Akim Lampkin with Justice, Nigel Niles.
Twenty-five-year-old Akim Lampkin of Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje Berbice, has been officially admitted to the bar to practice law in Guyana. His petition was presented before Justice Nigel Niles at the New Amsterdam High Court by Attorney-at-Law and former Magistrate Charlyn Artiga.
Following the admission ceremony, Artiga during her congratulatory message, announced that Lampkin will be joining her law office. She reminded him that becoming a lawyer is not just about passing exams but about upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law. “Lampkin will be an asset to my team at the Artiga Law Office,” she added, recognizing the promise and dedication he brings to the profession.
Akim Lampkin along with colleagues from the Artiga Law Office.
In an interview with The News Desk, Lampkin shared the unexpected twists in his academic journey. Initially, law was not on his radar, as he had been focused on science throughout his secondary education with plans to pursue a career in medicine.
“But persons around me recognized that I would be good at something more associated with the legal profession, and that’s why I made the decision to start my journey with the associate degree in Social Work at the University of Guyana, as a prerequisite to enter into the law program,” he explained.
Lampkin went on to successfully pursue his Bachelor of Laws degree before advancing to the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, where he earned his Legal Education Certificate. He shared that his passion for the legal field was fueled by his love for crime series and shows such as Suits and How to Get Away with Murder. But beyond TV dramas, his drive came from his knack for debating, arguing his point, and “being right.” These qualities kept him determined throughout law school.
Despite his success, the journey was not without challenges. Lampkin revealed that public speaking was initially a hurdle for him, one he managed to overcome with support from his lecturers. He also confessed to feeling out of his depth when he first met his classmates, losing confidence as he compared himself to the bright minds around him. However, with resilience and determination, he pushed through these feelings of self-doubt.
“Hugh Wooding Law School was a tough journey,” Lampkin recalled. “Many days, I felt as though I wouldn’t make it, but the encouragement from classmates and family members is what helped me through it. I can’t stress this enough—social support is as important as it gets because when all else fails, faith has your back.”
Now equipped with the skills and knowledge to practice law, Lampkin is setting his sights on criminal advocacy, where he hopes to make a significant impact.
To those considering a career in law, his advice is simple yet powerful: “Go for it. Nothing is accomplished by sitting at home worrying about what is against you or the obstacles you might encounter. You will accomplish nothing that way, so it’s best to put your best foot forward, make the attempt, and be certain about what you want.”
