Chambers Africa Awards 2022 shortlists and winners:

Lifetime Achievement Award – Michael Katz of ENSafrica 

With a reputation that reaches across Africa and beyond, Michael Katz has been a pioneering figure in the corporate and transactional market in South Africa for many years. As chair of one of the continent’s most recognised legal brands, ENSafrica, he is routinely lauded by commentators, both for his immense experience and his role in the transformation of the South African legal sector. In addition to leading his firm, he is a recognised scholar and thought-leader on company law and regularly provides expert commentary on legislative changes, such as the Companies Amendment Bill, 2021. His particular recognition this year comes off the back of a host of positive feedback from market observers, with some labelling him “the doyenne” and “Godfather” of the South African M&A market, while others noted him as “world-renowned” figure.

Outstanding Contribution Award - Rémy Fekete of Jones Day 

Paris-based Rémy Fekete of Jones Day maintains a superb reputation on the African continent, with multiple sources praising his “very impressive experience in most African countries,” and one naming him as a “big figure in West and francophone Africa.” A household name in the French telecoms market, Rémy continues to play a pivotal role in the development, modernisation and privatisation of TMT infrastructure in Africa, working closely with national governments from across the continent. 

South Africa Law Firm of the Year 
Bowmans 
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr 
ENSafrica 
Webber Wentzel 
Werksmans 

Winner: Webber Wentzel

Webber Wentzel boasts a formidable reputation as one of the strongest firms in South Africa but also continent-wide. The law firm is house to several top-rated departments, being consistently ranked among the best in many practice areas such as Banking & Finance, Debt & Equity Capital markets, Competition/Antitrust and Corporate M&A. One of the firm’s highlights in the last year was acting on the investment of ZAR (South African rand) 400 million in Grobank by Access Bank, a deal that consisted of two tranches of investment and led to the rebranding of the target as Access Bank South Africa. The firm receives endorsements from clients who say that "the breadth of knowledge the team possesses is the most superior in the market."  

South Africa Lawyer of the Year 
Ezra Davids â€“ Bowmans 
Ashen Jugoo â€“ Fasken 
Jean Meijer â€“ Herbert Smith Freehills 
Gary Oertel â€“ ENSafrica 
Lionel Shawe â€“ White & Case 

Winner: Ezra Davids â€“ Bowmans 

Ezra Davids of Bowmans is revered for his outstanding experience in the fields of corporate M&A as well as equity capital markets, practice areas in which he consistently achieves top rankings. He regularly acts as leading partner on high-value transactions spanning across multiple jurisdictions. Davids is seen as a “super successful lawyer” by sources, while some clients remark: “He continuously checks up on us and makes sure I am happy with the service.”

Kenya Law Firm of the Year 
Anjarwalla & Khanna 
Bowmans (Coulson Harney) 
Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews 
DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM)
Kaplan & Stratton 

Winner: Bowmans (Coulson Harney) 

Bowmans (Coulson Harney) maintains an enviable standing among the best Kenyan law firms and regularly acts for an impressive host of domestic and international clients. Bowmans (Coulson Harney) boasts a full-service offering and maintains its top rankings in key practice areas such as Banking & Finance, Corporate M&A, Intellectual Property and Real Estate. In 2021 the banking team advised a syndicate of lenders including Standard Chartered and JP Morgan on its USD840 million refinancing of Liquid Telecom’s debt. The team attracts effusive praise for its breadth of expertise, with clients saying: “I appreciate the lawyers’ availability and reactivity, the clarity of their advice, their pragmatism and business-oriented approach in dealing with issues and proposing solutions.”

