Firm unveils app to enhance maritime law practice

The Foundation Chambers (FC) legal tech division has unveiled Caveat Guard, an innovative web application designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in legal processes within the Nigerian maritime sector.

According to the firm, Caveat Guard allows users to submit instructions, monitor the real-time status of filings, and receive instant notifications and confirmations upon successful filing completion.

The web application is the firm’s response to the increasing need for integrating technology into its business model.

“The firm envisions that the application will someday be used to revolutionise the filing of caveats by digitising the process and centralising the Caveat Register for the entire country.

“This would enable registered users to electronically submit applications, search the Caveat Registers, and receive instant search results from any Federal High Court division nationwide, all on agreed terms,” said Mojisola Jaiye-Gbenle, a partner at FC during the firm’s 25th anniversary and 75th birthday celebration of the founder, Mr Luke Chidi Ilogu (SAN) in Lagos.

In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Mr Nnamdi Louis Mbanefo (SAN), who recalled his family’s tie with that of the Ilogu, explained that Mr Ilogu was his vice chairman at the Maritime Lawyers Association, who succeeded him and took the association to greater heights.

Foundation chambers, he said, is well organised and there is “no doubt in my mind that it is one of the best maritime law firms in the country.”

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, represented by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke delivered his goodwill message praising the celebrant’s godliness, integrity, honesty and hard work.

During the event, three undergraduate students who emerged victorious at the firm’s yearly essay competition were unveiled by a partner in the firm, Mr Adedamola Kikiowo and presented with their awards.

Kikiowo said: “We are committed to the advancement of legal education and we demonstrate this by organising essay competitions every year strictly for university students across Nigeria.

“For fairness and transparency, the essays are assessed by internal and external reviewers before winners are selected.”

He announced that the awardees were Enoch Akinlabi, the second runner-up, Toluwani Olusola, the first runner-up, and Vincent Maduka, the winner.

Also at the occasion, Ms Totulope Adebayo was inducted as a new partner for the firm.

The highlight of the event was the public presentation of a book: “Beyond the Horizon in Maritime and Arbitration Practice”, published by the firm, which has many contributors.

Reviewing the book, Prof Wale Olawoyin (SAN) stated that it is a great contribution to the maritime and arbitration practice that would remain invaluable for practitioners, students and the public.

Justice Bode Rhides-Vivour (retd) unveiled the book, recognised the contributors, and described the book as one which will last the test of time.