Betty Danquah-Smith
In the bustling legal landscape of New York City, where dreams are born and ambitions soar, one attorney stands out not just for her expertise, but for her inspiring journey from a small town in Ghana to the pinnacle of international law.
She stands tall as a beacon of hope and embodies the spirit of perseverance and adaptability many young black women worldwide can admire. Ms. Betty Danquah-Smith is an Immigration Attorney with a Master of Laws Degree in Energy and Environmental law.
Hailing from the modest town of Assin-Fosu in the Central Region of Ghana, Ms. Danquah-Smith’s path to becoming a distinguished attorney in one of the world’s most competitive legal markets is remarkable.
In a recent chat with acclaimed Ghanaian broadcaster Bola Ray, at her law firm, Smithlaw Pllc located in the heart of New York, Manhattan, she opened up about her journey, challenges, and the unexpected turns that led her to where she is today.
“It has been a hell of a journey, but God is good. He has seen us through it,” Betty reflected when asked about her experience as a Ghanaian attorney practicing in New York. Her words resonate with the countless immigrants who have faced the daunting task of establishing themselves in a foreign land.”
“I’m a math’s girl, and getting into law to start with sometimes baffles my mates and myself because law wasn’t part of my thing.”, as revealed that her initial foray into law was inspired by her father’s wish. However, what began as a desire to fulfill her father’s dream soon became a passion after first year in law school.
Betty Danquah-Smith’s educational journey is as impressive as it is diverse. With an LLB from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, a Barrister at Law from the Ghana School of Law, and an LLM from UC Berkeley in the United States, she has bridged two continents in her pursuit of legal excellence. But her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. “I did my masters in energy as well. I have two masters,” she proudly stated in her conversation with Bola Ray. She is an alumna of Mfantsiman Girls Secondary School.
Her professional trajectory is equally noteworthy. Called to the Ghana Bar in 2015, Betty Danquah-Smith served as an Assistant State Attorney in Ghana, between 2016-2018. In a bold move that exemplifies her ambition and adaptability, she expanded her legal practice to the United States, being called to the New York Bar in 2022 and to the US Federal Court in the Southern District of New York.
As the Founder and Senior Partner of Smithlaw Pllc, a leading immigration law firm in the States, Ms. Danquah-Smith focuses on family-based immigration intending to reunite families. Her unique combination of expertise in Environmental law, Energy, and Immigration law positions her at the forefront of contemporary legal discourse on global issues.
What sets Ms. Danquah-Smith apart is not just her professional achievements, but her approach to life and career. “I’m more of ‘take a day at a time’,” she shared; offering a refreshing perspective in a world often obsessed with long-term planning. This outlook, coupled with her faith, has guided her through the uncertainties of her journey.
To young aspiring professionals, especially young black women who want to make a difference in society, Betty offers sage advice: “I’ll just say they should relax because sometimes you get confused growing up, we all did. We were all confused at a point in time, but a day at a time will do.”. She emphasized the importance of good company and positive influences, recognizing their roles in shaping one’s path.
Ms. Betty Danquah-Smith’s story is more than a tale of individual success; it’s a beacon of hope and inspiration for young black women worldwide. From the small town of Assin-Fosu to the skyscrapers of New York, her journey exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and embracing life’s unexpected turns.
As she continues to make strides in her field, uniting families through her immigration work Ms. Danquah-Smith stands as a testament to what can be achieved with determination, faith, and a willingness to take life one day at a time.
Her story reminds us that with the right mindset and hard work, turning even the most unlikely dreams into reality is possible.