Kenya Lawyer of the Year 
Karim Anjarwalla â€“ Anjarwalla & Khanna 
Andrew Mugambi â€“ Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews 
George Oraro â€“ Oraro & Company Advocates 
Sonal Sejpal â€“ Anjarwalla & Khanna 
Paras Shah â€“ Bowmans (Coulson Harney) 

Winner: Karim Anjarwalla â€“ Anjarwalla & Khanna 

Karim Anjarwalla is the Managing Partner of Anjarwalla & Khanna and is famed for undertaking a diverse range of high end corporate M&A mandates. He operates at the very forefront of the Kenyan legal market and further boasts outstanding experience in handling Africa-wide deals. He is perceived by commentators as “an exceptional lawyer and a businessman who has an excellent commercial mind, he is unbelievably organised and strategic.”

Nigeria Law Firm of the Year 
Aluko & Oyubode 
Banwo & Ighodalo 
Jackson, Etti & Edu 
Olaniwun Ajayi LP 
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie 

Winner: Banwo & Ighodalo 

One of Nigeria’s most established law firms, Banwo & Ighodalo is recognised in this year’s awards after another impressive showing across multiple practice areas. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the firm is acknowledged as an institutional heavy weight in areas ranging from project and development finance to M&A and intellectual property. In Banwo & Ighodalo, clients can rely on an extremely well-respected bench of lawyers, featuring a combination of experienced senior leaders and exciting up-and-comers. This year, interviewees have commended the firm for its “innovative and client-centric legal service,” as well as “the depth and quality of its team.”

Nigeria Lawyer of the Year 
Funke Adekoya – Ç¼LEX 
Dan Agbor â€“ Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie 
Yinka Edu – Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie  
Asue Ighodalo – Banwo & Ighodalo 

Winner: Funke Adekoya – Ç¼LEX 

This year, Funke has been described as an “extremely well-respected arbitrator” and a “superstar in Nigeria.” She continues to represent clients at all levels of the Nigerian judicial system, including the Supreme Court, and boasts a particularly enviable following of clients in the oil and gas sector. As well as being an outstanding commercial litigator, Funke is a founding partner of her firm and admitted as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. 

Ghana Law Firm of the Year 
Ashong Benjamin & Associates 
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah 
ENSafrica Ghana 
JLD & MB Legal Consultancy 
N. Dowuona & Company 

Winner: JLD & MB Legal Consultancy 

A firm highlighted for its “exceptional and professional service,” JLD & MB Legal Consultancy is awarded the Ghana Law Firm of the Year accolade off the back of particularly strong performances in the Corporate/Commercial and Projects & Energy practice areas. The firm demonstrates a notable flair for handling complex financing and investment transactions in a number of vital sectors in Ghana, including oil and gas, renewable energy and FinTech.

Morocco Law Firm of the Year 
ASAFO & CO. Morocco 
Clifford Chance LLP 
Gide Cuatrecasas Casablanca 
Kettani Law Firm  
Naciri & Associés Allen & Overy 

Winner: Clifford Chance LLP 

Clifford Chance offers outstanding strength in the Banking & Finance market in Morocco, with a strong track record on acquisition finance and project financing locally and in other African jurisdictions, especially in North and West Africa. The team based in Casablanca also maintains an excellent reputation in Corporate/Commercial mandates and assists key domestic clients as well as leading international banks and corporates. The law firm is highlighted for its all-around excellent service, with one client praising “the highly experienced and skilled lawyers who are very responsive and client-focused.”

Morocco Lawyer of the Year  
Bassamat Fassi-Fihri â€“ Bassamat & Laraqui 
Alain Malek â€“ Norton Rose Fulbright 
Hicham Naciri â€“ Naciri & Associés Allen & Overy 
Azzedine Kettani – Kettani Law Firm 
Patrick Larrivé â€“ ASAFO & CO. Morocco  

Winner: Hicham Naciri â€“ Naciri & Associés Allen & Overy 

Hicham Naciri maintains a leading position in the Moroccan legal market. Ranked as a star in Corporate/Commercial, he is also noted for his activity in banking & finance mandates as well as arbitration and litigation cases. Based in Casablanca, he routinely handles high-value and complex M&A transactions in Morocco, and across numerous North African and West African jurisdictions. He is praised by clients for his quick understanding of complex situations and negotiation skills.

