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Akpevwe-Oghene Joan Jessa is a Partner and the Head of the firm's Abuja office. A highly skilled legal practitioner with a diverse background in corporate, commercial, and sustainable development law. With an LLM in Business Law and Sustainable Development from the University of Aberdeen, Joan brings a global perspective to complex legal challenges. Her practice is rooted in a commitment to excellence, combining rigorous academic training from Lead City University and the Nigerian Law School with years of hands-on experience in both the public and private sectors.
Joan is recognized for her strategic approach to problem-solving and her ability to navigate the intricacies of intellectual property, real estate, and regulatory compliance. Whether advising on pre-incorporation matters for emerging businesses or managing sophisticated litigation for established entities, she is dedicated to providing client-centric solutions that align with modern business objectives. Her leadership skills, honed during her tenure as Head of Externs at J.B. Daudu SAN & Co., reflect a professional ethos built on discipline, integrity, and proactive management.
Joan’s professional portfolio spans several critical areas of law, demonstrating a track record of high-level advisory and representation:
- Corporate & Commercial Law; Extensive experience in company registration (pre- and post-incorporation), drafting complex commercial agreements, and conducting due diligence for business transactions.
- Intellectual Property; Expert in the registration of patents and the protection of intellectual property rights, helping clients safeguard their innovations and brands.
- Advisory & In-House Counsel; Served as In-House Counsel at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, where she specialized in witness interviews, preparation of court processes, and providing high-level legal research for political and administrative matters.
- Oil & Gas Regulatory Support; Provided legal support at Lilleker Bros. Nigeria Ltd, focusing on the preparation of oil and gas agreements and navigating sector-specific regulatory frameworks.
- Litigation & Research; Proven expertise in preparing court processes, including motions on notice and injunctions, and conducting deep-dive legal research to support complex litigation strategies.
- Cross-Border Legal Insight; Her advanced studies in the UK have equipped her with a specialized understanding of sustainable development and international business law, making her a valuable asset for clients with cross-border interests.