AI Magazine Issue 10 2018

44 Acquisition International - Issue 10 2018 Kenna Partners is a multi-service law firm, redefining legal practice to meet the increasing demands and challenges of complex business situations, dispute resolution, and advisory services. Recently, the firm was selected in Acquisition Intl.’s 2018 Global Excellence Awards as the Leading Experts in Dispute Resolution – Nigeria. Following the win, we spoke with Deputy Practice Development Manager, Emma-Louise Verhees who provided us with a detailed insight into the award-winning firm. enna Partners opened its doors for business on May 28, 1993. This year, Kenna Partners is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Since its inception, Kenna Partners has had the privilege of working on several significant cases of national importance to Nigeria. Kenna Partners is a leading law firm in Nigeria known for providing tailor-made solutions to the specific needs of clients. Our lawyers are highly qualified, dynamic and experienced, complemented by a team of skilled and dedicated administrative staff. With over 70 staff across three offices, the firm members are provided with the appropriate tools to aid work efficiency and productivity, including in-house/external trainings and seminars. In order to maintain harmony within the work environment, the firm also prescribes standards of operating principles that guide various activities within and around the firm. Over the years, Kenna Partners has developed five pillars of practice – Teamwork, Efficiency, Excellence, Diligence, and Professionalism – which have contributed in no small measure to its success. The firm provides legal guidance regarding challenging business transactions, in international trade and commerce, as well as a wide range of legal practice areas including Dispute Resolution, Energy & Natural Resources, Environmental Law, Corporate & Commercial Law. The Firm’s client base cuts across the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy, including but not limited to government agencies, embassies, multinational companies, banks and financial institutions, telecommunications and manufacturing companies. Persons of contact: Charles Nwabulu (Associate Partner) Emma-Louise Verhees (Deputy Practice Development Manager) Address: Kenna Place, 8, Ogunyemi Road Palace Way, Oniru Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria Telephone: +234 811 395 1052, +234 811 395 1053, +234 815 839 0704, +234 810 272 3845 Web Address: www.kennapartners.com Exhibiting Excellence K 1808AI58 Emma-Louise begins the interview by explaining to us the team’s approach when working with a new client to ensure that they receive the best possible outcome. “Here at Kenna Partners, our approach in undertaking new clients and/or projects is guided by the highest principles of professionalism. When taking on a new matter, Counsel conducts an interview with the client to have an appreciable understanding of the issues, and based on this meeting(s), takes appropriate actions to protect the interest of the client or advise the client on the strategies to adopt in order to achieve their desired objectives. “Although, Counsel cannot guarantee the specific outcome of a matter, the client is guaranteed the highest level of diligence and professionalism on all assignments being handled by the firm.” Speaking on providing exceptional service to clients, Emma-Louise informs us of the attributes that are essential to achieving success in their industry. “As a whole, we believe that in order for a law firm to achieve success it must commit itself to the following; firstly teamwork. A team is at the heart of any case. There is not one case which is completed by a single person, but rather by the unity of counsel lawyers working closely with one another, enabling the firm to provide the client with the most favourable outcome possible. Secondly, hard work. Our counsel commits themselves, and their time, fully to ensure that our clients’ needs are met, our success relies to a good extent on this. Thirdly, diligence, is a core of principle imbibed in all Kenna staff and cuts across the firm from counsel to administration. Not forgetting, excellence. This is the word that Kenna lives by and we aspire to exhibit it every day in all that we do, whether it be big or small, whether it regards in-house staff or clients. Other attributes include Candour, Integrity, Respect and Ethical conduct. These elements have largely contributed to our success as a firm.” Furthermore, the firm has a strong feedback/reward- based system for firm members to continuously improve on themselves. “The future is bright and promising from where we stand. We aim to expand our frontiers, continuously improve on our service delivery, and ensure that our clients always come first”.