Mauritius Law Firm of the Year 
5 St James Court 
Benoit Chambers 
BLC Robert & Associates 
Dentons Mauritius LLP 
ENSafrica (Mauritius) 

Winner: 5 St James Court 

5 St James Court is highly sought after for its formidable dispute resolution expertise. The Port Louis-based outfit handles a range of complex cases, including shareholders disputes, insolvency proceedings and international arbitrations. The barristers act for high-profile individuals, multinationals, and financial institutions.

Regional Law Firm of the Year – Francophone Africa
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP 
Clifford Chance LLP
Gide Loyrette Nouel 
Herbert Smith Freehills 
Norton Rose Fulbright 

Winner: Gide Loyrette Nouel 

Gide Loyrette Nouel is a French powerhouse with top-tier expertise in Francophone Africa. Operating out of its Algiers, Casablanca and Tunis offices, the law firm offers notable strength in a range of practice areas including M&A, dispute resolution and project finance. Gide Loyrette Nouel is highly sought after by clients active in the TMT, energy and financial services sectors. Sources note the team’s "excellent knowledge of market practices and the business environment on the continent."

Regional Law Firm of the Year – Lusophone Africa
Dentons LEAD 
Miranda & Associados 
PLMJ Lawyers 
Raposo Bernardo 
VdA 

Winner: Miranda & Associados

Miranda & Associados is a renowned Portuguese firm with outstanding reputation across Africa and offers unparalleled expertise drawing strength from its associations with market leaders on the ground. Miranda & Associados has achieved top rankings in all Lusophone Africa countries, boasting a wealth of experience in mandates involving the energy and natural resources sectors. Clients enjoy the lawyers’ "sound advice, commitment and dedication to finding solutions." While some sources particularly highlight the team’s thorough understanding of business needs.

Africa-wide Projects & Energy Law Firm of the Year 
Clifford Chance LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills 
Linklaters 
Trinity International LLP 
White & Case LLP 

Winner: Herbert Smith Freehills 

A global powerhouse when it comes to projects, energy and natural resources, Herbert Smith Freehills presents a formidable offering for clients and stakeholders in Africa. Drawing on immense resources from its worldwide platform – particularly its offices in London, Paris and Johannesburg – HSF holds a market-leading presence in the mining sector, as well as significant capabilities in oil and gas, renewables and power projects. The firm provides comprehensive, high-level support services to its clients, covering: finance and lending; M&A and divestments; commercial and infrastructure contracts; PPP; and dispute resolution. Interviewees praised HSF’s proactivity and solution-oriented advice, with several commending its “excellent ESG expertise.”

Africa-wide Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year 
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP 
Clifford Chance LLP
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP 
Three Crowns LLP 
White & Case LLP 

Winner: White & Case LLP 

White & Case is a well-recognised leader in litigation and alternative dispute resolution in Africa. Clients can draw on resources and expertise from across the firm’s exemplary global network, including Paris, London and Washington, DC. Standing out for its immense experience in high-stakes investor-state arbitration proceedings, White & Case demonstrates an outstanding track record of representations involving the oil and gas sector, acting for corporates, investors and national governments. Although experienced in cases originating from all parts of the continent, the firm is particularly distinguished for its dominance in the regions of francophone and North Africa.

Africa-wide Corporate Law Firm of the Year 
Allen & Overy LLP 
Clifford Chance LLP
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP 
Herbert Smith Freehills 
Linklaters 

Winner: Clifford Chance LLP

Combining its leading worldwide transactional practice with its roster of dedicated Africa experts, Clifford Chance was the standout performer in this year’s Africa-wide: Corporate/M&A & Private Equity research. The firm houses a formidable bench of practitioners with its team on the ground in Casablanca, as well as significant depth in its London, Paris and Dubai offices. Particularly of note is the firm’s significant client-following of PE houses, including Development Finance Institutions and emerging markets investors dedicated to Africa.