Courtroom Mail’s 30 most influential female Law Firm founders in Africa 2020

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

The earliest Women’s Day observance was held on February 28, 1909, in New York and organized by the Socialist Party of America.On March 8, 1917, in the capital of the Russian Empire, Petrograd, a demonstration of women textile workers began, covering the whole city. This was the beginning of the Russian Revolution.Seven days later, the Emperor of Russia Nicholas II abdicated and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote.March 8 was declared a national holiday in Soviet Russia in 1917. The day was predominantly celebrated by the socialist movement and communist countries until it was adopted in 1975 by the United Nations.

Courtroom mail has on this day ,2020 chosen to recognise female Lawyers across Africa in their 30s and 40s who founded their Law firms.
In a very closed but changing profession like law where it requires extra ordinary courage for one to step out and begin a private practice,some young and vibrant female Lawyers in Africa are taking the Bull by the horn, breaking the glass ceiling and putting themselves in front. Their courage has motivated and inspired the younger generation of Lawyers.
According to Anthony Atata,the founding editor of Courtroom Mail and Co Chair of International Bar Association- Africa Regional forum, “Artificial Intelligence, Women and the digital Natives in the legal profession are the top disruptive factors in the Legal Profession today. We must begin to embrace them…”

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In our list ,two women were included in the list not because they founded a Law firm but because they stand out in their roles as the CEO of their Law Society.

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The Law Firm of Apio,Byabazaire and Musanase (ABM) a law firm founded by three women in Uganda is listed as a special feature because of the exceptional bravery of these three women who took a bold step to launch a wonderful partnership.
In no Particular order, Courtroom Mail has identified 30 women in their 30s and early 40s who against all odds did not just start their Law Practice but are building a brand in a competitive profession.

SPECIAL FEATURE: Apio, Byabazaire, Musanase & Co. Advocates (ABM)-Uganda

ABM is the first all-female multi-partner firm in Uganda .It was founded by three pacesetting and inspirational female lawyers who recognized the need to establish a firm that is ‘A Better Measure’ in providing an innovative, value-addition, result orientated service to its clients to fit the 21st century needs.

The firm has a Vision to harness the law in order to transform people’s lives and build sustainable businesses and a Mission is to transform lives and businesses by developing people and managing resources.

The Values are Integrity, Innovation, Commitment, Excellence and Mentorship.

In line with the vision, mission and values, ABM was ranked a Top Law firm in trademark/ intellectual property law in Uganda by the World Trademark Review 1000 in 2020 with its Intellectual Property Head, Jamina Apio coming in first as best lawyer in Intellectual Property Law.

ABM was also awarded the privilege of being contributors to Energy Investment Risk Assessment (EIRA) which is an initiative of the International Energy Charter based in Brussels, Belgium through their legal expertise and in-depth on-the-ground information. As always, ABM strives to provide ‘A Better Measure’ not just continentally, but internationally as well.

In light of the needs of the 21st century, our scope of services is centred on four major Industries:

THE PARTNERS

The founding partners of ABM, Jamina Apio who is the Managing partner, Naomi Byabazaire, as Administrations Partner and Shane Musanase Mugenga as the current Finance Partner established ABM with desire to see the legal industry in Uganda and Africa pivoted on its head to ‘A Better Measure’. They have brought together over 28 years of experience to the legal field with immense expertise in corporate, labor and intellectual property law.

In light of this recognized success, they are a major advisor to both the public sector and the corporate world, because it is all about……‘A BETTER MEASURE’

1. Linda Kasonde- Zambia

Linda Kasonde is a lawyer and a civil rights activist. Linda obtained an LLB Law Degree from the University of Leicester in England in 2000 and an LLM Law Degree from the University of Cape Town in 2007. Ms. Kasonde was admitted to the Zambian Bar in 2001. In 2014, she became the first female partner in an established and internationally recognised Zambian law firm to be elevated to the position of named partner when the firm became known as Mulenga Mundashi Kasonde Legal Practitioners (MMK). She is the first woman to be elected as President of the Law Association of Zambia in the history of the Bar Association in Zambia pre- or post- Zambia’s independence in 1964. The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) is the body that regulates the legal profession in Zambia. It also has a statutory mandate to promote and protect the rule of law, constitutionalism, good governance and social justice in Zambia. She is currently the founder and Executive Director of Chapter One Foundation which promotes and protects human rights, human rights defenders, constitutionalism, the rule of law and social justice in Zambia through civic education, advocacy and strategic public litigation. She is also the owner and founder of the law firm LCK Chambers, a dispute resolution and corporate advisory practice which runs as a social enterprise as a sustainability measure for Chapter One Foundation. In April 2019 she was also elected as the Vice-President for Africa for the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, the first Zambian to hold that position.

Linda is a 2017 recipient of the IE University’s Extraordinary People Inspiring the IE Community (EPIC) Award in the ‘Women Inspiring Women’ category. In December 2016, the prestigious The Africa Report named her as one of the people to watch out for in 2017 in Southern Africa. In December 2016, she was awarded the Zambia Society for Public Administration’s Justice Irene Chirwa Mambilima Distinguished Award in recognition of my contribution to the advancement of public service excellence in Zambia. Linda is an alumna of the Harvard University’s Leadership in the 21st Century Executive Programme 2013. She is an alumna of the prestigious 2014 Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellowship. She is also a 2014 alumna of the prestigious United States of America State Department’s International Visitor’s Leadership Programme (IVLP) on Women in Political and Social Affairs and the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s International Leadership Programme. She is a recent participant in Stanford University’s Centre for Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law’s Draper Hills Fellowship. Linda is formerly an officer of the Bar Issues Commission and is currently an officer of the Africa Regional Forum of the International Bar Association (IBA). She is currently the Chairperson of the University of Zambia’s staff tribunal and is formerly a member of the inaugural Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal.

2. Brenda Matanga- Zimbabwe

Brenda Matanga is currently the Managing Attorney of BMatanga Intellectual Property Attorneys. She holds a Bachelor of Law Honours Degree (LLB) from the University of Zimbabwe and a Masters in Intellectual Property Law (LLM) from the University of Turin (Italy) in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). She has 14 years’ experience of practice as a legal practitioner. She was trained at an established IP Firm as a Professional Assistant in the patent and trademark department where she acquired substantial experience in IP prosecution, advisory, and litigation. She later joined a leading corporate law firm where she set up and established an IP department before leaving to form her own practice ten years ago.

