Sofunde Osakwe Ogundipe & Belgore Legal Practioners

Who We Are

Though widely recognised as one of Nigeria's leading dispute resolution firms, consistently top ranked by Chambers and Who's Who Legal in the past five years. We in fact offer a full range of services to corporate and other clients beyond dispute resolution services.



Our Commitment

We are committed to providing quality legal services through the most practical, timely and economical means. Our priority is to assist our clients achieve their goals by sifting through all "legal cobwebs" to find solutions to their problems.



Coverage & Expertise

We are one of the most experienced law firms in Nigeria. Though based in Lagos, we operate nationally through an extensive network of correspondent associates in every part of Nigeria.

Our areas of expertise are:


Commercial Dispute Resolution
Corporate and Commercial Advice
Money and Capital Markets
Regulatory and Compliance Advice
Asset Recovery
Insolvency
Due Diligence and Investigation


History

Established in 1989 by the four "name" partners, the firm was quickly recognized as one of Nigeria's leading firms. Three of the founding partners are dispute resolution specialists, with Ebun Sofunde becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1988 and Muhammed Belgore in 2001. Babajide Ogundipe a "conscientious objector" to the rank is nevertheless consistently ranked among Nigeria's leading litigation and dispute resolution practitioners. Gabby Osakwe brought to the firm years of providing in house counsel to one of Nigeria's foremost conglomerates to and provided the foundation for the firm's corporate legal advice practice. This, coupled with the firm's ongoing investigations and asset recovery practice has placed it in a unique position among Nigeria's commercial law firms. Chief Osakwe retired as partner, but continues to act as a consultant to the firm.
Dispute Resolution

We are widely acclaimed to have some of the best litigators in Nigeria and our ADR team have at its helm two Partners who pioneered Arbitration in Nigeria and who have extensive international and domestic experience in the area.

With a depth of knowledge and expertise that cuts across a broad spectrum of financial transactions and our understanding of the local market, our clients enjoy a balanced, innovative and practical commercial advice on recovery and tracing of proceeds of crime, fraudulent representation, institution of proceedings in and outside Nigeria and assists in dispute resolutions.


Civil Fraud

We are the only Nigerian member of ICC FraudNet, an international network of specialist asset recovery lawyers set up under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce, Commercial Crime Services Division. Fraudnet is ranked by both Chambers and Who's Who Legal as a leading network of law firms. Through our membership of FraudNet and its global network, we cover all international jurisdictions in matters relating to asset tracing and recovery.

"We have represented numerous clients in the recovery of assets which were fraudulently lost.'"

We have a dedicated investigations unit that is specially trained to conduct due diligence and back-ground searches for local and foreign clients. Such clients include persons seeking FCPA, anti-bribery, money laundering and other legislation compliance. Potential foreign investors to Nigeria have also engaged this service as it enables them prepare for and allows prospective business partners and the investment climate in Nigeria ahead of making the investment.


Our Reputation

The Chambers and Partners ranks Sofunde Osakwe Ogundipe & Belgore as a Band 1 firm, describing the firm as well regarded for representing energy companies in disputes arising from projects. Also highly recommended for contentious tax issues.


What They Say About Us

"Their work is outstanding and they have depth: a very good choice for commercial litigation."


Ebun Sofunde is described by peers as a "powerful litigator." His recent work includes representing Shell Nigeria Upstream

Ventures in a dispute concerning rights and obligation under the assignment of an oil mining lease.


Babajide Ogundipe is praised for his extensive experience in litigation and arbitration. Sources commend his "sterling reputation" as well as his "impeccable judgement and knowledge of the law."

Practice Areas	No. of Attorneys
Litigation	1
Litigation - General (consumer)	10