Mr. Awodein is an astute and consummate advocate who specializes in Litigation and Commercial Law. He is widely respected for his thorough understanding of the law and his compelling arguments in the presentation of cases. He also renders consulting and business advisory services especially in Banking and Finance, Taxation, Power and Oil and Gas Transactions.
He is well-acknowledged for his legal publications and editorials and has delivered lectures and papers on a wide range of legal issues. He is also listed in the Euromoney Guide to World’s Leading Litigation Lawyers in Nigeria (2008, 2010 & 2013); The Chambers Global Guide 2010 - 2015, International Referral Global Network of Business Lawyers; International Law Office 2013; IFLR 1000 (2014); Who’s Who Legal (2015) Legal Media Group’s Expert Guide on Leading Emerging Markets Practitioners.
Mr. Lardner is a seasoned lawyer and pragmatic business manager who worked actively in the Banking sector for nearly 25 years. He is an ambitious and resourceful leader with proven business acumen, exceptional analytical skills and an outstanding track record of delivering cross sector business performance improvements and brings to the firm a wealth of experience of the Nigerian banking and corporate markets.
He worked at United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc. for 10 years and was at various times Head of Treasury, Head Consumer Banking and CEO, UBA Capital & Trust. Whilst heading the Treasury Group, he rebuilt the trading floor from scratch and exercised some operational oversight over the New York Office with particular reference to FDIC and Reserve Bank of New York compliance. As CEO of the bank’s then only subsidiary, UBA Capital and Trust he built a private equity portfolio. He previously worked as Treasury Head & Head Risk Management of Meridian Equity Bank; Treasury Head and Unit Head, Corporate Banking of Nigerian American Merchant Bank (NAMBL).
He is a graduate of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Law and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978. He has attended several executive training programs, including the Bank of Boston (London) Credit Officer Training and the London Business School Accelerated Management Programme.
His career history speaks much to his level of experience and commitment towards ensuring clients satisfaction.
Mrs. Ovonlen was admitted to the Nigeria Bar in 1989 having obtained her Bachelor of Laws Degree in 1988 from the University of Benin, Nigeria. Before joining the Firm, she worked in the very reputable and renowned Kehinde Sofola SAN & Co. and was the Managing Counsel at Pyramid Chambers, a law firm based in Port Harcourt. She is a resident partner at the Port Harcourt office.
Mrs. Ovonlen is a member of the International Federation of Female Lawyers and the Nigerian Bar Association where she has served in the Government Legislative Relations, Human Rights, Public Legal Education and the Disciplinary Committees. She is also a member of the International Bar Association (IBA).
Chima okereke has been in legal practice for 20 years. He was called to bar in 1992, worked as the legal advisor/business manager at Venus investments limited between 1993 and 1994.
Chima had previously been a Counsel with Kola Awodein & Co. from 1994 to 2000, where he garnered further experience before he joined the law firm of George & George in 2001. He was a Partner in Prima Ballium Chambers between 2003 and 2012.
He is a partner at our Abuja office and currently manages the Disputes Resolution. He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and a Council Member/Fellow of the Society of Construction Industry Arbitrators (FSCIArb.).
Olawale Aro is a seasoned legal practitioner having over 10 years post call experience in commercial and corporate law spanning the real estate, banking, oil & gas, and the energy sector. He has extensive experience in legal advisory; corporate & commercial law, project financing, contract negotiating, and asset management. .
Taiye is conscientious and pragmatic, a member of the litigation department of the firm. He began his legal career at Sam Osakwe & Co, and proceeded to Legalmind Chambers. His experience cuts across handling cases involving government and commercial entities and private individuals; their natures being recovery of loans, contractual cases, trading in stocks, employer/employee relationships, matrimonial, intellectual property, regulatory cases involving CBN, corporate and commercial, corporate finance, energy law, aviation, maritime, oil and gas, arbitral cases, criminal cases including high profile criminal prosecution and defence.
Aanuoluwapo is a member of the litigation department of Kola Awodein & Co. Prior to joining the firm he worked with Adedeji Adekoya & Co. and Lateef Adegbite & Co. in Lagos. He has represented both individuals, government and corporate bodies in high profile Civil and Commercial Litigations and negotiations in disputes arising from contracts, real estate, labour law, family law and administration of estates.
Olukemi Adebayo was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2009. She started her career with the firm of Taiwo Ajala & Co. where she represented individuals and corporate organisations in diverse areas of law.
Prior to joining the firm, Olukemi had worked with a Multinational Company, as the Legal Adviser/Company Secretary and has dealt with a wide spectrum commercial transactions and rendered legal advise on corporate structuring and restructuring, corporate advisory and finance, tax compliance and administration, real estate financing and development, Immigration laws, labour laws, and other related matters.
Uche is a hardworking and resourceful lawyer with a passion for excellence. His calm disposition helps in appreciating, analyzing and resolving challenging legal issues. He is a member of the Litigation Team and has contributed to the resolution of several high profile cases.
He began his career in legal practice with the firm of Abdullahi Ibrahim & Co. at Abuja before joining the firm of Adeleye & Adeleye/Alexander Payne Co. Ltd where he worked as an Associate and Assistant Editor.
He is a member of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
Ogechukwu began her career in Legal Practice with the firm after the completion of her National Youth Service Corps Program and is currently with the Corporate Law Practice Department of the firm while participating actively in the Firm’s Litigation activities.
She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and has been involved in registering Companies for several Investors and obtaining necessary permits and licences for their business operations.