She is actively involved in the development of IP in Africa, current Chairperson of the ARIPO Working Group which is amending the organisation’s legal instruments. She is current past President of the Zimbabwe Institute of Patents and Trademarks Agents (ZIPTA) and currently Councillor of the Law Society of Zimbabwe. Brenda has participated in a number of IP laws reform and policy making initiatives in Zimbabwe and the continent. A member of International Trademarks Association (INTA), a foreign associate member of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys of the United Kingdom (CIPA) and is an alumnus of University of Turin and the IP Global Exchange (Europe). She has served as a committee member of the Unreal Campaign (Anti-Counterfeiting and of the International Trade Marks Association (INTA) and is part of the steering committee of the World IP Forum. She has presented papers, conducted trainings and participated in a number of IP Forums, regionally and internationally as a speaker and resource person.
BMatanga IP Attorneys
Specialised IP Boutique
Founded in 2010 by a woman under 30 then (28)
Currently an IP Agent of many leading firms and global brands
Achievements:
BMatanga IP is one of the leading IP firms in Zimbabwe and has managed to break into a field which was previously dominated by a few, old, big, white led firms.
BMatanga IP is building IP jurisprudence in Zimbabwe and has been a major influence in spearheading IP developments in the country and region.
BMatanga IP is a leading and reliable IP voice in the region.
Awards
Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year in Zimbabwe: 2016-Corporate International Global Awards 2016
Most Influential Woman in IP 2018-Zimbabwe
Top 50 Emerging IP Players Award 2019-The IPR Gorilla

3. Elizabeth Mvoi Mwasaru- Kenya

Elizabeth Mvoi – Mwasaru is a Kenyan Advocate.She founded E. M. Mvoi & Co. Advocates based in Mombasa,Kenya delivering legal services in Land Law / Real Estate Law,Construction Law and disputes,Corporate and Commercial Law,Maritime Law
and Family Law. She serves as a Board Member in National Construction Authority.

Elizabeth previously worked as a Senior Associate Advocate in Oloo & Chatur Advocates – Mombasa and
Legal Advisor and ISO Quality Management Representative (QMR) – Focus Container Freight Station Mombasa.

She is a part time lecturer at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology teaching Principles of Commercial / Business Law

She obtained her Law Degree from Kampala International University, Uganda.

4. Mojisola Olugbemi- Nigeria

Mojisola Olugbemi is an award-winning Legal Practitioner and the Founding and Principal Partner of the Law Firm of Stark Legal. She is responsible for the annual strategic planning of the Firm, the efficient implementation of the Firm’s strategic plan as well as the Firm’s overall growth and development. She currently leads the Energy (Oil, Gas and Power) and Intermodal Transport (Aviation and Maritime) Teams of the Firm and is actively involved in Dispute Resolution (Litigation) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (Mediation, Negotiation and Arbitration). Mojisola has represented Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil), Matrix Energy, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Lufthansa German Airlines, Access Bank Plc amongst many others in matters spanning oil spill and environmental issues, banking and international payment systems, employment and labour related issues. In recognition of her vast knowledge of business establishment and corporate governance principles, she sits on the boards of several companies as well as provides company secretarial services to many more.
In 2014, Mojisola was appointed to the board of Law Publishing and Conference Services Ltd, and was elevated to the role of Managing Director in 2015. Under her leadership, the company has successfully published six books in the oil and gas sector which include “A Compendium of Oil and Gas Cases in Nigeria (Vol. 1-4)”, “The Petroleum Industry Bill: Getting to The Yes”, and “Legal Issues In the Nigerian Petroleum Industry”.
In 2016, Mojisola was appointed to the Legal Drafting Team of the proposed Petroleum Industry Reform Bill, under the distinguished leadership of Chief Sena Anthony. The team successfully drafted the Bill which was submitted to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources for onward submission to the National Assembly.
In 2017 Mojisola attended the Harvard Law School Executive Education Leadership in Law Firms Course. She holds an LL.M in International Commercial and Maritime Law from Swansea University, Wales and is a graduate of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos. She is a member of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, the International Bar Association, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK.
In 2018, she was awarded the 40 under 40 award by the ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards in recognition of her performance as one of the Country’s successful legal practitioners yet to attain the age of 40. In 2019, Mojisola was awarded the prestigious and highly coveted award of Managing Partner of the Year (Small Practice) . and her law firm, Stark Legal also emerged the winner of the highly coveted award of Law Firm of the Year (Small Practice) at the ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards.
She is a member of several not-for-profit organizations through which she constantly gives her time and resources. She is particularly passionate about issues affecting children’s rights and women living with domestic violence, and has worked with the YWCA and Awesome Treasures Foundation to create awareness and work on alleviating these issues. She also recently founded Strive and Thrive Foundation, a not for profit organization focused on transformational leadership and entrepreneurial training for young entrepreneurs.

5. Ms Daphne Charlotte Xalati Lebese (Ribisi) – South Africa

Lebese Attorneys is a Law Practice situated in Brooklyn, City of Tshwane founded by Ms Daphne Charlotte Xalati Lebese (Ribisi) with a mission to provide excellent service to clients by introducing a unique touch of innovative contribution to transformation and development of the Law. Lebese Attorneys’ vision is to be one of the leading commercial and civil litigation law firms in Gauteng and in South Africa.

A 100% Black owned entity lead by Ms Daphne Charlotte Xalati Lebese (Ribisi) to help and oversee the process of Black Economic Empowerment in the new dispensation. Ms Lebese obtained her LLB degree from the University of South Africa and has been in the legal fraternity for over 10 years within which she had briefly joined the Judiciary serving in the Magistrates Courts between 2014-2016.
The services of the Law Firm cut across Commercial Law,Labour Law,Civil Litigation,Training and compliance,Media Banking , Military law and Arbitration.

6. Hilda Soko- Malawi

Ms Hilda Soko holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from Chancellor College, University of Malawi obtained in 2010 and a Master of Laws degree in International Human Rights Law from the University of Pretoria, South Africa obtained in 2012 and a Master Degree in Commercial Law from the University of Malawi obtained in 2017. She is co-founder of Soko & Co, a law Firm based in Lilongwe , Malawi. She was admitted to practice law without conditions before the Supreme Court of Appeal, the High Court and all Subordinate Courts in Malawi on May 17, 2011. She has 9years of experience in both civil and criminal litigation. She has further undertaken consultancy work with the various institutions in Malawi on law reform, non-litigation work and transactional work. Ms. Soko can best be described as diligent in the conduct of work and possess great research skills that are useful in the conduct of litigation.

7. Tizyo Mary Bulaka- Zambia

Tizyo is 32 years old and she is the managing partner of TMB Advocates. She holds a Masters of Law (LLM) in international Commercial Law from City University of Zambia and a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the University of Zambia (UNZA). She is 32 years old. She is a qualified lawyer with eight (8) years post qualification experience in Zambia. She also has international experience in corporate and commercial transactions having worked on secondment at Pinsent Masons (one of the leading firms in the United Kingdom) and has undergone comprehensive training in Corporate, commercial and dispute settlement conducted by various leading firms in the United Kingdom. She is an alumni of ILFA (International Lawyers for Africa). Prior to establishing her firm, she had worked as an Associate Advocate with Chifumu Banda & Associates. After Chifumu Banda & Associates, she worked as Head Legal Counsel and Company Secretary for Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme Limited (a private Company wholly owned by the government of Zambia). She opened TMB Advocates a firm specialised in Corporate, Commercial Transactions and Dispute Settlement in June 2019. One of her corporate social responsibilities is to mentor young female lawyers and equip them with relevant skills that will enable them to compete and succeed in their careers. Her main areas of specialism includes Corporate, Finance and Projects Finance. She services a diverse clientele which includes multinational corporations, private local companies and individuals. She is also a Director at Urban Brands Asset Management Limited (a Company in the Hotel and Construction sector). In the past she has also served as Director at Elijah Mission International Zambia Limited (a non-profit making organization) aimed at promoting the welfare or children and women. She has also served as Convenor of the Law Reform & Constitutional Affairs Committee (LAZ) and also Secretary of the Junior Lawyers’ Committee (LAZ). Outside her career, she is interested in travelling, swimming, informal networking, watching series and listening to music.

