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Amina Oyagbola

Amina Oyagbola: A Legal Trailblazer Empowering Clients and Communities

The law is a powerful tool for ordering society and creating positive change, and legal consultants play a crucial role in navigating its complexities. As highly skilled legal professionals with diverse backgrounds, these advisors are making significant impacts in the lives of their clients and communities.

In the current expanding world, having a legal consultant is becoming increasingly valuable. By providing timely and accurate legal advice, they are enabling businesses to make informed decisions, seize opportunities, and expand their operations without compromising legal compliance. As laws and regulations continue to evolve, legal consultants are staying updated on the latest developments and providing guidance to help clients adapt to these changes, ensuring that they remain compliant and competitive.

Legal consultants are playing a crucial role in helping businesses understand and implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, ensuring that they operate in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. By providing specialized legal expertise and innovative solutions, they are helping businesses gain a competitive edge in their respective industries, enabling them to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve.

To stay ahead in this era, one such trailblazer is Amina Oyagbola, a Gender Advocate and Senior Partner in Oyagbola Chambers, who is working towards a fairer and more equitable society. With over 35 years of experience, her expertise spans HR strategy, legal consulting, women’s empowerment, banking, finance, oil and gas, and telecommunications, allowing her to provide comprehensive guidance to clients navigating complex legal landscapes. Oyagbola’s ability to analyze intricate issues and develop practical solutions has enabled her to make a tangible difference in the lives of those she serves.

Legal consultants are at the forefront of driving positive change in society, leveraging their expertise to support businesses in navigating the ever-evolving legal landscape while promoting socially responsible practices. Professionals like Amina are shaping a better future by empowering their clients and communities through innovative legal solutions.

Below are the interview highlights:

Can you please introduce yourself and your motivation to embark on this sector?

My name is Amina Oyagbola. I obtained my undergraduate law degree from Ahmadu Bello University, a master’s in law from Trinity College, Cambridge University, and an MBA from Lancaster University Management School. During my career, I have been engaged in HR strategy and transformation, legal consulting, women’s empowerment, banking and finance, oil and gas, and telecommunications.

I am the founder of WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers), currently the Managing Consultant of AKMS Consulting (Business Advisory and Management Consultants), and a partner in Oyagbola Chambers. I am a Fellow, former Chair, and Advisory Council Member of The Africa Leadership Initiative—West Africa, part of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, a Member of the Nigerian Bar Association, a Member of the International Bar Association, a Member of the CIPM, and a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD UK.

Additionally, I am a Fellow and member of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Directors, a Certified Ethics Officer, the Chair of the CIoD Ethics Committee, and a member of the Women Corporate Directors (WCD). I am a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants and a member of the International Coaching Federation. To complete the list, I am an alumnus of INSEAD, London Business School, IMD, Harvard Business School (Executive Education), and a Chevening Scholar.

I initially wanted to study history at the university but, on my father’s advice, ended up pursuing law at Ahmadu Bello University. He expressed the view that law is one of the most potent tools for ordering society, and my studying it would allow me to be an active participant rather than a mere bystander. I quickly developed a passion for the intellectual rigor and problem-solving inherent in the legal field. Analyzing complex issues and finding practical solutions excites me.

Practicing law has enabled me to make a tangible difference to people in my community. Oyagbola Chambers is a full-service law firm engaged in corporate and commercial legal practice. We also provide pro bono services to assist underprivileged clients. Additionally, through WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers), a not-for-profit women empowerment and mentoring organization, we, in collaboration with our partners, such as UN Women, influence public policy and advocate for gender equality. I firmly believe that the law is a powerful instrument for social change, and practicing it allows me to work towards a fairer and more equitable society.

Could you please give a brief introduction to your company and its inception story?

Oyagbola Chambers was established in 1987 with the goal of providing excellent and dedicated services in corporate, financial, maritime, property law, and other areas of the law.

With a core focus on resolving legal issues and concerns, we have built a solid reputation as a firm that is proactive, innovative, and dependable, continuously striving to achieve the desired outcomes for our clients.

Our focus is to harness our knowledge of and experience in the law to deliver the ideal solutions to meet business needs. Our legal services include:

  1. General Opinions
  2. Process Review
  3. General Commercial Litigation
  4. Audit of Litigation Portfolios
  5. Reviewing and Drafting Security Documentation and Processes
  6. Oil and gas
  7. Corporate and Investment Law
  8. Training
  9. Update on New Laws
  10. Master and Servant Issues: Drafting of Handbooks and Service Manuals
  11. Securities and Regulatory Review
  12. Taxation and compliance
  13. Structuring and Financing of Transactions
  14. Debt Recovery
  15. Intellectual Property
  16. Legal Audit/Review
  17. Ethics and Regulatory Issues
  18. Stakeholder Management and Government Relations
  19. Consulting and Advisory Services
  20. Alternative Dispute Resolution

How do you prioritize client needs and expectations in your legal practice?

