Professionals

Micheal J. Babalola

Managing Partner

Michael Babalola is an international corporate attorney and life science executive with a multidisciplinary career that bridges law, clinical research, and global business. With a strong footprint across North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, he advises a diverse international clientele ranging from startups and founders to established corporations and research institutions.

Victor Ogunseye

Partner

is a Partner at the Firm and a seasoned litigation attorney with extensive experience in civil, criminal, and property law. He represents clients in high-stakes disputes, including commercial, corporate, regulatory, property, and criminal matters, before Nigerian courts, arbitral tribunals, and regulatory authorities. Victor combines strategic insight with meticulous preparation, ensuring clients’ interests are vigorously protected while achieving practical and favorable outcomes across all areas of his practice.

Uji Yaki

Partner

is a Partner at the Firm with extensive experience in real estate law, tax law, dispute resolution, and litigation. He advises developers, investors, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals on complex property transactions, corporate structuring, tax planning, and regulatory compliance. His practice also includes commercial and civil litigation, arbitration, and mediation, providing clients with strategic guidance in resolving disputes efficiently. Known for delivering practical, results-driven advice, Uji helps clients manage risk, protect assets, and achieve their commercial objectives.

James Hamraie

Partner

is a Partner at the Firm and a technology and intellectual property attorney with expertise in data privacy, cybersecurity, IP registration, licensing, and technology transactions. He advises clients in software, AI, biotechnology, fintech, and digital media on developing, protecting, and commercializing innovation while ensuring compliance with Nigerian and international regulatory frameworks. With a technical and multidisciplinary background, James helps organizations align governance, compliance, and growth strategies in complex regulatory environments.

Jerry Kakala

Partner

is a Partner at the Firm specializing in high-stakes contract drafting, negotiations, and corporate governance. With extensive experience in business law, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, international law, and investor agreements, he advises clients on structuring deals that are legally robust, commercially balanced, and forward-looking. Jerry’s meticulous attention to detail and commercial insight ensures agreements not only comply with legal standards but also advance his clients’ strategic business objectives.

Obioma Igboanugo

Partner

is a Partner at the Firm with extensive experience in intellectual property law, including trademarks, patents, copyrights, and related commercial rights. He advises startups, corporations, and multinational clients on IP protection, commercialization, licensing, and cross-border matters. His practice also includes IP litigation and dispute resolution before Nigerian courts and regulatory authorities. Known for delivering practical, solutions-driven advice, he helps clients safeguard innovation, resolve disputes efficiently, and enhance brand value.

Can Kirgiz Öztek

Partner

is a Partner at the Firm with extensive experience in maritime law, oil and gas, energy, and related commercial and regulatory matters. He advises shipping companies, energy producers, multinational corporations, and investors on complex transactions, project financing, cross-border trade, and regulatory compliance. His practice also includes commercial litigation, charterparty and shipping disputes, offshore and onshore project advisory, and arbitration. Recognized for delivering pragmatic, solutions-oriented advice, Can helps clients navigate the intersection of law, commerce, and international trade.

Zachary Cohen

Partner

is a commercial real estate and finance attorney advising investors, sponsors, and lenders on acquisitions, financing, mixed-use developments, leasing, construction, joint ventures, syndications, and loan sales. He also brings extensive experience in venture capital, private equity, and M&A transactions, guiding complex deals, financing rounds, platform acquisitions, exits, and investment structuring.

Zach represents Fortune 500 companies, REITs, lenders, private equity funds, and institutional investors, providing creative, efficient solutions in asset-based lending, structured finance, and syndicated loans. He also advises on corporate and securities matters, including joint ventures, preferred equity investments, private placements, and corporate governance.