Black History Month: Honouring Our Communities

At Hodge Jones & Allen the month of October sees us celebrate Black History Month, a month that fosters reflection, conversation and connection across the firm. This year’s theme is Honouring Our Communities, a theme that recognises the people, places and connections that inspire, support and shape us. The month marks an ideal time to recognise the contributions, achievements and experiences of Black individuals within the legal profession and beyond. This special series of articles sees individuals within the firm talk about what the month means for them, the proudest moments in their career, what inspires them, moves them, and what Honouring Our Communities means to them. The first in our series features Senior Associate, Michael Ackah.

Michael is a Senior Associate in our Criminal Defence department. He has been at Hodge Jones & Allen for over a decade and his practise has gone from strength to strength. He was born in Accra, Ghana. His parents emigrated to England when he was a baby. He grew up in London.

Michael represents clients facing a wide range of criminal allegations, from lower-level offences to the most serious and complex cases. He is known for his careful analysis and reassuring approach and he guides clients through every stage of the process. This includes pre-charge advice and interviews under caution. As an accredited duty solicitor and member of HJA’s specialist Youth Court Team, Michael regularly represents clients in the Magistrates’ Court. Michael is an exceptional solicitor whose expertise, preparation and commitment make him a valued member of the firm and trusted advocate for his clients.

Proudest moment?

“Proudest moment was as a newly qualified solicitor, working on a youth court trial for a serious offence (GBH). Within the unused material, there were two youth civilian witnesses who had not given statements.

Knowing the importance of their potential evidence and being unable to make contact any other way, I went to their houses in order to speak to their parents about their potential role as witnesses. They eventually agreed to attend court the following day and their evidence was pivotal in my client’s acquittal! It showed me that being a solicitor is more than just being at a desk or at court and a real difference can be made in a case by going the extra mile and making human connections with people.”

Were there any role models or any other type of inspiration that made you think you had talents you wanted to use in a career where you would be helping others?

“Growing up it was rare to see black professionals, particularly in the legal field. Before joining HJA, I was a paralegal at the CPS based at Blackfriars Crown Court. I always remember seeing an advocate in court dealing with a sentence and mitigation. To this day, it was the best advocacy I have ever seen, and I was absolutely blown away – to the point where I went away to research who it was. The advocate was former HJA colleague Sandra Paul, who is now a partner at Kingsley Napley. Seeing this at such an early stage in my career truly inspired me.”

Any specific advice you were given and/or learnt you think was key in your achievements?

“In terms of specific advice that I have received, I always remember something said to me by counsel Ben Newton KC of Doughty Street chambers. He once said that a favourite line of his is ‘do your best’. The job is hard and there are many challenging moments but I always found any situation no matter how tough feels better if I can say I have worked hard and tried my best.”

Throughout the month, we will be featuring similar articles discussing this year’s theme Honouring Our Communities. October 2026 in fact marks 39 years since the first Black History Month was celebrated in the UK. Across that time, this notable month has evolved from early efforts to spotlight the contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history, including the legal sector, to becoming a vital part of public discourse, education, public history, and the progression of the legal profession over time.