Forging Cross-Continental Alliances: Empowering Diaspora Lawyers in Africa

Did you know that the African diaspora is one of the most vibrant and diverse communities globally, with millions of Africans living and working in countries far from their homeland? Among them, thousands of African lawyers are making significant contributions to the legal field worldwide. Yet, despite their immense potential, many diaspora lawyers face challenges in connecting with opportunities and networks that can help them thrive both locally and internationally. 

To address these challenges and unlock the potential of African diaspora lawyers, the ACGC and BCF organised the "Beyond Borders, Building Bridges" webinar. The webinar, moderated by Cynthia Lareine (Founder and Lead Strategist, LGC Africa and Co-founder, ACGC) and Sharon Thomas (Founder, BCF), featured esteemed speakers: 

• Segun Osuntokun: Global Senior Partner, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
• Seye Kosoko: Former Company Secretary, First Bank of Nigeria; Governance & Business Advisory Consultant, Henley Crankshaw Solicitors
• Jennifer Chimanga: Partner & Co-head of Africa Group and Global TMT Sector Lead, Clifford Chance
• Edith Onwuchekwa: Director Legal and Company Secretary, Seplat Energy Plc

The discussion covered four main areas: leveraging black heritage, understanding the legal landscape, success strategies in UK law firms, and immediate opportunities for African lawyers in the diaspora.

Personal Journeys

Segun Osuntokun shared his journey, illustrating how his Nigerian heritage shaped his legal career. He credited his connections in both Nigeria and the UK for his first big break in law, underscoring the significance of cultural identity in shaping professional journeys and influencing legal practices. "My Nigerian heritage has been a cornerstone in shaping my career and approach to cross-cultural issues," Segun noted. He also emphasized the importance of networking: "Network because you know it is a numbers game and you do not know where the call is going to come from."

Jennifer Chimanga echoed this sentiment, describing how her Kenyan culture and upbringing influenced her career. "For me, it’s been everything. It was about harnessing my heritage, culture, my knowledge, whatever it is that I could bring to the table. Being Kenyan was such a big part of that, and it was a no-brainer to join Africa Group when I joined Clifford Chance," she shared. 

Jennifer's journey highlighted the importance of embracing one's identity and using it as a foundation for professional growth. She emphasised, "Believe in yourself and leverage your unique heritage. Understand your firm's strategy and see where your African heritage fits in to offer unique value." She underscored the significance of harnessing personal experiences and relationships to achieve success in the global tech industry. 

Strategies for Success in UK Law Firms 

The panellists discussed strategies for success, emphasizing the importance of understanding client needs and delivering value. 

Segun Osuntokun stressed that African clients are equally capable of paying legal fees as any other clients. "African clients are just as capable of paying legal fees as any other client," he asserted, highlighting that the ability to pay should be recognized universally, not just for African clients. He also discussed the changing international practice landscape and how African lawyers need to showcase what they bring from their unique jurisdictions. "Network because you know it is a numbers game and you do not know where the call is going to come from."

Jennifer Chimanga pointed out that while rates are significant, they are not the sole factor in determining value. She reinforced the need for thoughtful and strategic cost management in the legal industry. "It's crucial to balance cost with the quality of service provided," Jennifer said. 

Opportunities and Challenges in the African Legal Market

Edith Onwuchekwa highlighted key opportunities in Africa, such as regulatory reforms, digital transformation, and ESG initiatives. She emphasised the importance of local expertise and relationships in driving growth and fostering long-term partnerships. "Trust, rapport, and diversity are key when choosing a law firm to work with," she stated, underscoring the need for firms with African heritage to leverage their cultural diversity to better relate to the local environment. 

Seye Kosoko discussed the potential of small African companies in the global market and opportunities for barristers in areas like international arbitration, commercial law, and human rights. He emphasised the need to strike a balance between cost and expertise when selecting law firms, illustrating that value for money and quality is essential for successful legal outcomes. "Increasingly, we are competent as Africans both in terms of local law firms and international firms, there are so many local lawyers who have joined multinationals who have had the opportunity of working in different places," Seye said. "We look at execution, the speed, how a law firm understands the matter on the ground, its composition, frontiers, and willingness to bring on Africans with skill sets, but ultimately it is a match of competence and recognition of talent."

The Importance of African Representation 

The importance of African representation in international law firms was a recurring theme. 

Segun Osuntokun underscored that relationships play a crucial role in the business of law. He emphasised the necessity for international law firms to provide high-quality services while maintaining profitability to continue employing top talent and serving clients effectively. "African clients are just as capable of paying legal fees as any other client," he reiterated. 

Edith Onwuchekwa highlighted the expertise of local firms and the critical role they play in selecting transaction partners. She stressed the need for nurturing talent across the continent, stating that competence and local knowledge are key to driving growth in the legal field. "Competence and recognition of talent are essential for fostering successful client relationships," Edith said. 

Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

The webinar concluded with insights into emerging trends and future opportunities for African lawyers. 

Edith Onwuchekwa shared some key areas to watch, including cross-border transactions, regulatory reforms in Africa, digital transformation, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. "These trends have the potential to drive significant growth and create new opportunities for African lawyers," she noted. 

Seye Kosoko echoed this sentiment, highlighting that every area of law holds potential opportunities. He encouraged African lawyers to stay informed and adapt to the evolving legal landscape to capitalize on these opportunities. "The future is bright for African lawyers who can leverage their heritage and expertise," Seye concluded. 

The "Beyond Borders, Building Bridges" webinar provided a platform for African lawyers in the diaspora to share their experiences, strategies, and insights. The session underscored the importance of cultural identity, strategic understanding, and continuous personal and professional development. 

As Cynthia Lareine aptly put it, "Engaging in ongoing and audible storytelling is crucial. Our Africanness is our superpower." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the webinar, encouraging African lawyers to proudly embrace and leverage their heritage as they navigate and shape the global legal landscape. 

This webinar was more than just a meeting; it was a call to action for African diaspora lawyers to harness their unique heritage and foster a new era of cross-continental collaboration. The insights shared by the panellists highlighted the invaluable role that African lawyers play in the global legal landscape. They emphasised that by leveraging their cultural heritage and local expertise, African lawyers can not only enhance their careers but also contribute significantly to the development of legal practices and policies across continents.