Clara Kowlaga Beeri Kasser-Tee: Purpose-Driven Legal Practitioner & Educator Affecting Change In Ghana's Business Landscape

The global law industry is undergoing significant transformation. It faces a range of systemic challenge including limited access to legal service, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and skills mismatches in a rapidly evolving global context.

The sector is responding with strategic reforms: integrating technology to streamline process, promoting continuing legal education, and emphasizing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. These initiatives aim to enhance efficiency, reduce barriers, and ensure the industry evolves in step with modern demands.

Clara Kowlaga Beeri Kasser-Tee is a Ghanaian lawyer with an academic and consulting career spanning legal education, public interest governance, and migration law. Clara’s portfolio includes high-impact work on regulatory frameworks, institutional analysis, and legal reform.

She is Vice Chair of the Network of Legal Experts on Migration in West and Central Africa, Vice Chair of CDD-Ghana, Head of Chambers at Kasser Law Firm, and was a member of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee, where she led the Legal Sub-Committee, for the duration of her tenure at the Committee.

Take us through the formative years of your life. What were some key influences that played a pivotal role in shaping your life’s trajectory?

Growing up as the firstborn in a family led by parents who were dedicated teachers, I experienced responsibility early on amongst my siblings. My upbringing on a rural campus exposed me to systemic issues that sparked an early interest in advocacy.

While I initially leaned toward journalism, I was encouraged to consider law as a more impactful path to advance human rights, though it remained an abstract idea to me at the time.

Initially drawn into international relations due to my passion for advocacy, I spent my national service working with farmers, championing fair trade and support. But after moving to Accra and meeting peers in the legal field, I was encouraged to reconsider my path and pursue law as a more impactful avenue.

My entry into law was unplanned, as I gave the entrance on a short notice, but luckily was accepted and discovered a genuine passion for the profession.

What inspired you to foray into the field of law? Tell us about your educational journey to becoming a legal practitioner in Ghana.

At the time, Law required a prior degree, so I began with English and Philosophy, at the University of Ghana. Post-national service, I transitioned into legal studies and enrolled in the LLB program.

Having managed academics, debating, and competitive basketball form a young age, I believed I could handle anything, including starting a family while studying law. But I quickly learned that motherhood introduces a completely different level of responsibility and parenting demands, and navigated my journey with grit and resilience.

After launching my legal career, I took on a teaching assistant role and discovered my passion for education. To align both interests, I opened my own practice and later committed to academia full-time, where I now lecture at the University of Ghana School of Law.

In 2020, I became the first female lecturer of Northern descent at the School of Law, University of Ghana, a humbling realization. I continue to teach and practice law, finding that each enhances the other and deepens my professional and personal fulfilment.

True leadership balances, purpose and action with empathy

Take us through your professional journey as a private legal practitioner and law lecturer in Ghana. Which key areas of specialization do you bring to the table?

While I have represented a range of cli­ents, my expertise lies in advising corpo­rate entities, particularly in transaction structuring and cross-border matters. Starting in corporate law, I was drawn to human rights work, which led me to civil society. I was privileged to chair Ghana’s constitutional review consulta­tive process, making me the first women to do so in the country’s democratic era.

I am also honored to represent Ghana on the IOM-UN-led legal migration network for west and Central Africa, where I serve as a Vice President. Drawing from my ex­perience in both legal practice and academia, I often mind students of the real-world complexities that differ from textbook law.

Much of my legal work has involved advising and representing individual and corporate clients. However, the most rewarding experiences have come from representing individuals and making a direct, personal impact.

My corporate practice spans merges and acquisitions, corporate finance, tax structuring, and general advisory. I have represented a range of national and multinational firm and supported public sector reform.

I have also led a capacity needs assessment for 10 state institutions, resulting in a model service charter, and contributed to institutional framework development in Sierra Leone under a World Bank projects.

In your opinion what are some of the most challenging aspects of being a legal practitioner in Ghana? How do you navigate through these roadblocks successfully?

I often find myself striving for faster reform, though change takes time. Encouragingly, many are aligned in the desire for progress. In Ghana’s legal space, shaped by colonial, customary, and cultural influence, the real challenges lie in harmonizing conflicting values while maintaining balance and respect for all systems.

One of the more complex challenges lies in managing the intersection of colonial legacy, cultural pride, and traditional values. These deeply rooted dynamics often make certain conversations difficult, requiring careful navigation when driving change. On the positive side, I see strong enthusiasm and a genuine desire for progress.

The desire for better outcomes is real, people are motivated and open to learning, however our legal education system still faces gaps in emerging skills demands. These gaps are not insurmountable, but they require focused effort and strategic investment to overcome them.

Looking back at your professional journey, what key milestones have you achieved so far? What is your ‘success mantra’?

My leadership philosophy is rooted in system thinking and institutional integrity, but never at the expense of individual rights, I believe real progress stems from values-driven decisions that uplift both individuals and the collective good.

My approach to human-rights is rooted in the belief that individual rights must be prioritized. While collective values play a role in maintaining social cohesion, genuine advocacy is driven by personal conviction, empathy, and a deep respect for individual autonomy.

I am willing to take initiative rather than waiting for ideal conditions. I work with what is available allowing systems and support to align as the work progresses anchored in conviction, faith, and a people-centric mindset.

While I recognize that not every initiative will unfold smoothly, I lead with conviction and do everything possible bringing others along as collaborators. I begin with purpose and commitment, driving with heart, passion, and clarity.

How do you foresee awareness Ghana’s legal advisory landscape evolving in the near future? Which industry trends will create a strong impact going forward?

I aim to drive greater accessibility to legal studies and encourage deeper specialization to strengthen the future of legal practice in Ghana. The expansion of postgraduate programs at the University of Ghana is commendable. However, broader reforms are needed offering specialized and skills-based legal education.

Beyond practical exposure, clinical education cultivates public interest lawyering and instils values like civic engagement and patriotism among students.

Looking ahead, my goal is to see growth across all tiers of legal education, that equips industry and raise legal awareness nationwide. I also advocate for the development of short, industry-relevant courses to ensure that legal literacy becomes accessible to the wider population.

I aim to continue partnering with policy makers and duty bearers to broaden access and diversify pathways within legal education through informed public policy.

Clara Kasser-Tee, Head Of Chambers, Kasser Law Firm

Clara Kasser-Tee is a pioneering Ghanan lawyer specializing in regulatory frameworks and institutional policy. With a track record of legal excellence and thought leadership, Clara brings deep insight into Ghana’s corporate and regulatory landscape. Clara‘s expertise is backed by a stellar academic record which helps her to advise multinational clients on corporate transactions, tax strategy, commercial law, and regulatory compliance, and has liaised extensively with legislative bodies, regulators, and international legal partners.