With the African economy predicted to grow exponentially in the coming years, DLA Piper is also increasing its presence on the continent.
DLA Piper’s Africa Group has expanded in North, South and East Africa with the addition of three new member firms — Algerian firm B L & Associés, Rubeya & Co Advocates of Burundi and Namibian firm Ellis Shilengudwa Inc have joined the firm’s Africa Group in October. The DLA Piper Africa Group now has member firms in 14 countries in Africa.
B L & Associés is run by Algerian-based partner Fatima Zohar Bouchemla and Paris-based partner Mohamed Lanouar and has offices in Algiers. The firm is made up of two partners and eight associates all of whom are admitted to practice in either Algeria or France according to DLA. The team handles advisory matters including investment law, commercial contracts, M&A, capital markets, tax and customs law, insurance, construction and real estate as well as criminal, civil and commercial litigation matters.
Established in 2000, Rubeya & Co Advocates is run by Willy Rubeya. The firm has a team of eight lawyers with experience in IP and competition law.
Ellis Shilengudwa Inc. is a leading corporate and commercial Namibian law firm. The firm was established in 1997 and currently comprises four directors and seven associates.
Federico Sutti, Managing Director of Europe & Africa at DLA Piper, said in a release: “We are very pleased to have expanded our network into the key developing markets of Algeria, Namibia and Burundi. The new member firms are highly regarded for providing exceptional standards of work for clients locally and internationally. As we continue to build our capabilities and presence across Africa, we will maintain our commitment to carefully selecting strategic partners that will be beneficial for our Group members and will add value for our clients.”
