Olaniwun Ajayi makes further history as its London office scoops three 2025 British Legal Awards shortlistings

The recent nominations in three categories of the British Legal Awards reflect the continued growth of Olaniwun Ajayi (UK) LLP and the London office of the leading Nigerian law firm’s commitment to excellence, and dedication to delivering innovative and commercially grounded legal solutions across markets, says the firm.

Now in their 16th year, the British Legal Awards honour the standout achievements of law firms, in-house teams, and individuals who are driving the legal profession forward. With its pan-African focus and international outlook, leading Nigerian firm Olaniwun Ajayi broke new ground for the African legal profession when it opened its own office in London in December 2021. That move was innovative and monumental.

Now its London-based practice, Olaniwun Ajayi (UK) LLP has been honoured alongside lawyers, teams, and firms from across the British legal profession, with shortlistings in three key categories of the 2025 British Legal Awards:

Energy Team of the Year;

UK Growth Leader of the Year; and

Partner of the Year for Chuks Ibechukwu.

A founder of Olaniwun Ajayi UK, and the Managing Partner of the London office, Chuks Ibechukwu is a highly experienced lawyer and development financier with a focus on Africa who has advised development organisations, financial institutions, governments and corporate investors on deals that have contributed over US$40 billion of capital across various industries in 20 emerging economies.

Ibechukwu’s fellow nominees for Partner of the Year at the 2025 British Legal Awards are Anna Worwood of Penningtons Manches Cooper, Ed Barnett of Latham & Watkins, Jay Sadanandan of Sidley Austin, Laura Hughes of Browne Jacobson, Matthew J. Allen of Eversheds Sutherland, and Rosalyn Bever of Irwin Mitchell.

The story of an African law firm developing the capabilities to support clients not only on local law aspects of Africa-based projects but with English law capability and multi-jurisdictional support was “an incredibly compelling story” he wanted to be part of, Ibechukwu told Business Day Nigeria during the London office’s first year.

Along with last week’s trio of British Legal Awards shortlistings, the firm’s London practice has also been ranked in the Legal 500 UK 2026 Guide as a leading firm for Bank Lending: Investment Grade Debt and Syndicated Loans and Emerging Markets, with Ibechukwu along with Howard Barrie (Senior Partner), Juanita Derex-Briggs (Counsel), and Akemi Kishimoto, CFA (Senior Associate) each individually recognised as Recommended Lawyers in the current rankings.

“This recognition reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional legal services across jurisdictions and advancing excellence in cross-border finance and emerging markets,” says the firm.

The winners of the 2025 British Legal Awards will be revealed on Wednesday, 26 November during an evening at City Central in the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company, bringing together the brightest minds and boldest leaders in UK law.

You can view the full list of 2025 British Legal Awards categories and shortlisted lawyers, organisations, and firms, here.