Her favourite quote is by Eckhart Tolle – “most humans are never fully present in the now, because unconsciously they believe that the next moment must be more important than this one but then you miss your whole life which is never not now.”

8. Lindy Langner- South Africa

Lindy Langner is the director and founder of Langner Attorneys Inc, established since 2010.
She is actively involved with the attorneys’ profession and takes seat in the Personal Injury Law and Gender committees of the Law Society of South Africa. She is an experienced litigator with remarkable mediation and case flow management skills.
She serves as external marker and e-tutor for the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Lindy Langner obtained her LLB degree at TUKS in 2004 followed by employment at UNISA during 2005 while attending part time law school.

In 2007 she joined DYASON Incorporated law firm where she attended to defendant third party litigation on behalf of the Road Accident Fund.

In 2008 she was approached by ADAMS & ADAMS for her outstanding negotiation, expert and file management skills and joined their Commercial, Property and Litigation department.

With this remarkable experience, knowledge and background LANGNER ATTORNEYS INC was established in October 2010. Lindy Langner further takes pride in publishing articles in law journals and is actively involved with the Department of Private Law at UNISA.

She also obtained her LLM degree through UNISA. She obtained her Masters degree at the College of Law through UNISA and further attends courses to enhance her skills.

9. Kelechi Ugbeva- Nigeria

Kelechi Ugbeva is the Founding Partner of Blackwood & Stone LP and is based in Lagos. She is a seasoned commercial lawyer that specializes in taxation. Kelechi has 17 years of local and international commercial law experience providing specialist tax and corporate/commercial legal services to resident and non-resident entities and individuals doing business in Nigeria.
Kelechi is a dual qualified lawyer and in addition to being a member of the Nigerian Bar Associatiom, she is admitted to practice as a solicitor in England and Wales. She obtained her LLB from Abia State University and holds an LLM in International business from the University of London and she is a Chartered Tax Consultant.
In addition to managing Blackwood & Stone LP, Kelechi is passionate about international trade and exchange, and has been involved in facilitating business between Nigeria and Belgium, and currently is a board member and the legal adviser to the Nigerian Belgian Chamber of Commerce.
She loves to cook, is excited about adventure and enjoys spending time with her family.

Blackwood & Stone Legal Practice is an International Business law firm based in Lagos, Nigeria dedicated to providing clients with specialized tax and corporate and commercial law services. The firm successfully represents and advises multinational companies, foreign investors, public companies, closely held businesses including family owned and owner – managed, start-ups and individuals through-out Nigeria and around the world. The Firm is currently affiliated to a global tax network with representation in over 100 countries.

Our partners are experienced tax and commercial lawyers who are experts in Nigerian and international tax and business law, each having developed successful careers at leading law firms and organizations.

10. Catherine Njuguna- Kenya

NYAMBURA NJUGUNA & COMPANY founded by Catherine Njuguna was registered in the year 2006 and set up shop in January 2007. In the period of 12 years of the firm’s existence, the firm gained wide experience in diverse aspects of legal consultancy and litigation.

Catherine Nyambura Njuguna is a qualified Advocate with a solid 15 years standing in practice and a holder of a current practicing certificate. She attended University of Nairobi where she obtained a Second Class Honours Upper Division LL.B degree. She undertook her pupilage with the firm of Muthoga Gaturu & Company Advocates and thereafter worked for UNHCR on a short term contract as an eligibility assistant. She was admitted to the Bar on 29th July 2004 and worked with Onesmus Githinji & Company as a legal assistant for about one year. She thereafter joined Karago S.N. & Company Advocates as an associate for about one and a half years before branching out on her own in late December 2006. She stands in excellent books with the Law Society of Kenya with not a single complaint leveled against her during her relatively long period of practice. She has undertaken personal development seminars each year to keep herself abreast with changing dynamics of legal practice. She has received accolades in view of her humanity, empathy, professionalism, commitment, diligence, adeptness, transparency and thoroughness in handling client briefs.

11. Ms. Philile L. Mahlangu – Kingdom of Eswatini(Swaziland)

Ms. Philile L. Mahlangu is 32 years old from the Kingdom of Eswatini. She graduated from High school at Ka-Boyce High School and began law school in 2008. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B) in 2013 and then enrolled for my Master’s Degree(LL.M) at The University of Pretoria in South Africa.
Philile specialises in Mercantile Law which encompasses Banking Law, Competition Law and Information & Technology Law. She has a Master’s degree and served her Articles for a year with Nkomondze Attorneys. She was admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of the Kingdom of Eswatini in 2017.
In the year 2018, she established a law firm with her colleaguespracticing under the style DLAMINI NKAMBULE MAHLANGU ATTORNEYS.She has two partners in the firm and three employees. Her passion is to advocate for children’s rights and the disadvantaged groups. This she does through community service and pro bono work.
Philile also runs a business where she employs 22 people 19 of whom are women. She is a part-time lecturer at the University of Eswatini

Philile strives to advocate for equality and equitability through legal and community service in Eswatini where she describes as a very patriarchal society.

12. Pilirani Chuma- Malawi

Mrs. Pilirani Chuma 35 founded Macdonald and Don Associates.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree from Chancellor College a constituent of the University of Malawi. She was admitted to the Malawi Bar in 2008. She holds a Master Degree in International Trade Law obtained(LLM) from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. The major areas of specialization were WTO Law, International Sales Law and Regional Trade Law, Legal Aspects of Foreign Direct Investments, International Taxation Law, Payment and Guarantees, and International Arbitration. Further, Mrs. Chuma obtained a Master in Business Administration(MBA) studying with the East and Southern Africa Management Institute as well as a Master in Communications Management (MCM) studying with the New Buckinghamshire University of UK.

For the first 4 years of her professional experience, she worked with Messrs. Bernhard & Harris in Blantyre. Her extensive experience includes civil litigation, financial and commercial advisory drafting transaction instruments for domestic and international business transactions and generally addressing a multiplicity of legal problems arising in a private practitioner’s portfolio.

In October 2011, she left Bernhard & Harris to join Telekom Networks Malawi Plc(TNM). She worked at TNM from October 2011 to May 2019, serving as Head of Legal Services as well as Company Secretary for TNM Mpamba Limited until May 2019.

In June 2019 to date, Mrs. Chuma founded Messrs. Macdonald & Don Associates.

Macdonald & Don Associates {“the Firm”} provides well integrated, efficient and effective legal services. The firm is founded by Counsel of over 10years active experience in civil, corporate and commercial legal services with a clean record of competent practice.

