J-K Gadzama LLP, one of Nigeria’s most distinguished and internationally connected law firms, has released its 50th quarterly newsletter — a landmark edition that encapsulates the firm’s enduring commitment to legal excellence, professional mentorship, institutional innovation, and community impact. Published under the ISSN 2971-6276, this first-quarter 2026 edition opens with a powerful keynote essay by the firm’s Founding Principal Partner, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, SAN, and is enriched with detailed coverage of recent firm activities, upcoming events, and personnel updates.

Founded in 2010, J-K Gadzama LLP has grown into a multi-office legal powerhouse with offices across Nigeria — in Abuja, Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Jos, Maiduguri, and Lassa — and associate offices internationally in London (United Kingdom), South Florida (USA), and Dubai (UAE). The firm’s storied reputation has been built on the twin pillars of rigorous legal practice and a deep commitment to developing the next generation of legal professionals in Africa and beyond.

The centrepiece of this landmark edition is a comprehensive keynote article authored by Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, SAN — Life Bencher, FNIALS, FICMC, C.Arb., Part-Time Lecturer and Doctoral Researcher at Nile University of Nigeria, and Chancellor of Newgate University. The article, titled ‘Transforming Firm Culture: Integrating Innovation, Mentorship, and Professional Excellence,’ was originally delivered as a presentation at the 30th East Africa Law Society (EALS) Annual Conference and General Meeting, held at the prestigious Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Addressing a distinguished gathering of legal professionals from across the East African region and beyond, Chief Gadzama articulated a compelling strategic framework for how law firms — particularly those in developing legal markets — must reimagine their internal cultures to remain competitive, retain top talent, and serve clients at the highest international standards.

At the heart of Chief Gadzama’s presentation lay three interconnected pillars that he argued must be deliberately integrated into any law firm’s culture to achieve sustainable institutional success:

  • Innovation as a Cultural Mindset — Chief Gadzama challenged the traditional view of innovation as merely the adoption of new software or technology tools. He argued that genuine innovation in law firms is a cultural disposition: one that fosters psychological safety, rewards experimentation, and treats failure as a learning opportunity. He identified three key innovative areas — legal technology adoption, process innovation, and service innovation — as critical areas where East African firms must evolve.
  • Mentorship as the Cultural Bridge — Mentorship, Chief Gadzama emphasised, is not merely a goodwill exercise between senior and junior lawyers; it is a critical mechanism for knowledge transfer, leadership development, and institutional memory. He noted that East African law firms frequently experience high turnover, particularly among young lawyers, and argued that a structured mentorship culture fosters loyalty, confidence, and internal capacity-building. He called for firms to move beyond ad hoc guidance toward formalised, reciprocal mentorship programmes that include soft skills training in business acumen, client relationship management, and ethical leadership.
  • Professional Excellence as the Outcome — Professional excellence, as defined by Chief Gadzama, encompasses technical competence, ethical integrity, and commercial awareness. He argued that a firm culture combining innovation and mentorship naturally produces excellence — allowing firms to attract and retain top talent, compete with international entrants, and build lasting client trust.

Chief Gadzama’s presentation included targeted recommendations for empowering young lawyers as catalysts of cultural transformation within their firms:

  • Institutionalisation of Influence: Creating mandatory ‘Future of Practice’ committees led by non-partners with decision-making power over technology and process.
  • Formalisation of Reciprocal Mentorship: Mandating that all partners participate in a structured programme where they are mentored by younger lawyers on emerging technology trends.
  • Revision of Performance Metrics: Reforming lawyer evaluation systems to include non-billable contributions such as participation in mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and process innovation.

He closed with a stirring African proverb: ‘The youth can walk faster, but it is the elder that knows the road,’ urging law firms to empower young lawyers to lead while ensuring experienced practitioners guide the direction — a philosophy deeply embedded in the culture of J-K Gadzama LLP itself.

“Culture is not merely an internal organisational element; it is a strategic asset. For East African law firms, transforming firm culture by integrating innovation, mentorship, and professional excellence is essential for navigating modern challenges, retaining talent, and competing on a global scale.”

In a demonstration of the firm’s unwavering commitment to legal education and mentorship, J-K Gadzama LLP successfully hosted its 9th Annual Moot and Mock Trial Session for externs from the Nigerian Law School on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Hon. Justice Niki Tobi, JSC (Rtd) Moot Court, located on the Penthouse Floor of J-K Gadzama Court, Abuja.

The event was presided over by the Honourable Justice S. B. Belgore of the FCT High Court, representing the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf. The gathering was further distinguished by the presence of Dr. Esa Onoja, representing the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, and Mr. Erekere Felix, who represented the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON.

The session, which featured moot court arguments and a mock trial exercise, provided Nigerian Law School externs with a rare and invaluable opportunity to apply legal skills in a simulated but realistic courtroom environment under the supervision of senior legal professionals. Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, delivered opening remarks, welcoming participants and reaffirming the firm’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian legal practitioners.

