Ellis Shilengudwa Inc

BACKGROUND | GENERAL INFORMATION

Established in 2011, ESI prides itself on being recognised, both locally and internationally, as a leading corporate and commercial Namibian law firm. We have a substantial client base across a diverse spectrum of sectors to which it regularly provides advice on diverse and complex legal matters. ESI has an international footprint. As the DLA Piper Africa member firm in Namibia, we have access to the greater DLA Piper international firm, which spans over 90 offices across more than 40 countries worldwide. In an age of increasing complexity, regulation and globalisation, we are thus able to offer you the unique blend of an international perspective with sound local advice. With the support of DLA Piper and DLA Piper Africa, ESI has unrivalled geographic coverage across various continents.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

We offer a full range of legal services, including energy and projects; mining; banking and finance; commercial; corporate; dispute resolution; licenses and government regulation; oil and gas; conveyancing; intellectual property; information, communication and technology; aviation; compliance; and company secretarial and trust administration services.

REPUTATION | RECOGNITIONS

ESI’s reputation for and commitment to excellence has allowed us to forge various robust and continuing relationships with several leaders in Namibia’s corporate world. We regularly receive external recognition for service excellence and our lawyers are acknowledged as the best in their fields. ESI and its lawyers have been mentioned in various publications.

LOCATIONS

ESI currently has a main office in Windhoek and a satellite office in Oshakati. We furthermore have a correspondent in Swakopmund to assist with matters at the coast. Various locations across Namibia ensure service delivery to our clients in other regions.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT | CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We have recently identified the following causes:

Bioway Charity Foundation: this foundation aims to identify and support community-based development projects aimed at promoting quality of life and social-economic welfare of communities in Namibia. It has recently identified a soup kitchen initiative, Mama Ouma, that provides daily meals to 100+ children in Mondesa, Swakopmund. ESI’s legal team is providing pro bono legal services where needed, including the registration of a Section 21 company and drafting necessary legal documents. ESI will also provide legal advice and guidance throughout the process, including reviewing legal documents, advising on compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and helping navigate any legal challenges that may arise. In addition to legal services, the ESI legal team will also be involved in advocacy and outreach efforts, such as leveraging its networks and resources to raise awareness and support for this initiative. By creating a legally sound and sustainable entity, ESI can help Mama Ouma scale up her efforts and provide a safe and healthy environment for more children in the community.

Namibian Women Lawyers Association (NWLA): Many of our female lawyers at ESI are members of the NWLA and are involved in providing administration and legal career leadership. This association was formed to create a platform for female lawyers in Namibia who will then provide leadership, a collective voice, and essential resources that will advance different women within the legal profession, whilst advocating for their equality within the judicial service.

Namibian Lion Trust (NLT): NLT is a registered non-profit established in 1997, based along the southwestern border of the Etosha National Park. Its programs and projects involve extensive fieldwork by a small, dedicated team representing communal conservancies of the Kunene Region, located between the Grootberg Escarpment and Etosha’s western border. NLT is committed to the long-term protection and conservation of lions and other large carnivores by promoting co-existence between farming communities and conflict wildlife. The ESI legal team assisted the NLT with its registration and continues to support this initiative on a pro bono basis.

Gobabeb Trust (Gobabeb): Gobabeb, operating under the name of 'Gobabeb Namib Research Institute,' is a registered trust. Renowned as one of the oldest desert research centres globally, Gobabeb plays a pivotal role in gathering, understanding, and sharing knowledge about arid environments. Furthermore, Gobabeb stands as the foremost information hub worldwide concerning the Namib Desert. Annually, over 250 scientists from various corners of the globe visit Gobabeb to conduct research and explore new innovations. Moreover, approximately 2000 students and pupils’ journey to Gobabeb each year to gain insights into the desert ecosystem. ESI provides pro bono legal services to Gobabeb, including advising on compliance with relevant laws and regulations, drafting and reviewing legal agreements and documents related to its operations, and assisting with navigating any legal challenges that may arise.