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Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP Nominated Among Law Giants for Top IP Award

“The Africa’s IP Team of the Year Award nomination was a clear sign that our Intellectual Property Practice has earned continental attention and it is time to take it to world-class,” said Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP in a Media Statement.

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Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP was the only indigenous East African Law firm shortlisted as among the top nine (9) Law Firms in Africa in the Intellectual Property (IP) Category for the prestigious African Legal Awards held recently. The firm beat dozens of established and large Kenyan and East African law firms to be shortlisted as the Finalist for the Africa’s “IP Team of the Year 2021” as the only law firm from East and Central Africa.

“We were delighted to have been shortlisted for the prestigious IP Team of the Year 2021 award by African Legal Awards. We are thankful for the team support and client trust, and cherish the established relationships which earned us this humbling nomination. For us, this IP Award nomination is a clear sign that our Intellectual Property Practice has earned continental attention and it is time to take it to world-class,” said Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP in a Media Statement.

Indeed, it is proof of the growing reputation of Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP in IP law that the firm was nominated in the IP Category alongside leading African law giants. Other nominees included the ENS Africa, the largest law firm in Africa with 472 lawyers and operations in 7 countries, Bowmans, third largest law firm in Africa with 388 lawyers and operations in 6 countries and Webber Wentzel, one of the largest law firms in South Africa and the 5th largest law firm in Africa with 311 lawyers.

The other firms that were shortlisted for the most coveted IP award in Africa next to Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP include the leading Nigerian Law Firms, Aluko & Oyebode (ranked 18 in Africa’s top 50 law firms with 81 lawyers), Jackson, Etti & Edu (ranked 36 in Africa with 40 lawyers), Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe and The New Practice (Winner of IFLR Africa M&A Deal of the Year Award, 2021). The IP Team Award was won by AELEX (ranked 25th in Africa with 60 lawyers).

Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP has an impressive record in advising and defending clients on the Image Rights which blends with other factors like privacy and data rights, Copyright (the firm represented one of the biggest insurance entities in Kenya on a copyright breach worth US$1.46M), Patent legal services including search services, monitoring, and registration services, Trademark legal services and Trademark Watchdog Service as well as Domain & Trademark which entails securing rights to trademarks from infringement by registration of Domain Names.

In addition, Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP has a strong reputation as a full-service boutique corporate commercial law firm. The IFLR1000 profiles the firm as “an innovative and strategic legal service provider in Kenya which blends both traditional and innovative practices to enhance the provision of legal solutions.” The first’s philosophy is that the client’s target is always its target and its legal team is always looking for strategies to attain the best possible outcome for client.

The firm has built enviable reputation as a legal specialist law firm focused on strategic litigation and offering advisory services to clients in Kenya and Africa and across the world including the European, Asia, Middle East, Australia and North America as a member of Globalaw, the leading network of 89 Independent Law Firms with over 4000+ lawyers spread across the world – covering 76 countries and 177 cities. This cross-border strategic legal alliance helps the firm’s corporate and private clients to invest and secure prime immigration permits as well as citizenship

Ong’anya Ombo Advocates LLP service offering combines the traditional and innovative means to provide local and international clients unique legal service experience. The firm’s lawyers are always seeking ways to create a unique environment and understand every client’s legal need and pursue a defined solution that best serves their objectives. In February 2021, the firm was recognized by Business Daily Africa in 2021 for its international collaboration program with a global law firms to enable Clients to access markets in foreign countries for business opportunities.

The firm’s service categories include strategic litigation and alternative dispute resolution, property and banking law, policy monitoring & legal audit, corporate and commercial law, and strategic legal consultancy or advisory services. The firm is well known for thought leadership in cyberspace and telecommunication law, employment and corporate immigration law, energy law, fashion, media & entertainment law, gambling law, procurement law, intellectual property law, mergers & acquisitions, oil & gas, real estate, securities law, tax law & business structuring.

The firm principals are Jack Brian Ong’anya, the Managing Partner and In-charge Litigation and Dispute Resolution and Ombo Malumbe, Partner and Head of Corporate Law and Cross Border Practice. Other key members of the Legal team include Allan Mukuki, Flora Okonji and Sophia Khalid. The firm’s client portfolio comprises high net worth local and foreign individuals, local and international corporate clients.

Law Firms

Lex Mundi strengthens Global Reach with Two New Member Firms

Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms, has strengthened its African experience with the addition of Bennani & Associés LLP and AF Mpanga as member firms for Morocco and Algeria, and Uganda respectively. The network’s expansion in Africa reflects the growing importance of the continents markets, internationally.

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Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms, has announced the addition of two prestigious member firms in Africa to its global network covering three markets. Bennani & Associés LLP has been appointed as the Lex Mundi member firm in Algeria and Morocco. AF Mpanga, has also joined Lex Mundi as the exclusive member firm for Uganda, further enhancing the network’s comprehensive coverage on the African continent.

