In the bustling legal landscape of Lagos State, a transformative event took place at the distinguished law chambers of Banwo & Ighodalo, hosted by the African Corporate and Government Counsel (ACGC) Forum. On a Wednesday evening, in-house lawyers gathered for an occasion that transcended the professional realm, emphasizing the need for connection, collaboration, and shared knowledge.
Nankunda Katangaza, Co-founder and Director of ACGC, underscored the significance of such a social gathering for in-house lawyers. “The origin of the association itself is such that lawyers working in-house don’t tend to have a gathering place,” she explained. “Very often, associations cater to lawyers working in law firms rather than in in-house roles. So, they are often a bit isolated from each other.”
The event was not just a forum for professional exchange but also an opportunity for in-house lawyers to unwind and build relationships outside the confines of formal duties. ACGC, established in 2019, aims to provide a space for these legal professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate their achievements.
Justine Lewa, Chairman of In-house and Government Counsel Forum, NBA Lagos Branch, emphasized the primary focus of the gathering. “The mixer allowed the ACGC Forum’s members to look forward to what 2024 holds for the collaboration between the pan-African institution and the forum of the NBA Lagos branch.”
The event unfolded as a night of festivities, with attendees enjoying finger foods, beverages, and a vibrant atmosphere. The lively gathering encouraged mingling, fostering collaboration among legal professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Ken Etim, representing Banwo & Ighodalo, expressed the firm’s support for ACGC’s vision. “We have identified with the vision of ACGC and what the organisation stands for its mission, what it seeks to embody and take into the future.”
The ACGC Forum has grown significantly since its inception, boasting more than 1,000 members across over 20 countries in Africa. Katangaza shared insights into the organization’s origins, rooted in a lunchtime conversation with in-house lawyers at a previous Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law conference.
The forum’s success lies in creating a safe space for the professional growth of in-house lawyers. Katangaza envisions a promising future for in-house lawyers across Africa, with plans to expand into more countries, including Francophone Africa.
“We have been talking to some Egyptian in-house counsel, who are very keen for us to have an event in Cairo to bring together the Egyptian in-house counsel and to bring them into the pan-African kind of entity,” she revealed.
As ACGC looks ahead to its 2024 annual conference in Accra, the organization aims to continue its momentum, uniting legal professionals from diverse backgrounds in their pursuit of growth and collaboration. The event in Lagos serves as a testament to the transformative power of fostering connections and breaking down barriers within the legal community.
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