In the heart of Africa’s legal arena, the African Legal Awards have once again illuminated the path of excellence and dedication within the legal profession. The 1st of September this year saw Johannesburg, South Africa, host this prestigious event where outstanding legal minds and institutions were recognized and celebrated for their exceptional contributions to the profession.
This was the 10th edition of the awards, which are hosted by Law.com International, the Corporate Counsel Association of South Africa, and Africa Legal.
Noteworthy winners included:
- Bowmans, a distinguished law firm in Africa, walked away with the M&A Team of the Year Award for advising on a critical matter that is desired to reshape the African Insurance Industry for greater financial inclusion and wider availability of financial products across the continent. The Chairman and Senior Partner, Ezra Davids said that the firm was truly grateful to be able to work with their clients on matters that make a difference in the lives of Africans. In addition, Bowmans’ Kenya Managing Partner, Paras Shah, was awarded Partner of the Year for East Africa. He said, “It’s a great honour to receive this award out of a shortlist of such highly respected lawyers in East Africa. The award is a testament to a fantastic and world-class team at Bowmans’, and to the great clients who have shown confidence in us over the years to handle their most complex work in East Africa.”
- TripleOKLaw Advocates bagged the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team of the Year Award for the second time in a row. In their X handle, @TripleOKLaw LLP, they shared that they were proud and grateful to be recognised by the African Legal Awards Team.
- The Adams & Adams law firm was recognized for its outstanding contributions, and it was awarded the Intellectual Property Team of the Year.
Consequently, Kenyan law firms stood out in the nomination roster under different categories that were available. Among these accomplished individuals were:
Africa Law Firm of the Year Category
- Africa Law Partners Firm (medium size)
- TripleOK Law Advocates (medium size)
- Bowmans (large size)
- Anjarwalla &Khanna
Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team of the Year category
- TripleOK Law Advocates (large size)
- Dentons Hamilton & Mathews firm
- Clyde and Co. firm
- Bowmans
Telecommunications, Media, and Technology Team of the Year
- TripleOK Law Advocates in which the firm was a finalist for the fourth year in a row.
- Kiptinness & Odhiambo Associates
Partner of the Year, East Africa
- The Managing Partner John Ohanga , of TripleOK Law Advocates, received an honourable mention.
- Charles Kanjama of Muma & Kanjama Advocates was a finalist in the category
- Paras Shah of Bowmans Kenya
Practising Rising Star Award
- Noreen Kidunduhu was among those shortlisted.
Property and Construction Team of the Year
- TripleOKLaw Advocates
Capital Markets Team of the Year
- TripleOKLaw Advocates
Competition and Regulatory Team of the Year
- Bowmans
- Kiptineness & Odhiambo Associates
- TripleOKLaw Advocates
Restructuring Team of the Year.
- Anjarwalla & Khanna
- TripleOKLaw Advocates
- Clyde & Co
Banking Finance Team of the Year
- Bowmans
Intellectual Property Team of the Year
- Bowmans
- Dentons
- Ongaya Ombo Advocates
M&A Team of the Year
- Bowmans
Private Equity Team of the Year
- Bowmans
Transportation and Infrastructural Team of the Year
- Bowmans
- Kiptinness & Odhiambo Associates
Employment Law Team of the Year
- Anjarwalla &Khanna
- Bowmans
- Muma & Kanjama Advocates
- TripleOKLaw Advocates
Tax Team of the Year
- Anjarwalla & Khanna
- TripleOKLaw Advocates
Specialist Law Firm of the Year
- Adams & Adams
- Kiptinness & Odhiambo Associates
International Law Firm of the Year
- Clyde &Co
In-House Rising Star Award
- Doreen Ochodo, the legal counsel for Safaricom, was a contender.
CSR, Diversity, Transformation and Economic Empowerment Award
- Bowmans
- Clyde &Co