#30 UK Legal Podcast: From Harrods to Legal Counsel Elinam Akotey on Navigating In-House Law in the Fashion World

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. 🎙️ 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. 👉 Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music 📰 Subscribe on www.thelawyerfiles.com for written interviews, legal career tips, and behind-the-scenes insight from the next generation of legal professionals Guest Details: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinam-akotey/ Contact/Enquiries: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o/