Macdonald J. Ekwem (Dip.Lat, LLB, BL, LLM)
Macdonald J. Ekwem is a Partner at Beyond-Par, with a practice focused primarily in corporate and commercial law, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, trademark registration, alternative dispute resolution, real estate law, employment law, landlord/tenant, general company secretarial services and litigation. He is duly called to the Nigeria Bar as a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Macdonald has several years of experience handling complex and high-stakes corporate and commercial transactions. Since graduating from law school, Macdonald has represented companies and individuals in a transactional capacity in a broad range of industries and practice severally.
His Degrees are from the University of Ibadan, and the Nigerian Law School, Abuja. He also holds a Diploma Certificate in Latin and a certificate in Conflict Analysis from the United States Institute of Peace. He just rounded off his LLM (Corporate Governance and Finance Law) program at Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Macdonald started his law practice as an Intern at D. D. Dodo (SAN) & Co. Law Firm, from where he moved to Sui Generis Law & Consulting as an Associate and is presently a Partner in Beyond-Par Law & Consulting, a Corporate/Commercial law firm in Abuja, Nigeria. He is additionally a Legal Partner at Lucid Springs (a PR, Advert and Marketing Company).
Macdonald once acted as an In-house Attorney for a conglomerate of over 11 companies including Brinq Africa Payment Solutions Limited (CBN certified PTSP); XS Energy Limited (A member of North South Power Consortium – Acquirers of Shiroro Hydro Power Plant); Caria Aerospace Support Services Limited (a leading African Aviation Services and Air Transport Solutions Company) and so many other high-ranking corporate entities.
Macdonald facilitated the synergy/partnership between the conglomerate and about eight (8) international companies namely: Ingenico (France); Posiflex (Taiwan); ZKTeco (China); SecuriPay (South Africa); Sewoo Tech (Korea); BITEL (Korea); CARDZ and Mobiflex. He also facilitated and advised International clients on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) transactions.
Macdonald headed a team that negotiated and drafted relevant documents for a multi-million naira lease transaction. He was also part of the team that advised North-South Power Consortium and Trevari Power Consortium, bidders for the Shiroro Power and Geregu2 hydro power plant respectively during the privatization process.
While not working, Macdonald enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, watching sports, enjoying the outdoors, and reading.
Nobert N. Ogakwu (LLB, IFS, ACIB (London) BL)
Nobert is a UK trained Nigerian lawyer with excellent advocacy skills, Independent Financial Adviser and Mortgage Consultant.
He worked in the law office of S. I. Ameh (SAN) & Co. as a Barrister/Solicitor and also LawiQ before joining Beyond-Par Law & Consulting as a Partner.
Prior to Nigerian law practice, he worked in the United Kingdom as a lawyer since 1998 with a number of high profile law firms including Chase Christopher Roberts & Co Solicitors and Russell Henry & Co.
Nobert is a legal adviser and consultant to established companies in Nigeria such as Waterock Global Development Company Ltd and in the UK – Hack Uk Group of companies and Mortgage Force Ltd (subsidiary of Westbromich Building Society, worth $8billion in assets).
He is an Independent Financial Advisor authorized by the Financial Services Authority and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers London. Additionally, Nobert is an European Union law consultant for Barango-law, a New York City law firm; taking instructions, consulting on issues of the laws of the European Union, European Commission on Human Rights, discrimination, free movement of goods/persons and services; Money laundering and research.
Nobert, a Nigerian/British citizen is married with children and specializes in real estate law, mortgage, general insurance and others.
Adaora Obioma Ogakwu (BA, LLB, MBA, BL)
With nearly 30 years post-call experience to the English Bar, Adaora brings a wealth of experience to add value to our international practice as a firm.
She obtained her first degree from the University of Calabar in 1985 before proceeding to University of London’s Holborn Law Tutors where she obtained her LLB.
On completion of the requisite Bar course and tutelage, she was called to the Inns of Court as a Barrister at the Gray’s Inn. Shortly after, she proceeded to the University of Hull where she later obtained an MBA.
Adaora’s legal career equipped her greatly to meet the needs and challenges of the modern day law practice.
Before joining Beyond-Par Law & Consulting as a Partner, she has worked with several organizations as company secretary/Legal adviser namely: Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust – UK; Bilwadams Nigeria Ltd (London office); Liaison – Lawrence Graham, 190 Strand, London and British American Insurance Company in Lagos, Nigeria.
She is married with children.
Chikezie O. Madubuike (LLB, BL, LLM)
Mr. Madubuike is an aggressive litigator, with hands on litigation experience before the Federal Courts (Trial and Appellate) and the State Courts (Trial) over a wide range of practice areas, and in several States in Nigeria.
Chikezie has litigated Administrative & Constitutional Law cases, Breach of Contract claims, Debt recoveries, Employment and Labor Law claims, Environmental Damage Claims, Insurers liability, pension claims, Real Estate, Personal Injury, and Workmen's Compensation Claims.
Chikezie is fully engaged in Corporate Practices and presently advises several clients in the Real Estate Sector, particularly concerning financial arrangements, Contract finance, Regulatory Compliance, and Strategic Alliances.
Recent instructions include acquisition of various sites for Mass Housing Developments for private companies. He is also versed in Family Law (Probate, Succession, and Child Custody & Divorce)
Chike has won several awards.