The Firm’s principal offices are situated along Glyn Jones Road in Mphepo House, Blantyre, Malawi. The office provides privacy for client consultation but fully accessible located in the heart of the commercial city of Blantyre. The firm is rapidly growing and continues to offer top of the class legal services to clients in Malawi.

During the years 2015-2018 she was appointed a member of the consultative team to review the drafting of the Electronic Management Bill, the Financial Ombudsman Bill and she was also a member that represented Industry players in the review of the Communications Act from 2011 to 2016.

Mrs. Chuma has made contributions to the field of Arbitration in Malawi by making presentations on drafting Arbitration clauses to Lawyers in an Arbitration CPD held by the Malawi Law Society. She is a member of the Malawi Law Society and the Women’s Law Association and has represented the Women’s Law Association in a probono case interrogating women’s rights vis a vis cultural rights as well as continuing to support cases brought to WLA by women in need of legal representation.

13. Rachel Chibaya- Zimbabwe

Advocate Rachel Chibaya is a registered Legal Practitioner and has been in private practice since 2010.

She is the Founding Partner at R Chibaya Law Chambers, a middle size vibrant law firm in Harare.

In 2018 she was honored as the Winner in the legal service category at the Women in Enterprise Awards by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.

She is a member of the Law Society of Zimbabwe.

She is a member of the International Bar Association in the United Kingdom.

She is the current Council Chairperson at Women ‘s University in Africa .

She is the current Board Vice Chairperson at National Pharmaceuticals Company in Zimbabwe (Natpharm).

She sits in various boards as a trustee and a board member.

She participated in the 2010 drafting of the new Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

She is passionate towards Corporate Law, Property Law, Family Law, Conveyancing and Notarial practice.

She Advocates for Good Corporate Governance.

She is a Christian and a mother of three.

14. Uchenna Ogwo- Nigeria

Uchenna Ogwo is a graduate of the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus and an (Executive) Master’s holder in Business Administration from London School of Business and Economics. Mrs. Ogwo started practice with Adeniyi Coker Consultants Limited (ACCL) a foremost Architectural Firm in Lagos and also worked as Human Resources Manager at NESTOIL LIMITED before she left to found the firm Brookwood Associates where she leads the corporate commercial practice team of the Firm.
Mrs. Ogwo has cognate experience in the Legal aspects of Human Resources Management, Contracts Documentation, Labour and Productivity Law, Real Estate Conveyancing, Titles Registration, Immigration and Intellectual Property.
She had consulted for the United Nations on Environmental Law matters. She also has cognate experience of the Law of Succession and Probate matters. Uchenna is very passionate about the cause of empowering women, and therefore founded a group called Lady Lawyers Re-engaged. The group through peer-coaching, mentoring and organizing non-committal tutelage classes encnourages female lawyers who take time off practice find their footing or stay in touch with the profession. She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, an active member of FIDA (International Federation of Women Lawyers) and also a Chartered Mediator.

15. Natasha Chiumya- Zambia

Natasha started her career in the public sector, working on business climate reform with bilateral and multilateral donors as well as the Government, through the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry. She moved into the private sector by taking up a position as in-house counsel for PricewaterhouseCoopers where she covered a wide range of corporate and commercial matters

However, by 2007 she could no longer deny her entrepreneurial yearnings and made the bold move of opening up her own law firm. Together with her partner, Natasha established Zambia’s first niche practice law firm, Folotiya & Chiumya, specialising exclusively in corporate and commercial matters and growing it into one of the leading real estate law firms in Zambia. The firm has handled thousands of property transactions on behalf of corporates, individuals, commercial developers and diplomatic missions to name a few. In addition, she has advised on numerous projects for public and private clients relating to public private partnerships, mixed use developments and revaluation of property assets. As a former deputy chairperson of the Lands Tribunal she resolved land disputes from across the country thereby gaining extensive insight into land issues in Zambia.

Having built a significant property development practice and amassed experience in real estate and land matters, she spearheaded the Diaspora Reconnection Project which was aimed at revolutionizing the way Zambians abroad buy property back home. This was successfully launched as an independent online business, known as Buying Property in Zambia on all platforms, that leverages the use of social media and technology to assist individuals in the diaspora to identify potential property investments, access diaspora mortgages and obtain other property related services. Her involvement in technology extended to financial services when, from 2014 – 2018, she served as chairperson of Afb Zambia Limited, a subsidiary of the Afb group which pursues financial inclusion through innovation and mobile technology in Zambia, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Natasha is an active member of the Law Association of Zambia. She was part of the organizing committee that held the International Bar Association’s (IBA) Women Business Lawyers conference, the first of its kind for the IBA in Africa. The conference, which drew over 100 women lawyers from across the continent, enabled participants to develop their practices and enhance their awareness of standards and trends in the practice of law. She once again assisted the Association in hosting the Commonwealth Lawyers Conference – a global conference that saw over 600 delegates converge on Livingstone to discuss topical issues regarding the use, application and development of the law internationally.
Natasha is passionate about seeing women advance. She has been a founding board member of Alchemy Women in Leadership, an NGO that promotes leadership of women in the corporate sector and empowers young girls through training, mentoring and scholarships. Children and the youth have a special place in her heart. She served as the secretary and vice chairperson of SOS Children’s Village Zambia, the largest non profit child care NGO in Zambia from 2011 – 2015. SOS Children’s Village provides family support, education up to tertiary level and medical care to thousands of Zambian children. In 2017 Natasha collaborated with some colleagues and the Jesuit Centre For Leadership Development (JCLD) and the Jesuit Centre For Theological Reflection (JCTR) to create and facilitate the Purpose Driven Leadership Development Programme (PLDP) – a unique process aimed at developing young leaders capable of initiating and leading change. The Programme impacted 50 young people by introducing them to concepts of purposeful, passionate, responsible and ethical leadership.
Natasha obtained her honours degree in law from the University of Warwick, UK. She is an Advocate of the High Court of Zambia and was a recipient of the Chief Justice’s Award, having been one of the top performers in her bar intake. Under the award of the prestigious Beit fellowship she obtained a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. She is part of the Africa List, a select community of CEOs and business leaders that are on track to be leading Zambia’s top 100 companies over the coming decades.

