitor | Luxury Fashion | Commercial, Employment and Data Protection
I hope Elinam’s journey has inspired you, especially if you’re navigating a non-traditional path into law, building confidence through career pivots, or finding your place in a fast-moving professional environment.
Her story is a reminder that you don’t need to tick every conventional box to build a meaningful legal career. Whether it was pivoting from journalism, growing into her role as a Paralegal at Harrods, or supporting legal work within the fashion industry, Elinam shows us that clarity, composure, and continuous learning are just as powerful as any polished CV.
From embracing the value of soft skills to navigating the realities of working in-house, she reminds us that legal careers aren’t one-size-fits-all — and that there’s real strength in bringing your whole self into the profession.
🎧 Stay tuned — our podcast episode with Elinam is now live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible (The Lawyer Files), where we talk about her career pivot, in-house legal work, and how to build confidence through experience.
We also explore her reflections on listening as a legal superpower, navigating internal teams, and what she would tell her younger self starting out in law.
Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes.
Until next time — stay curious, stay confident, and keep building your path with intention 🎙️📚⚖️
Denice Obeng 🙂
