Olaniwun Ajayi and Al Tamimi double-up on Firm of the Year prizes at Women in Business Law Awards

Leading Nigerian law firm Olaniwun Ajayi LP, which has a pan-African focus and an international outlook having broken new ground by opening its own London office in late 2021, was among the notable winners and helped fly the flag for Africa at the Women in Business Law EMEA Awards 2025 ceremony in London on 25 June. 

The ceremony marked the culmination of months of in-depth research into the top women lawyers and the most impactful law firm initiatives advancing gender equity across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. More than 75 awards were given out to law firms and individuals across many categories, jurisdictions, and practice areas. 

Olaniwun Ajayi scooped both Africa Firm of the Year, and Innovative Firm of the Year, and was among a very small group of firms, which also included leading MENA law firm Al Tamimi & Company, to win multiple ‘Firm of the Year’ prizes across 33 total Law Firm of the Year and Jurisdiction Firm of the Year categories. Judges looked at policies around work-life balance, diversity and career development, as well as a firm's achievements in promoting women at every level of seniority.

“As part of the London team at Olaniwun Ajayi, it’s inspiring to see the firm’s culture of excellence, innovation and inclusion recognised on a global stage,” says Juanita Derex-Briggs, a senior associate and corporate finance expert who was individually shortlisted for a Rising Star Award at a previous edition of the IFLR Women in Business Law Awards. “The existence of our London practice is in itself innovative – actively shaping the future of the legal practice with integrity and purpose, through gender-balanced teams, flexible working, and open dialogue across jurisdictions.”

Olaniwun Ajayi was shortlisted for a remarkable five Law Firm of the Year categories overall, as well as three individual prizes. Partners Folashade Oluyadi, Ibi Ogunbiyi, and Toyosi Alabi were shortlisted for Lawyer of the Year in the Energy, natural resources, and mining; Project Finance; and Trademark categories, respectively.

“We are honoured to be recognised as Innovative Law Firm of the Year,” said Ogunbiyi, who also drove the initiative that led to the win in that category. 

“This award reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive and responsive legal ecosystem. The Thrive Guide - our flagship initiative focused exclusively on the lived experiences and career journeys of women lawyers - was designed to go beyond policy, to action. By curating real stories, practical advice, and wellness strategies specifically for women across Africa’s legal community, we aimed to create a resource that empowers, affirms, and uplifts. I’m proud of the impact it’s already having, and even more excited about what’s next.”

It was also an award-winning night on Wednesday for two other leading law firms with strong African links. Al Tamimi & Company, which has more than 350 lawyers in 17 offices across ten countries, including Egypt and Morocco, won both Middle East & North Africa Firm of the Year and Career Development Firm of the Year. 

“These recognitions highlight our ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace for women in the legal profession,” said Al Tamimi & Company when sharing their accolades on social media. “Thank you to the women at Al Tamimi & Company whose contributions drive meaningful progress.”

Global law firm Baker McKenzie, shortlisted for Africa Firm of the Year and with five individuals from its Johannesburg and Cairo offices shortlisted for Lawyer of the Year, Rising Star, or Individual Spotlight Awards, won International Law Firm of the Year.