16. Precious Gondwe- Botswana

Precious Masuku-Gondwe is the 31 year old Founding Partner of Precious & Partners. She overlooks the day to day running of the law firm and is the head litigator who is also responsible for the management of client relations as well as the acquisition and supervision of talent and employment. Attorney Gondwe has gained credibility amongst corporate and individual clients respectively. She is An Admitted Attorney, Notary Public & Conveyancer in the Republic of Botswana and a Member of the Law Society of Botswana. She is also Registered Member of the Solicitor Regulator Authority (SRA) as a Foreign Lawyer, pending admission as a Solicitor in the UK & Wales and a Google Digital Licensee. As one who rises to challenges she is not only dealing with the mammoth task of managing a small yet booming law firm, she is currently a Masters of Law in Corporate Law candidate of the University of South Africa. Her main areas of practice corporate and commercial law, she is also a qualified and practicing Conveyancer and Notary Public. She strongly believes in justice and is passionate about family law and human right law. She is a firm believer in female empowerment and has also founded a movement named Pan-African Game Changers wherein she not only mentors but also motivates a large number of young African women across the globe. The aim is to foster a large number of female African Entrepreneurs running successful businesses and doing so, where possible, debt free. As a Christian she is an active member of her church, and participated as a speaker at motivational and educational seminars about the law and enterprise. With roots in Malawi, she is an active member of the National Action Plan on Persons with Albinism in Malawi. This was launched in order to safeguard persons with albinism against discrimination and becoming victims of violence. As a humanitarian at heart, she has donated to this cause and has contributed by advising how the government of Malawi can implement policies and laws that promote, protect and uplift persons with albinism.
Precious Gondwe obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB)University Of South Africa where she is an LLM Student . She is a Google Certified Digital Garage Licensee SRA Candidate: Admission as a Solicitor in United Kingdom & Wales.
Gondwe’s expertise and skills are General Litigation, Administrative Law, Commercial & Company Law, Digital Law, E-Commerce, Banking Law, Commercial Litigation, Debt Collection, ADR Advocacy skills, Legal Researches, Mediation & Negotiation. Conveyancing& Property Law related issues.

17. Nkem Agboti- Nigeria

Nkem Agboti is the founder of Amber Solicitors, a Lagos-based full-service Law Firm. She is an accredited Mediator, and works as a Neutral at the Lagos Multi-door Courthouse as well as the Lagos Chamber of Commerce International Arbitration Center.

She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), and also serves as a Council Member of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL).

She has seventeen years experience in the practice of Business Law, and is also well rounded in Corporate Affairs, with special experience in Government Engagement, Legislative Negotiations, Legislative Drafting, and Administrative Proceedings.

Prior to founding Amber Solicitors, Nkem worked at two of Nigeria’s foremost law firms, as well as a multi-national FMCG company.

18. Rebecca Mugabi- Uganda

Rebecca Mugabi is a founding partner at Sseryazi, Mugabi & Co. Advocates which was founded in the year 2012 with Sseryazi Benon. The law firm which has been in existence for 9 years operates from Kampala,the capital of Uganda.It has employed and empowered young female lawyers that have proved their excellence in the practice. The firm has handled domestic and international clients in the field of family law, land transactions, company Law and immigration.

19. Nduku Janet Muema- Kenya

Janet Nduku started J.N Muema & Company Advocates in March, 2016 after resigning from Prof. Musili Wambua & Company Advocates where she was an Advocate on pupillage and held over as an Advocate in waiting.

While at Prof. Musili Wambua & Company Advocates, she was seconded to Safaricom Limited as an External Counsel.

At Safaricom she gained a wide exposure to:-

-General conveyancing work including but not limited to registration of leases, renewal of leases, drafting of agreements to lease, drafting of licences, and registration at the Land Registries.

-Conducting Negotiation on behalf of Safaricom (between Safaricom and Service Providers)

-Attending to Safaricom’s clients queries

-Advising and registration of Intellectual Property Rights/Matters

-Monthly reporting to Senior -in- house counsel (Safaricom Limited) on Progress of legal matters/briefs

In 2017 she was privileged to serve as a Board Member- National Elections Board under the leadership of Ms. Agatha Solitei – Chairlady/Chairperson of Wiper Democratic Movement-Kenya where she was exposed to management and conduct of the party primaries leading to selection of various candidates (From Governors, Senators, Member of National Assembly and MCAs)

Currently she manages J.N Muema & Company Advocates. Janet has over 8 years legal experience and exposure but was admitted to the bar in March, 2015 giving her 5 years post admission experience as an Advocate in Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Family Law and Political Parties Dispute Resolution

20. Misozi Hope Masengu- Zambia

Misozi Hope is the Founder and Managing Partner of NOVUS HM Legal Practitioners, a corporate and commercial law firm based in Lusaka, Zambia. She is a trial advocate and transactional lawyer, with a peculiar expertise in commercial litigation and commercial transactions. Misozi has over 8 years practice experience and her expertise spans: private equity, mergers and acquisitions, project finance and corporate advisory and commercial. In terms of dispute resolution, she represents clients in disputes involving mainly intellectual property, employment and labour relations and general commercial disputes.

Previously, Misozi was a Partner in the firm of Mwenye & Mwitwa – Advocates, where she led all commercial transactions and commercial litigation cases. In 2017, she was seconded to Trinity LLP, a London based law firm which focusses on project finance in emerging markets (under the International Lawyers for Africa Flagship). In 2016, she was appointed by the Chief Justice of Zambia as adjudicator of the Local Government Elections Tribunal. Misozi has also undertaken various professional trainings such as: China – Africa (One Belt, One Road Initiative) Exchange Program; Legal Writing and Case Analysis course by the General Council of the Bar of South Africa (GCB); and the Investment Advisors and Stockbrokers course by the Zambia College of Pensions and Insurance Trust (ZCPIT).

Misozi is a Beit Scholar, holding a Master of Laws (Higher Degree) in International Trade and Commercial Law (LLM), from the University of Durham in England. She also holds a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from the University of Zambia. Whilst at the University of Zambia, she was a recipient of the Dean’s Prize for the Best Student throughout the duration of her studies. She is a keen member of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), the International Bar Association (IBA) and the International Trademarks Association (INTA). She is also currently serving on various boards.

Misozi is passionate about seeking novelty in law and pushing the boundaries of legal practice. She is also an author in the area of labour law.

21. Chibuzo Ezima- Nigeria

Chibuzo Ezima is the founding Partner and the head of the Corporate Commercial practice of Raregem Solicitors, a specialized law firm in the commercial hub of Lagos Mega city Nigeria. With about 15 years’ experience in legal Practice; She provides professional legal advice to both Nigerian and Cross border clients principally on Business sets-up, Compliance, regulatory and company secretarial functions, privatization, international joint venture transactions, mergers and acquisitions and corporate restructurings transactions.

Chibuzo also has hands on experience in corporate and project finance, Power transactions, vessel financing and Maritime related matters. Over the years, she has advised on a significant number of transactions, including working with a team of top professionals on the review and drafting of NIMISA Act, concessioning of the Calabar Terminal Port, Vessel Acquisition by a wholly owned indigenous Nigerian company, legal advisory to the foremost IPP at Aba, acquisition of about three Telecommunications Companies by a major CDMA service provider, acquisition and management buyout of Cement Company of Northern Nigeria and legal advisory services to a Spanish Company investing in the Nigeria real estate business.

Chibuzo has concluded at her previous engagement a transaction where she provided advice as a core member of the Lender’s Counsel in the $46.5m Mall Development Project loan finance. She also worked on hybrid financing involving mezzanine debt and medium term loan facility for the construction of Mall on behalf of a South African Investment Company.

As a seasoned Solicitor, Chibuzo remains passionate about core commercial legal practice and continues to expand her horizon through membership Nigerian bar Association-Section on Business law, International Bar Association, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

She graduated from both Abia State University and the Nigerian Law School Abuja with Second Upper Division and worked with firms of Paul Usoro & Co, Kenna Partners and Aluko & Oyebode before leaving to establish Raregem Solicitors.