Regular engagement with clients on industry best practices and trends is a key aspect of our service. We maintain the highest standards of ethical business conduct and competence and proactively provide cost-effective and innovative legal solutions that deliver value for money.

We employ strategic, client-centered approaches and tailored services by thoroughly understanding our client’s objectives and desired outcomes. Our legal strategies and advice are customized to fit the specific needs and preferences of each client.

We maintain regular communication with clients, providing updates on the progress of their cases and any other developments. This fosters a sense of reliability and support, as clients can easily reach us. We adhere to deadlines and ensure legal processes are handled promptly and pragmatically.

Furthermore, we implement changes and improvements based on client feedback to continuously enhance our service quality.

Can you share a specific example of a time when you successfully tailored legal solutions to meet a client’s unique requirements?

One interesting thing about the law is that it is dynamic. We have had several situations where clients approach us with no specific idea of what they require, just knowledge of their problem. We were once instructed by a client to negotiate his indebtedness to a company. Our client’s sole focus was on helping to reduce a debt overhang that would result in the dissolution of his company. However, we went back to the source of the indebtedness and were able to ascertain that the creditor’s claims were legally unenforceable.

How do you handle challenging client requests while maintaining a client-centric approach?

Firstly, we ensure a thorough understanding of the request, probing into the underlying needs and concerns. Open dialogue is key, therefore, we communicate transparently about any limitations or constraints while exploring alternative solutions that align with the client’s objectives.

Throughout the process, we maintain a focus on the client’s best interests, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to adapt our approach as needed. Timely updates and proactive communication help manage expectations and build trust. By consistently prioritizing the client’s perspective and striving to exceed their expectations, we navigate challenges while staying true to our commitment to client-centricity.

Can you describe a situation where you went above and beyond to exceed a client’s expectations with the legal services you provided?

We once had a client who engaged our services for a large-scale debt recovery exercise where we had to recover debts from over a thousand debtors. Upon further engagement, it became apparent that each debtor had to be treated individually, as a general approach was not going to yield the expected results within the stipulated time frame.

We divided the debtors into groups with related matters, developed strategies to recover the monies owed from each group, and executed the strategies accordingly. We engaged with the debtors whose debt the company had written off as bad debts and negotiated restructuring solutions that enabled the debtors to pay off the entire debts owed within the stipulated time frame.

How do you incorporate feedback from clients to continuously improve and enhance the quality of your legal services?

We actively solicit feedback from our clients upon completion of a case or project, meticulously analyzing their responses to identify areas for enhancement. Through thorough review, we develop actionable plans to refine our processes, procedures, and client interactions. Additionally, we invest in staff training and development initiatives tailored to address highlighted areas for improvement.

Furthermore, we adapt our practices and strategies to better align with client preferences and expectations, emphasizing a more client-centric approach. Importantly, we maintain open communication with clients, keeping them informed about the changes we implement based on their feedback. This commitment underscores our dedication to continuous improvement and responsiveness to their evolving needs.

What measures do you take to build strong, long-lasting relationships with clients in the legal field?

We prioritize understanding the distinct needs, goals, and challenges of each client, fostering trust through open and transparent communication. Regular updates on case progress and responsive handling of inquiries and concerns ensure clients feel valued and informed in virtual and in-person engagements. Our commitment to delivering high-quality legal services includes personalized attention and tailored solutions, backed by expertise and meticulous attention to detail, reinforcing confidence in our capabilities.

Additionally, we go beyond individual cases to cultivate lasting relationships by staying connected with clients, celebrating milestones, and providing ongoing support. This approach underscores our dedication to client satisfaction and building enduring partnerships based on trust and mutual respect.

How do you adapt your legal strategies to align with the individual goals and values of your clients?

We begin by engaging in comprehensive consultations with clients to understand their precise objectives, priorities, and values. Drawing from this insight, we develop bespoke legal solutions tailored to address the individual needs and preferences of each client.

Additionally, we maintain flexibility, readily adapting strategies to accommodate evolving client needs, preferences, or situational changes. It’s imperative for us to ensure that our legal strategies not only deliver effectiveness but also resonate with the ethical standards and values upheld by our clients.

What advice would you give to professionals in your field?

The legal landscape is constantly evolving, so it is essential to stay updated on new laws, regulations, and precedents. Engage in ongoing professional development and seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Equally crucial is adhering to professional codes of ethics, ensuring that your actions consistently serve the best interests of your clients while upholding integrity and honesty.