New Africa-focused global firm Parsons aims to help shape the future of transformative projects

Meaningful progress happens where global capital meets local ingenuity, and Africa is not a frontier but a core part of the global economy, say senior lawyers Dr Gabriel Onagoruwa and Gregory Kahn, founders of brand new global law firm Parsons. 

“We are building a firm that does more than navigate the law,” says Dr Onagoruwa, speaking exclusively to Africa Legal ahead of the launch of Parsons, which opens with offices in London, Lagos, and UAE. “We help shape the future of transformative projects. We are partners in progress, committed to unlocking opportunity through legal excellence, commercial acumen, and deep regional insight.”

The new firm brings together a close-knit team of experienced professionals with deep roots across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. They are united by a shared purpose and “focused on delivering clear, commercial and culturally grounded legal advice” for a range of clients on complex, cross-border matters involving Africa. 

The new firm combines international legal excellence with a lived understanding of African markets, say its founders, and is looking to partner with clients who share its vision of Africa being a core part of the global economy. 

Whether a deal is flowing into Africa from Europe or the Gulf States, or originating on the continent, Parsons is ready to support clients with practical advice and insights. 

“The Gulf stands at a powerful intersection of capital, commerce, and influence and its connection with Africa is growing more strategic by the day,” says Kahn. “At Parsons, we’re building an enduring legal institution rooted in this dynamic corridor, designed to facilitate not just transactions, but long-term value creation.”

The firm’s ambition, Kahn shared with Africa Legal, is to be a trusted bridge for capital and collaboration between the Gulf and the African continent. 

The launch of Parsons is an emotional time, admits Dr Onagoruwa, marking the beginning of a new chapter and culmination of a deeply personal journey. 

Each step in his life and career, from a young schoolboy in Lagos and law student in Ibadan, to earning a PhD at the University of Cambridge, over a decade of practice at White & Case in London and the Middle East, and most recently as Chair of Finance and Project Development at Olaniwun Ajayi, Africa’s first international firm in London, has been necessary, important, and “laid a stone on the path” that led to Parsons. 

“I remain deeply grateful to the mentors, colleagues, partners, and supervisors who have shaped this journey,” he says. “As I step into this new phase, I do so knowing that I carry within me everything I need to succeed and more importantly, to serve.”

A corporate and finance lawyer qualified in Nigeria and the UK, Dr Onagoruwa has advised on transactions exceeding US$50 billion in value. Kahn, who leads Parsons Middle East practice, brings extensive experience in asset and structured finance across aviation, shipping, and infrastructure. A former Dentons partner, he has advised on transactions involving multiple African and Middle Eastern jurisdictions.

Advising on high-stakes transactions across EMEA, Parsons will look to grow its footprint, and is considering future expansion into key African markets such as Kenya, Ghana, and OHADA countries, with the goal to offer seamless legal support for Africa-related transactions, whether led by African institutions or global investors.

“We begin with humility, anchored in purpose, and hopeful about what lies ahead,” says Onagoruwa, expressing deep gratitude for all his mentors and colleagues who’ve shaped this journey, and helped him to carry everything needed to succeed, and to serve. “At Parsons, we will welcome all and stay centred in African excellence. No tokens. No ceilings. Just talent, diligence, purpose and partnerships.”