22. Nalunkuma Pamela- Uganda

Nalunkuma Diana Pamela Mugyenzi Podtra
is the founder and managing partner of M/s Pamela Nalunkuma & Co. Advocates. She is married to Apostle Godfrey Mugyenzi with three (3) children and a pastor at Turn to Jesus Ministries, Lubowa.

She founded the law firm in June 2016, after her seven (7) years practical experience from Lukwago & Co. Advocates whereat she acquired multiple extra-ordinary skills.

Since then she has progressively managed the firm which so many other lawyers and support staff joining her. She practices as a general corporate/commercial lawyer. She also authoritatively engages in other fields including land laws, negotiations and arbitration, labour , employment laws and relations, human rights, criminal justice, business consultancy/investment, family laws, human rights and litigation generally.

23. Malmmsey Reshoketsoe Malefo- South Africa

Malmmsey Reshoketsoe Malefo was born in Pretoria where she is currently practising law as an attorney in a Law Firm she founded.
She studied law and qualified with the degrees B.Proc and LLB from the University of the North now called University of Limpopo.

After serving her articles of clerkship with the law firm Niemann Attorneys,she then became a Professional Assistant and Associate at Weavind & Weavind Inc. where she specialised in Civil litigation and Insurance law. In 2008, Malefo Attorneys was founded. The firm deals with family law matters and civil litigation which incorporates some areas of specialization.

She is also a Commissioner at the Small Claims Court, and serve as a member of the board of the Small Claims Court Board. A member of the Women’s Task Team convened by the Law Society of South Africa and also a member of the Insolvency and Liquidation Committee of the Law Society of South Africa.

24. Aisha Ado Abdullahi- Nigeria

Aisha Ado Abdullahi has a law degree and master’s in business and commercial law in Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. She obtained her barrister at law degree from the Nigerian Law school. She has over a decade working experience as a lawyer and consultant in law and development matters working under the business name of Green Edge Attorneys (law firm) which she founded in 2006. She is engaged in fulltime General law practice (as a Barrister and Solicitor). Green Edge Attorneys is a full-service law firm with the capacity to handle the legal needs of clients in Nigeria’s peculiar business environment. Green Edge is now expanded to cover the constant changing business needs of a broad range of clientele and also to keep up with the fast-growing world.

Aisha co-founded and is Managing Director of Green Horizon consultancy firm, which focuses on developmental services. Green Horizon under leadership of Aisha founded the Green Horizon Institute of research and training.
She is the Pioneer President of the Institute of ADR Registrars Nigeria.
She is currently the Legal and ADR consultant in Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, setting up and Heading the Abuja Chamber of Commerce Dispute Resolution Center.
She is also the deputy registrar and faculty member (Trainer) of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators.
Aisha served as Co-chair on the committee of Eminent Persons to oversee the activities of the Situation room set up by the West Africa Network for peace building in collaboration with ECOWAS during the general Presidential elections in Nigeria in February 2019.
Aisha served as a member of Council of Legal Education Nigeria representing Nigeria Bar Association 2015-2018.
She is Co-Chairing the Young Mediators Committee of the International Bar Association. She is also a membership officer of the International Bar Association.
She was a member of a team of consultants engaged by Justice for all programme of the British council and Department for international development (DFID) that developed a training manual and delivered series of training workshops on mediation and conflict resolution in favor of Traditional rulers and the Wives of Traditional rulers (to enhance access to justice for women) in Jigawa State from 2009 to 2014. Her team replicated the same exercise in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on North East Initiative (PCNI) in favor of Traditional rulers, Religious leaders and Judges in the Northeast in 2018.
Aisha was also a consultant/ Researcher for assessment on capacity of criminal justice institutions for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2014.
She chaired a team that developed a media programme to increase awareness on rape and violence against women, causes and ways to seek redress and rehabilitation, under a Coalition in Kano State called C.A.R.A.V (Coalition Against Rape and Violence) to which she is also the Chairperson. She is on the panel of neutrals in the Dispute resolution Centre of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and also Kano and Abuja multi-door court houses. She is a member of the Chartered institute of Arbitrators UK (Nigeria Branch).
She was a member of the team that assisted in replicating the National Gender Policy in Jigawa State.
Aisha in her capacity as a member of the executive committee of the Kano Civil Society Forum also participated in the creation of a Human Rights Abuse Complaint Mechanism stationed in the Kano State Ministry of Justice which was set in place with the Support of the Justice for all programme of the DFID and Kano State Justice Sector Reform Team for the purpose of dealing with complaints against human rights violation by the Joint Task Force.

Aisha Co-Authored: Principles of Islamic Law: An Introductory Text, Ahmadu Bello University Press , Zaria Kaduna State, 2016, page 593.

25. Nakiranda Rebecca Ndawula- Uganda

Nakiranda Rebecca Ndawula is an advocate with 9 years’ experience in Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution.After working with one of Uganda’s top law firms for seven years,she founded Nakiranda and Co Advocates
Rebecca is
admitted by the Attorney General of the Republic of Uganda on advice of the Chief Justice of Uganda to the prestigious Roll of Notaries Public eith the authority to administer oaths and certify documents for in line with the Notary public Act.

She is also admitted by the Hon. Chief Justice of Uganda on advice of the Uganda Law Council to the prestigious Roll of Commissioners for Oaths in in the Republic of Uganda with permission to discharge such all functions of the Commissioner for oaths .

She obtained her Bachelor of Law with a 2nd class upper from the Makerere University Kampala and called to the Ugandan Bar.

She is also the Director/ Founder
of Christ the King Girls Secondary School, Matugga

26. Joyce Nalunga- Uganda

Joyce is listed for her sterling performance as the CEO of the Law Society of Uganda.
Joyce has professional experience spanning over eighteen (18) years, in private business law practice, litigation and court matters, corporate governance, consulting legal and regulatory reform, policy research, advocacy and private sector training.
Joyce is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Law Society. She is a motivational speaker and a transformational leader who has mentored and impacted many lives of young lawyers mostly female lawyers.
Joyce is an enrolled advocate and a Commissioner for Oaths. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management of Ndejje University (2019), a Master’s Degree in Law Oil & Gas of Uganda Christian University , Mukono (2018), an Honours Degree in Law of Makerere University, Kampala (1999) as well as a Diploma in Legal Practice of the Law Development Center, Kampala (2000).
Joyce is now a PHD candidate specializing in Gender Based Violence and its impact on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights of Refugees.
Other qualifications include being a Certified/Advanced Mediator, a Leadership Trainee qualified under the Female Future Program of the Federation of Ugnada Employers (FUE).
Joyce is a member of several professional bodies like the Uganda Law Society, East Africa Law Society, Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity and FIDA (U) a women’s lawyer’s Association.
She has governance experience gained over the last 18 years, having served on a number of Boards including the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (NCHRDs), Chaiperson Board of Directors- Victory Senior Secondary School and Chairperson Board-Zebra Roofing Ltd.
She has conducted institutional and organisational reviews of public and private sector institutions in the region. She is also the Chairperson, Pro bono Board Committee – Law Council, a ULS Representative to the Law Council as well as a member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Law Council. She is formerly a managing partner of law Chambers M/s Nalunga – Birimumaaso & Co. Advocates since February 2000. She is formerly the Head Litigation of M/S Public Defenders Asociation (U) and for several years shared knowledge with law students as an Associate Lecturer, Law Development Center, Kampala.
Joyce has also spearheaded the publication of seceral ULS publications including the Annual Law Report 2018, Annual Legal Aid Report 2018, Rule of Law Quarterly Reports 2018, ULS Newsletters 2018 to date. She is a family person, married to Joseph Birimumaaso and has four (4) biological children plus five (5) adopted children.