Bennani & Associés LLP is a highly regarded independent law firm in French-speaking Africa, operating in North, West, and Central Africa. With a team of accomplished legal professionals, the firm offers leading legal expertise to listed and unlisted companies, public entities, and international law firms.

Bennani & Associes is a full-service firm advising on general corporate law and corporate transactions, finance matters and dispute resolution, providing comprehensive legal solutions to foreign investors for complex issues. Bennani & Associés LLP’s strong presence in Algeria and Morocco positions Lex Mundi strategically to offer clients first class, comprehensive legal support in these important North African markets.

Mehdi Bennani, Managing Partner of Bennani & Associés LLP, expressed his pride in the Lex Mundi membership: “We are honoured to become a part of Lex Mundi, the world’s premier network of independent law firms. This collaboration will enable us to provide even greater support to our clients in Algeria and Morocco, as well as offer our expertise to clients seeking legal services in our jurisdictions through Lex Mundi’s global platform.”

Top Ugandan Firm AF Mpanga has also joined Lex Mundi. AF Mpanga is a distinguished full-service law firm with a rich legacy of serving clients in Uganda and the East African region since its establishment. The firm’s expertise spans various practice areas, including corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, energy and natural resources, and dispute resolution. With a deep commitment to excellence, a strong presence in the region and its legacy within the network, AF Mpanga brings valuable local insights and legal acumen to Lex Mundi.

David F.K. Mpanga, Senior Partner of AF Mpanga, expressed his enthusiasm to be part of the Lex Mundi network: “Joining Lex Mundi is a significant milestone for AF Mpanga. We are excited to work alongside Lex Mundi member firms, contributing our local expertise to this global network. Together, we will provide clients with unparalleled legal services in Uganda and the East African region.”

Helena Samaha, President & CEO of Lex Mundi, expressed her enthusiasm about these new additions to the network: “We are delighted to bring Bennani & Associés LLP and AF Mpanga to the Lex Mundi family. Their commitment to excellence and deep understanding of their local legal landscapes makes them valuable additions to our global network. As Lex Mundi continues to grow, we are better positioned than ever, to serve our clients with top-tier legal expertise in key African jurisdictions.”

These new member firms strongly align with Lex Mundi’s mission to connect clients with trusted, high-quality legal services and networks worldwide, due to their unmatched footprint in the legal sector. The networks’ strength lies in its ability to provide clients with access to local expertise backed by its extensive global network of legal professionals.

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Law Firms

Bowmans Kenya Celebrates 15th Anniversary

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In September 2023 Bowmans, the leading African law firm, marked fifteen years of establishment of Bowmans Kenya and the start of its growth across the continent. Today, Bowmans Kenya is one of the largest law firms in the country and operates as a hub with Bowmans’ other East African offices to assist clients in Eastern and Central Africa.

As the Managing Partner of Bowmans Kenya, Paras Shah notes: ‘Fifteen years ago, a vision was born, a vision that sought to redefine the legal landscape in Kenya and East Africa as a whole. Today, as we look back on our journey, we can proudly say that we have not only realised that vision but have exceeded our own expectations.’

Managing Partner  of Bowmans Africa Alan Keep adds, ‘For Bowmans, the incredible success of this office is something of which we are all proud, and it has formed the bedrock of further growth of the firm on the continent.’

He highlighted that Bowmans Kenya was the first Bowmans office to be established outside of South Africa and continues to set the standard for further growth on the continent. He also hinted the firm is keen on growing its footprints further in the quest to assert its standing as the continent’s leading law firm.

He said, ‘Our ambition to build an African law firm to service clients across borders remains more relevant than ever. We do not intend to stand still, and we have great hopes for this region as the economies grow and Africa continues to take its rightful place in the global world.’

Mr. Keep thanked clients for placing their trust in a fledgling operation right from the start and commended the team in Kenya for delivering on expectations and repaying that trust.

On his part, Mr. Shah reflected on the journey saying that it had ‘been marked by groundbreaking transactions and precedent-setting cases’. He noted that the team had been at the forefront of legal developments and had also been pioneers in the development of new specialist practice areas. He said that one of the cornerstones on which Bowmans success had been built was its people, thanking them for their ‘dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence’.

He concluded, ‘Looking ahead, we are excited about the future. The legal landscape is ever evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities. But I am confident that with the talent, dedication, and innovation that define Bowmans, we are well-equipped to continue our journey of success and continue delivering value to our clients.’

