Congratulations flow as four talented African lawyers named among new White & Case partners

The recently announced partner class underscores the strength of White & Case’s global practices and reflects the growing demand for legal services in the critical industries in which the firm leads, said Heather McDevitt, Chair of White & Case LLP.

"Individually, each new partner has shown a steadfast commitment to collaboration across borders and practices – the defining characteristic of our Firm – to help our clients succeed in their most challenging moments,” said McDevitt, who has been a White & Case partner for more than 20 years. “We are proud to welcome these 45 exceptional lawyers to our partnership. We look forward to their many contributions and to continuing our development of talented lawyers around the world."

The 45 lawyers in the new class, who will officially join the global firm’s partnership on 1 January 2026, include representatives of 12 of White & Case’s practices across 20 of its offices in 14 countries across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions.

Those promotions include African lawyers Mahmoud Ezz (Cairo), Sandile Mathebula (Johannesburg), Tolu Obamuroh (Paris), and Lulama Selele (Johannesburg).

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu released an official statement congratulating Tolu Obamuroh, saying Tolu’s rise to partnership at one of the world’s most respected law firms stood as a powerful symbol of the vision of a Nigeria whose citizens lead and excel across disciplines, defined by merit, integrity, and global impact.

Tolu is a member of the Nigerian bar who prior to joining White & Case in 2017 was an Associate General Counsel at the Lagos Court of Arbitration, having previously earned an LLM from Columbia University, after being an associate at Babalakin & Co.

One of three new White & Case international arbitration partners, and the only Paris promotion, Tolu reflects “professional excellence and national pride” as the sole Nigerian-qualified lawyer in the new global partner class, said President Tinubu. He plays a key role as a trusted advisor to the Nigerian government in several international matters. “Tolu’s success represents the best of the country’s new generation of professionals, who continue to distinguish themselves worldwide.”

As part of the new partner class, White & Case also promoted Lulama Selele and Sandile Mathebula from local partners in Johannesburg to the global partnership, and elevated Egyptian lawyer Mahmoud Ezz from local partner in Cairo.

Lulama, who joined White & Case from Allen & Overy in April 2021, has been appointed partner in the Project Development and Finance Practice. She advises clients on project finance, structured finance, and cross-border investments, particularly within the infrastructure, energy, and sustainable development sectors.

“The journey has been one of constant learning, growth and perseverance, shaped by extraordinary mentors, colleagues and clients who have believed in me along the way,” said Lulama on social media. “I am grateful for every challenge and every opportunity that has brought me here, and excited to continue contributing to the firm's work across Africa and the next generation of talent coming through.”

Sandile Mathebula has been appointed partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions Practice. He advises listed and private clients, including mining companies, corporates, and private equity firms, on South African and international transactions.

“This milestone marks an important chapter in my journey with White & Case — one shaped by collaboration across borders, complex and rewarding matters, and the privilege of working with exceptional colleagues and clients around the world,” shared Sandile on LinkedIn following the announcement this month. “I’m deeply grateful to my mentors, teammates, and clients for their trust and support, and to the firm for its continued commitment to global excellence and professional growth.”

Cairo-based Mahmoud Ezz has been named a partner in White & Case’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice. He advises regional and international clients on M&A, private equity and capital markets transactions in Egypt and across the Middle East.