Cecil Miller and Justice (rtd) Aaron Ringera. When asked about the deal, Mr Oraro confirmed that talks were ongoing, but he did not give details. Long-serving HHM partner Richard Omwela also acknowledged the intention to merge. “Once we get the greenlight, the new firm will be bigger and better, allowing more lawyers to specialise,” he said. But Mr Omwela, who has also been in the public eye as a rugby administrator, said it would be premature to discuss the matter before it gets regulatory approval. But the Sunday Nation has established that the new firm, which is likely to be known as HHM Oraro, with more than 50 lawyers in its stable, is positioning itself for local and regional mega deals in oil, infrastructure and various aspects of commercial transactions. Sources say the two firms have traditionally had little interest in criminal and civil cases, even though last year Mr Oraro represented Cord in the unsuccessful presidential petition at the Supreme Court. COUNTER THE ‘BIG BOYS’ “Despite Kenya’s current security and political problems, it remains a magnet for investments and a regional hub. There are many ongoing and proposed multi-billion-shilling investments, meaning clients in the private sector and the government require specialised legal services,” said the source. The merger is also said to be strategic at a time when big European and South African law firms are seeking to spread their operations to East Africa. The foreign lawyers with deep pockets are thought to be keen on locking out local firms from handling major transactions – particularly those involving multinationals and international donors – or partnering with them only in some aspects. “The thinking is that having a local law firm with the muscle and expertise to match the foreign ‘big boys’ is good for Kenya’s legal fraternity,” said the source. Last December, the Nairobi Law Monthly, a magazine published by lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, quoted statistics indicating that only 15 per cent of Africa’s corporate and commercial deals are handled by local firms, with 85 per cent going to international lawyers. After the expected regulatory approval is given, senior lawyers at HHM Oraro will have to work hard to manage the challenge of a potential clash of egos that has been known to cause break-ups. This article was published by the SUNDAY NATION on June 22, 2014]]>
