In the fast-paced and time sensitive commercial environment within which business is now conducted, breakdowns in contractual obligations and the defaults that follow, can lead to enterprise-crippling penalty fees and liabilities.
It is always our aim to obtain a commercially favorable settlement as an alternative to litigation and our firm succeeds at settling a good percentage of cases before trial on terms favorable and acceptable to our clients.
However, in a number of cases the firm is briefed to handle matters at the High Court and in addition appeals in the Appellate Courts.
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Corporate Commercial Practice
- Company Secretarial Services
The firm is also engaged to incorporate Companies and Associations for Nigerian and Foreigners and also to act as Companies Secretaries to such companies with the responsibility of issuing notices of meetings, siting at their meeting and keeping their statutory books.
- Intellectual and Industrial Property Services
We have robust knowledge in this area of practice and the firm works closely with its clients to ensure adequate protection of their ideas, concepts, know-how’s or other industrial processes. In this regards we render opinion to protect the unprotected intellectual asset
We register trade names, marks, designs and patent right for clients from around the world and also render watch services for Clients.
- Construction and Real Estate
The firm has an established practice of advising Multinationals, financial institutions, investors, developers, construction companies and individual clients on Construction Projects. Paying special attention to ever changing regulations, local customs and financing requirements, our attorneys provides proficient representation in all aspect of Construction Law including oil and gas support constructions services, real property acquisition/development, negotiating ground leases, structuring rights of way licenses, easements and servitudes, zoning construction, occupation, leasing and mortgages.
Members of the firm have particular experience in investigating and deducing title, preparing and perfecting interest in and rights over land and obtaining government consent and approval incidental to these transactions.
Amongst other functions, the firm conducts compensation claims and is involved in the settlement of disputes relating to land. Such disputes are sometimes resolved by arbitration.
Energy and Natural Resources Practice
- Oil and Gas
Our clients include a number of Private and Public Oil and Gas Companies in the related services industries both indigenous and foreign that require advice on various aspects of Nigerian Law.
We carry out a wide variety of corporate work for these clients essentially as solicitors involved in the preparation of specialist contracts and agreements or the obtaining of various government consents, clearances, licenses and resolution of joint venture partners’ disputes.
- Power
We advise clients who are interested in Power Projects in Nigeria and we are able to lead them through the development and management of the life cycle of their power projects by developing sustainable purchase agreements.
Regulatory Compliance and Governance Practice
- Taxation Advisory Services
We have lawyers who are members of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and are able to render opinions and handles tax matters. The firm also maintains close contacts with tax authorities, management consultants, accounts and auditors. We upon instruction advise individuals, estates, indigenous and overseas companies and corporations on tax laws.
- Corporate Governance Framework
We work with Private companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange to develop their Corporate Governance Framework which will engender robust and sustainable growth in the Company.
- Immigrations Services
We help foreigners wishing to do business in Nigeria obtain expatriate quota, residential permit and business permit from the Nigerian Immigration Service. We also offer advice on tax holidays. For Nigerians wishing to travel to the United Kingdom whom have applied for visa and have been denied same, we represent them at the Appeal Panel in the United Kingdom and Nigeria and have vast experience in handling such matters.
- Environmental Law
We refer advice on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector, advising on joint venture arrangements and legal documentation such as operating agreements, advising on compliance with the regulatory regime and environmental regulations, procuring requisite and license, applications for conversions of OPLs to OMLs, advice on labor issues and community claims.
We have written opinions on industrial pollution, planning law and have been involved in the development of the process of Environmental Impact Assessment in association with the litigation department which instituted proceedings against a government parastatal delegated with the responsibility of monitoring the suitability and standards or otherwise of manufactured products in the country.
Our involvement in environmental law has extended further to offering advice on solid waste management and nuisance. We continue to advise corporate bodies on environmental law as it impacts upon their business.
- SHIPPING, ADMIRALITY AND AVIATION LAW
Our firm is also involved in the arrest and release of ships and claims by cargo owners, freight forwarders, stevedores and government agencies. Partners have been involved in arbitration and admiralty proceedings concerning commercial admiralty transactions.
The enactment of the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act (Cabotage) in Nigeria portends a future of trade growth and prosperity for indigenous shipping industry participants. The Act restricts the use of foreign vessels in domestic coastal trade in order to promote the development of indigenous tonnage and capacity.
With the introduction of the Cabotage Act, the firm assists clients in uncovering many of the benefits of Cabotage laws, including local vessel ownership requirements. The firm is positioned to also assist Nigerian clients enter Cabotage –complaint joint venture agreements with foreign partners and to facilitate important relationships and access to international vessel finance.
The firm also represents foreign clients seeking certain waivers and other legal assistance.
The firm also assists airline clients with the whole gamut of issues concerning regulatory compliance licenses and permits, aircraft finance and disposals.