Externs who participated in the session included Ewhubare Alex, Asuquo Saviour Orok, Nwokike Chidera, Memshima Victory Orjime, Nkem Christopher, Jiro Obiuwevbi Ominimini, Owope Omotola Joanna, Balogun Oluwasayo Shalom, Chukwuebuka Chidera, Sorochukwu Ugorji, Joy Adamma Onyeulor, and Sharon J. Usman. The session stands as a testament to the firm’s belief that mentorship must begin at the earliest stages of a lawyer’s career.

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, a distinguished son of Lassa in Borno State, was the keynote speaker at the Inaugural Margi Day Event — a historic occasion that he described as ‘a Covenant with the Past and Blueprint for the Future.’ The Inaugural Margi Day was officially launched as a landmark cultural and identity event for the Margi nation, attended by His Excellency Umaru Fintiri, the Governor of Adamawa State, and an extraordinary gathering of national leaders. Chief Gadzama’s address was widely praised for its inspiring fusion of historical reflection and forward-looking vision for the Margi people.

J-K Gadzama LLP hosted its 18th Annual Public Lecture, a prestigious intellectual tradition that draws some of Nigeria’s finest legal and industry minds. This year’s edition featured a keynote address by Prof. Ayodele Morocco-Clarke, who spoke on the compelling theme: ‘Beyond Oil: Diversifying Nigeria’s Economy through Sustainable Natural Resource Management.’ The lecture attracted a distinguished audience of legal luminaries and industry experts, and contributed meaningfully to ongoing national discourse on economic reform and sustainable development.

J-K Gadzama LLP proudly welcomed six new lawyers joining the firm for their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. The new corps members are Joseph Solomon, Abdulkarim Nimatullahi Oyiza, Daniel Faith Kindai, Nwankwo Ekene Clinton, Abar Sedoo Stephanie, and Onah Chukwuebuka Jude. The firm extended its warmest welcome and expressed its commitment to providing them with a productive, rewarding, and professionally enriching service year.

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, represented the firm at the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference, where he engaged with global legal leaders including Masako Takahata, Dr. Leonardo J. Raznovich, Olufunmi Oluyede, Nesrine Roudane, Delia Mensitieri, and Declan Harmon BL. Senator Simon Bako Lalong was also in attendance at this premier international legal gathering. Sarah Jeta Atumga, Senior Associate at J-K Gadzama LLP, also represented the firm at the 30th East Africa Law Society Annual Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, in his capacity as Chancellor of Newgate University, Minna, presided over the institution’s maiden convocation ceremony, delivering the Chancellor’s address. During the ceremony, he presented a Certificate of Honour to Mallam Hassan Nuhu, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Newgate University. The historic event was also attended by HE Comrade Yakubu Garba, Deputy Governor of Niger State, and His Royal Highness Alh. Dr. Umar Farouk Bahago, CON, Emir of Minna.

On Monday, December 11, 2025, J-K Gadzama LLP held its 26th End-of-Year Award/Appreciation Evening and 11th Christmas Carol at J-K Gadzama Court, Abuja — a glittering annual celebration of excellence, gratitude, and fellowship that has become one of the firm’s most cherished traditions.

The event was chaired by Prof. Jerry Gana, CON, who delivered the Chairman’s Opening Remarks. The guest of honour was Apostle Joshua Selman, Founder and Senior Pastor of Koinonia Global, whose ministry was a highlight of the evening. Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, and Mrs. Christine Gadzama served as gracious hosts, welcoming a distinguished list of guests including Hon. Justice R. B. Haastrup, Senator Dino Melaye, HE Bala James Ngilari, Mrs. Hanatu Bala Ngilari, HE Boni Haruna, Rev. Sam Oye, and Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan.

The Abuja City Choir and artist Fade Sax both wowed the audience with exquisite performances of Christmas carols and festive music. Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, presented Apostle Joshua Selman with a special plaque in recognition of his distinguished ministry and contribution to the evening.

Award Recipients

Merit Award — Outstanding Associate: Hajara M. Sorondinki

Merit Award — Outstanding Support Staff: Monday Ogah

Table Tennis & Chess Tournament Winner: Madu Joe-Kyari Gadzama

Table Tennis Tournament Winner (Female): Helen Ayegba

This edition’s ‘Words on Marble’ section features a curated selection of inspiring quotations that reflect the values of law, leadership, purpose, and human connection:

“Each man has to find out why he was created, has to find out how do I achieve my purpose. At the end of creation, how do I make a positive impact on my age, on my nation, on my family. If you do that, you are living a footprint for those coming behind to follow.”

— Justice Chukwudifu Oputa

“The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom. For in all the states of created beings, capable of laws where there is no law, there is no freedom.”

— John Locke

“No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man’s permission when we ask him to obey it. Obedience to the law is demanded as a right; not asked as a favor.”

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