March 19, 2017
Chambers Global, a well-respected international legal directory has once again named Oraro & Company Advocates as one of Kenya’s top-tier firms. The news is another feather in the firm’s cap as it comes barely a week after the Law Society of Kenya; the Kenyan Bar’s premier professional association inducted the firm’s Senior Partner George Oraro SC, into its Roll of Honour. Released on the 16th of March, the report also recognised four of the firm’s lawyers George Oraro SC, Chacha Odera (Managing Partner), Walter Amoko (Partner) and notably Georgina Ogalo-Omondi (Senior Associate).
Noting the firm’s reputation in disputes, Chambers Global 2017, said, “Litigation is a very strong area for Oraro & Company. They are very knowledgeable and well respected in this field”. Three of the firm’s lawyers were also ranked in this area including George Oraro SC with experience at national, regional and international levels, being named as a Band 1 disputes lawyer. Praising his work, the directory said, “[He is] very, very knowledgeable and very experienced – an excellent litigator”. Chacha Odera who has been cited for more than a decade by Chambers Global as a dispute resolution expert was ranked as a Band 2 lawyer in both Employment and Dispute Resolution, with the directory, highlighting that, “[He is] a brilliant litigator with a quite impressive legal mind”. Also ranked in two categories (Employment (Band 2) and Dispute Resolution (Band 3)) was Walter Amoko, in the firm who garnered praise, with the directory reporting, “He is brilliant at understanding the client’s problem and resolving it. He has sound legal arguments and is a brilliant lawyer”.
In addition, the firm was for the first time recognised as a leading firm in Employment and ranked as a Band 2 firm. In this area, Chambers Global recognised the work of one of its young and upcoming female lawyers Georgina Ogalo-Omondi, as an Associate to Watch. Georgina who is particularly known for her expertise in Employment and Labour Relations and involvement in some of Kenya’s most prolific employment disputes was delighted to hear the news, saying, “To be recognised by Chambers Global is very humbling. I have always been passionate about labour law practice and the report has further strengthened my resolve to continue giving our clients advice that is not only well-founded on law, but also creative and practical solutions that make commercial sense. Practice in Employment and Labour Relations has grown steadily over the past couple of years and I endeavour to provide continued legal support to our clients who come from several sectors including aviation, banking and insurance and further help to build jurisprudence in this area”.
George Oraro SC, remarked, “Coming at a time when we are marking 40 years of the firm’s existence, these accolades are indeed wonderful news. I am particularly delighted at the recognition of one of our younger lawyers, Georgina. Her success will no doubt be an inspiration to many other young lawyers. This is deeply important to me, especially given my own humble beginnings as a young lawyer in the 1970s when I started this firm”. Chacha Odera, had this to say, “We are very grateful to Chambers Global, our clients, peers and our lawyers for this industry recognition. We certainly do not take it lightly and feel, more than ever that we must not just continue to work hard but also continue to espouse among others, the values of integrity, honesty, professionalism and humility that we are known for in Kenya and beyond. We also salute the other African practitioners listed in the report; it is a great moment for all of us”.
Chambers Global is not the only global legal directory to recognise the firm. In October 2016, IFLR 1000 lauded the firm for its transactional work, noting it as one of Kenya’s leading Financial & Corporate firms. The directory, commended the firm saying, “Full service firm Oraro & Co. Advocates are a good option on the Kenyan market, and are one of only a handful of outfits in the country to offer representation on both advisory matters and disputes.” In addition in April 2016, George Oraro SC was listed by Legal 500 as one of Kenya’s elite leading lawyers, in its Europe, Middle East & Africa 2016 guide to outstanding lawyers.
The full-service firm which has 21 advocates also recently welcomed three new lawyers, including Corporate & Commercial lawyer Jacob Ochieng (who has been ranked by Chambers Global (2017 & 2016) as a lawyer to watch). Jacob Ochieng, well-known for his hard work, thoroughness and approachability, joined as a partner in the firm’s corporate and commercial team in February 2017 from Anjarwalla & Khanna, bringing to the 40 year-old firm, his national and international law experience. The other recruits include Gibran Khalid Darr (Senior Associate) formerly of Tariq Khan & Associates Advocates and Sandra Kavagi (Associate) formerly of Lutta & Company Advocates who both joined the firm’s disputes team.
To read more about the Chambers Global 2017 results, Oraro & Company Advocates and the highlights in the report, please visit the Chamber Global site here.