27. Nontuthuzelo Mimie Memka – South Africa

Ms Nontuthuzelo Mimie Memka is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. She was admitted as an attorney on the 28th June 1999. She operates her own law practice under the name M MEMKA INC ATTORNEYS in Durban, South Africa. She has been operating her law firm since 2004. She has mentored quite a number of female candidate attorneys under her in the 14 years she has been practicing as an attorney.
She has served as an Additional Magistrate at the Lower Courts in Durban .
Ms Memka has served as a non-executive Director the Board of the Legal Aid South Africa for a period seven years , she has served as a Council member of the Law Society of South Africa for a period of five years, she has been the Chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association for the Durban branch, as a member of the Board of the Attorneys Development Fund, is a member of the South African Woman Lawyers Association, a member of the Black Lawyers Association and the Chairperson of the Women’s Task Team of the Law Society of South Africa .
She is very passionate about the empowerment of black women and in particular the mentoring of young women entering the attorneys profession.

28. Foluke Akinmoladun – Nigeria

Foluke Akinmoladun is a legal practitioner called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005 and an accountant. She is a certified Mediator, a trained arbitrator and the Managing Solicitor of Trizon Law Chambers.
Foluke’s legal work experience spans both Nigerian and foreign law firms where she has handled domestic and international commercial legal matters.
She is an ADR practitioner and was the pioneer head of the secretariat of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce International Arbitration Centre. In her alternative dispute resolution practice, she participated in drafting of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce International Arbitration Centre’s Rules on arbitration and mediation. She has acted in various capacities in the arbitration process such as, acting legal representative to parties at arbitral proceedings, acting as arbitral registrar and as arbitrator. She has been appointed as arbitrator in domestic arbitration matters mainly in finance related matters. She mediates on commercial and banking matters, customary/family law matters, property/land matters and debt recovery.
Foluke’s legal work experience spans both Nigerian and foreign law firms where she has handled domestic and international commercial legal matters. Her foreign law firm experience was mainly solicitor work specifically in mergers and acquisition documentation, intellectual property registrations (patents and trademarks), and software licensing arrangements.
Her Nigerian experience covers maritime claims, estate management, legal aid (prisoners), environmental claims, fundamental human rights, judgment enforcement, land matters, labour matters, family and probate matters and debt recovery. In corporate and commercial matters she has been engaged in Joint venture documentation, project development contracts, shareholders’ agreements, corporate restructuring, regulatory compliance, perfection of land documentation, PPP contracts, due diligence, legal risk analysis, legal audit report and construction contract documentations.
She worked briefly as a research assistant at the American University in Cairo from 2006 to 2009.
She also conducts seminars and trainings on Mediation, ADR, Regulatory compliance and Estate Planning.
She attended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria where she obtained her First degree in Law in 2004. She had her Masters degree in International and Comparative Law at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Egypt in 2008. She also has an Advanced Diploma in Accounting Business en route to becoming a Chartered Accountant.
She has written several papers some of which are:
a) 3rd ICC Africa Conference: The Viability of International Arbitration in Africa, Thinking Globally Acting Locally-published in the ICC DRS Bulletin issue 2018/3 (International Chamber of Commerce Dispute Resolution Bulletin) November 2018.
b) “IFRS 15 and its legal implications for Nigerian Construction Companies” Construction Law International, Vol 14 Issue 1 November 2019, A Committee publication from the IBA Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law section.
c) The Shipping Business-What you need to know-published in Women in Shipping and Trading International Nigeria (WISTA) Annual Journal 2018-September 2018.
d) How claims in Construction projects can arise and be resolved (in brief) – Published in Thisday Law (a Nationwide circulated newspaper in Nigeria) -31st July 2018.
e) How to use alternative dispute resolution in maritime claims in Nigeria published in Women in Shipping and Trading International Nigeria (WISTA) Annual Journal 2017-November 2017.
f) “IFRS 15 and its legal implications for the Nigerian Construction Industry” which was published in Thisday Law 4th of October 2016.
g) Enforcement of Arbitral Awards in Nigeria: An appraisal of emerging trends. The Publication can be accessed at:
i) Comparative Law eJournal, Vol 10, Issue 33, March 17, 2010.
ii) Law, Institutions & Development eJournal, Vol 8, Issue 17, March 17, 2010.
iii) Negotiation & Dispute Resolution eJournal, Vol 11, Issue 13, March 15, 2010.
h) The news journal of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch Vol III, No.8, May – August edition, 2019.
She is a recipient of the following awards:
a. The African Graduate Fellowship-LLM in INTERNATIONAL AND COMPARATIVE LAW.
American University in Cairo,Cairo, Egypt.

b. Research Grant Fellow from the American University in Cairo for LLM Master’s Thesis titled The Enforcement of Arbitral Awards in Nigeria: An Appraisal of Emerging Trends.
c. Women in Shipping and Trading International and the Institute of Chartered Ship Brokers(UK) (WISTA/ICS) Scholarship on the following subjects(Diploma):
a. Introduction to Shipping
b. Shipping Finance
She is a member of various other organisations and in key roles there such as:
Director General, African Ship Owners Association, member of the Lagos Court of Arbitration and its panel on the Backlog Elimination Programme,, member of the panel of Arbitral Secretaries, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK (Nigeria Branch) and member, Equal Representation in Arbitration-ERA Pledge Steering Committee (Nigeria), the Young International Arbitrators Group of London Court of International Arbitration (YIAG), Young ICCA (International Council for Commercial Arbitration), YAF-ICC (Young Arbitrators Forum of the International Chamber of Commerce) and Young ICSID.
She is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants and is a Certified Management Specialist (CMS)registered and certified by the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC-Nigeria) under the auspices of the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI). She is a member of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) (Nigerian Chapter) and the chief editor of the annual WISTA-Nig Journal, member of the Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAFRICA)-Nigerian Chapter and the assistant secretary of the organisation.
She has acted as rapporteur in the following international events:
a. Co-Rapporteur and Presenter: 7th Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (Sharm El Sheikh VII) Conference on The role of State Courts in International Commercial Arbitration, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt December 2018.
b. Lead Rapporteur: Chartered Institute of Arbitrators(UK) Nigeria Chapter Annual General Conference/AGM(2017,2018,2019)
c. Lead Rapporteur: Women in Shipping and Trading Association International (Nigerian Chapter) WISTA Business Luncheon (2016, 2017, 2018).
d. Lead Rapporteur: 4th ICC Africa Regional Conference, (2019), 3rd ICC Africa Regional Conference, Lagos Nigeria (2018), 2ndICC Africa Regional Conference, Lagos Nigeria (2017).
e. Rapporteur: 1st ICC Africa Regional Conference, Lagos Nigeria (2016).
f. Lead Rapporteur, Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Breakfast Meeting (2017, 2018).
g. Lead rapporteur: The Lagos International Maritime Business to Business Conference (2016, 2017, and 2018).
h. Lead Rapporteur, Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (coordinated 30 rapporteurs for 4 working days, 41 sessions and over 100 speakers) at the: 59th Annual General Conference, Pre-Conference Nec & Annual General Meeting The Nigerian Bar Association themed : Facing the Future (2019).
i. Lead rapporteur, The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators’ Annual Conference and Investiture Award Ceremony themed: Building A Culture Of Arbitration And Sustainable Institutions In West Africa (Nov 2019).