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Law Firms

Nyaanga & Mugisha Advocates: A Full-Service Boutique Law Firm on the Rise

The Firm has an outstanding track record in Commercial and Civil Litigation with Partner and Associates being known for their vitality, depth and experience in commercial law, constitutional law, employment and labour law, intellectual property law, tax law, procurement law, debt collection and securities, election petitions and judicial review among others.

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Nyaanga & Mugusha Advocates Growing Legal Team whose reputation in Corporate, Commercial and Dispute Resolution is on the rise

Nyaanga & Mugisha Advocates is one of the reputed, dynamic and progressive mid-size boutique law firms in Kenya providing a comprehensive range of corporate and commercial legal services to local and international clients. The firm, organized into three complimenting departments based on practice areas, namely, Dispute Resolution Department, Real Estate and Banking Department and Commercial Department, is in a quest to be a premier law firm by providing a comprehensive range of high quality legal services and solutions to its clientele.

The Firm has an outstanding track record in Commercial and Civil Litigation with Partner and Associates being known for their vitality, depth and experience in commercial law, constitutional law, employment and labour law, intellectual property law, tax law, procurement law, debt collection and securities, election petitions and judicial review among others. The firm’s lawyers also have prominent expertise and experience in resolving a wide variety of disputes through arbitration and mediation especially in the banking, construction and real estate sectors.

In banking and securitization, NMA has is on the panel of several local and regional banks and routinely advises on structuring of financial products, secure lending, security perfection and asset financing and due diligence on banking securities. The firm also has an efficient, responsive and vibrant real estate and conveyancing department which provides legal services and advise to diverse clientele in conveyancing transactions with diligence and strict attention to detail.

The corporate and commercial department advises our clientele on a wide range of commercial transactions including business and asset acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, syndications, restructurings and financing. It also specializes in fashioning tailor made instruments used in banking, development of new products, derivatives, structuring of finance instruments, capital markets and debentures. The department undertakes negotiations, with or on behalf of the clients, drafting of the required documents including information memoranda and all transactional documents and legal due diligences.

The firm also advises and acts for employees and employers in all aspects of employment law, including employment contracts, pay and benefits compliance policies and procedures redundancy, business reorganization, share schemes and incentives, pension schemes and provident funds. The firm also practices intellectual property on wide range of matters including patents, trademarks, copyright, industrial designs and utility models. The firm lawyers have undertaken various registrations of trademarks, renewals, and assignment for local and overseas clients under the Trade Marks Act and International Treaties.

The firm lawyers are above-average professional who are recognized experts in their field possessing excellent academic credentials, great people skills, integrity and unmatched drive. The firm’s Managing Partner Geoffrey Nyaanga is a respected Dispute Resolution and Corporate Commercial lawyer with over 13 years post admission experience. Prior to founding the firm, Geoffrey was the Partner at Mwaniki Gachoka & Co. Advocates in charge of Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Commercial Departments having joined the firm from MMC Asafo he worked as an Associate in the Dispute Resolution Department. His areas of practice are Dispute Resolution, Commercial and Corporate Law, Probate and Administration law, Employment Law, and Property and Real Estate Law.

Over the years, Geoffrey has earned a strong reputation as a go-to lawyer who has successfully handled numerous high value litigation cases as well as complex arbitrations in the course of his practice. He has also advised many clients on commercial transactions and corporate matters. Geoffrey holds Bachelor of Laws (Hons.) from Moi University, a Masters of Arts (M.A) from the University of Buckingham (UK) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Member of Law Society of Kenya and East Africa Law Society.

Bernard S. Mugisha is a Partner in the firm’s Dispute Resolution Department.  He has broad experience and deep knowledge in commercial and civil litigation, employment and labour law, banking law and arbitration. Previously, Benard served as a Senior Associate in Litigation and Dispute Department of MG Law Advocates and as a Litigation Associate at the firm of Kale, Maina & Bundotich Advocates. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons.) from Moi University and a Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law and is a Member of Law Society of Kenya and East Africa Law Society.

Rispa Nyoro is the Partner in charge of the Real Estate and Conveyancing Department and specializes in Conveyancing, Bank Securities, Property law, Finance and Commercial law. She has wide experience in handling real estate and land transactions, bank securities and advising clients on financial and commercial matters.  Previously, she worked at Kale, Maina & Bundotich Advocates where she was the Partner in charge of the Commercial and Conveyancing. She holds an LL.B Degree (Hons.) from Moi University, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law and is a member of Law Society of Kenya and East Africa Law Society.

The firm’s partners are supported by a team of over dozen Associates and business support professionals in the service offering to clients.  Nyaanga & Mugisha  has continues to grow and now comprises almost two dozen members who available to answer to the needs of the clients around the clock. The firm’s main office is strategically situated on 2nd Floor, Shelter Afrique in Upper Hill in Kenya’s Commercial and Financial Hub.

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