29. Victoria Nassuna- Uganda

Victoria is an advocate of all Courts of Judicature , a managing Partner with Heritage Associated Advocates and an insolvency practitioner . The firm was opened up in January 2017 with another female partner . Victoria has a Bachelors of Laws degree from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Center. She is a member of the Uganda Law Society and the East Africa Law Society.
She is immensely skilled in areas of criminal law, family law, alternative dispute resolution, banking, land and real estate, corporate governance , tax principles and planning, mergers and acquisitions. Victoria worked as associate with Lukwago & Co Advocates one of the best law firms in Uganda for a period of over five years up until she decided to start her own law firm . While at Lukwago & Co. Advocates, she developed a dynamic legal experience in various legal fields. She worked on a variety of cases including real estate, estates planning and trusts , family, general contracts and advised many companies.
Victoria has also litigated many high profile cases both civil and criminal including the criminal trial of “Buganda Rioters” Uganda Versus Robert Sekabira and 10 others accused of terrorism that ended up in and acquittal , Uganda Versus Kamuswaga Moses and Kakiza Richard wherein Kikiza Rihard was acquitted of charges of terrorism. In 2011 she was part of the team that represented Honourable Muwanga Kivumbi and Honourable Kasibante Moses in their various Election petitions that were worn. In 2016, she was part of the team that represented Ivan Bwowe,Kabungo SSentogo Robinah and Mpuga David and all the election petitions were successful.
She has also provided corporate tax compliance services, performed tax due diligence, tax health checks and advised clients on tax planning matters. She has also represented many people in labour /employment related matters, advised clients on labour law , assisted clients on how to conduct and make preparations of employment contracts , trained and supervised clients in employment laws as well as banking . She has over the years built experience in preparation and drafting of an array of legal documents and correspondences, formation of companies and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Alternative Dispute Resolution, registration and renewal of Trademarks, drafting and registration of mortgages, obtaining money lender certificates and renewal of the same; and offering legal opinions and preparation of legal briefs. Legal audits of loan contracts and mortgages, drafting and registration of mortgages and related security/loan instruments, counseling on banking loan securities and evaluate collaterals, advise on risk sharing, liquidity ratios. She has also specialized in banking and finance litigation as well as security perfection for banks .

30. Mercy Wambua- Kenya

Mercy Wambua serves as the CEO of the Law society of Kenya one of Africa’s most vibrant Bar association. She has an impressive track record thus justifying her presence on the Courtroom Mail list

Mercy became the CEO of the Law Society of Kenya in 2016 at 36; one of the youngest to assume that position in the region.

Currently, she serves as the Secretary/ CEO of the Law Society of Kenya.She is in charge of the affairs of the Law Society of Kenya which has a membership of over 17,000 advocates and with expansive mandate as provided for under Section 4 of the Law Society of Kenya Act (2014). Her specific duties include; Overseeing and Coordinating the administrative function of the Secretariat, implementing the organizations strategic plan, Conceptualizing and developing programme ideas in tandem with the Societies’ mandate, objectives and Strategic Plan, attending meetings on behalf of the Council and the Society, implementing decisions of the Council, Overseeing financial affairs of the organization, Handling personnel matters.

She is also an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a legal practitioner with administrative and human rights (gender, social justice) experience of over 15 years. She is a leader, with a keen interest in promotion of good governance, rule of law & human rights, with earned expertise in board management, project cycle management, resource mobilization, grant management, litigation, advocacy, policy formulation, strategic thinking, planning and implementation of projects and programs. In addition, she is a Certified Secretary having been registered as a Certified Public Secretary on 27th September 2017.

Mercy serves as the Secretary to the Advocates Disciplinary Committee. During her tenure, the Law Society of Kenya has enhanced standards of professional practice and ethical conduct through close monitoring of advocates compliance status, development of Law Society of Kenya Regulations and various practice guidelines, implementation of Section 25 (1)(H) of the Advocates Act, and enactment of a Code of Conduct to guide advocates in the Country.

She serve as the Secretary to the Advocates Benevolent Association charged with the responsibility of providing oversight management of the Association with over ten thousand members. She also serves as the Secretary to the Senior Counsel Committee among other 30 Committees of the Council and the Society.

In the year 2017, she was co-opted and served as a member of the Legal Sector Reforms Taskforce established by the Attorney General (2017-2018). Taskforce has provided detailed recommendations on how to reform the Legal Sector in Kenya.

In December 2019, she was appointed as a member of the Board of Kituo Cha Sheria. The Board is charged with the responsibility of setting policy and oversight over the management of the organization.

Previously, Mercy served as a Deputy Secretary/CEO of the Law Society of Kenya a position she held from May 2012 until February 2016 when she was appointed by the Council of the Law Society to perform the duties of the Secretary/CEO a position she held for one month.

As the Deputy Secretary/CEO, she deputize the Chief Executive Officer through taking charge of general administration of the secretariat, implementation of the society’s strategic plan, resource mobilization as well as overseeing implementation of programme activities.

Prior to joining the LSK, she was the Deputy Legal Aid Programme Coordinator of the National Legal Aid Programme under the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs, charged with responsibility of assisting the National Coordinator in overseeing the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the 6 Nationwide pilot projects, preparing the National Legal Aid policy and the National Legal Aid Bill, as well as building the capacity of civil society actors, staff and paralegals to engage in constructive dialogue with the state, for policy change.

Between April 2007 and April 2009, Mercy was head of the Eldoret and Mombasa based Legal Aid Centers with Christian Legal Education Aid and Research (CLEAR) Kenya; a project of the Kenya Christian Lawyers Fellowship (KCLF) where her core business was provision of legal aid services to indigent members of the society, deputizing the Coordinator, management, and implementation, among others.

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Mercy has received the following awards and recognitions

2019: Order of Grand Warrior (OGW) By H.E President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander- in- Chief of the Defence Forces Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta, in recognition of distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibility.
• 2019: LSK received an Award in Recognition and Appreciation for Dedicated Services to Mwananchi from The Seventh Day Adventist Church.
• 2019: Received an Award of Appreciation for Supporting the Presidents Golf & Inter-Branch Golf March Plays- From the Law Society of Kenya.
• Commendation for “commitment to do justice with compassion”: by Advocates Africa (Nigeria) in conjunction with Advocates International (Washington D.C).

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