The Team
A multidisciplinary team of advocates and legal advisors with deep experience in Ethiopian law and international-facing legal matters.
Belay Ketema
Managing Partner and Founder of the Firm
More than 35 years
Education
- LL.B, Faculty of Law, Addis Ababa University
- Accredited by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
- Accredited by the World Bank Group
Practice Areas
- Litigation and Commercial Arbitration
- Corporate Advisory and Privatization Transactions
- Contractual, Investment, Tax, and Regulatory Matters
- Mergers, Acquisitions, and Joint Ventures
- Restructuring of Public Enterprises and Companies
Belay Ketema is a Senior Attorney and Federal Advocate with over three decades of distinguished legal practice in Ethiopia. His extensive experience spans litigation, corporate advisory, privatization transactions, and commercial arbitration, making him one of the most respected practitioners in the country. He has advised public enterprises, multinational corporations, and private companies on complex contractual, investment, tax, and regulatory matters. Belay has played a key role in high-value privatization negotiations and in the restructuring of public enterprises and companies, consistently navigating intricate legal and commercial frameworks with precision. In dispute resolution, he has represented clients in major arbitration proceedings and has also served as presiding arbitrator, sole arbitrator, and arbitration member. His courtroom strength is complemented by strategic advisory work on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and large-scale commercial negotiations. His combination of local expertise and international exposure positions him as a trusted advisor for clients seeking sound legal counsel in Ethiopia.
Wondwossen Sintayehu (PhD)
Environmental Lawyer and Global Policy Expert
More than 25 years
Education
- PhD in Global Governance and Human Security, University of Massachusetts Boston
Practice Areas
- Environmental Governance
- Climate Finance and Carbon Markets
- Multilateral Diplomacy and Policy Negotiation
- ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Frameworks
- Corporate and Climate Law
- Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Planning
- ERPA Negotiations and Benefit-Sharing Mechanisms
Wondwossen Sintayehu is an environmental lawyer and global policy expert with more than 25 years of experience in environmental governance, climate finance, and multilateral diplomacy. He has led and advised on Ethiopia's climate and carbon market policies and projects, including ERPA negotiations, carbon market frameworks, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and climate-smart agriculture investment planning. Wondwossen has served as a lead negotiator for Africa under major multilateral environmental agreements and has successfully implemented consultancy projects for institutions including the World Bank, FAO, IFAD, GIZ, AfDB, UNDP, and the Global Green Growth Institute. His expertise spans environmental, climate, and corporate laws, ESG frameworks, and multi-stakeholder facilitation at national and international levels.
Daniel Fekadu
Federal Advocate and Legal Scholar
Over a decade
Education
- LLB
- MBA
- Currently pursuing LLM in International Law and doctoral work
Practice Areas
- Corporate Advisory and Regulatory Compliance
- Commercial Law
- Legal Tech and Legal Writing
- Academia and Legal Education
Daniel Fekadu is a seasoned legal professional, Federal Advocate, and legal scholar with over a decade of experience spanning high-stakes litigation, corporate advisory work, and academia. He serves as strategic counsel for public enterprises, private corporations, and prominent import-export entities, with a strong focus on commercial law and regulatory compliance. His practice is defined by sophisticated legal writing and a forward-thinking approach to legal technology that improves efficiency without compromising legal rigor. As a long-standing lecturer of law at both public and private universities, Daniel bridges theory and practice while helping shape the next generation of Ethiopian lawyers. He holds an LLB and an MBA, and he is currently pursuing an LLM in International Law alongside doctoral work. This multidisciplinary foundation strengthens his ability to provide clients with precise, practical, and globally informed legal solutions.
Fikre Moya
Legal Practitioner Specializing in Construction Law
32+ years
Education
- LLB, Addis Ababa University
Practice Areas
- Construction Law (FIDIC-based contracts and dispute management)
- Banking and Insurance Law (marine and aviation insurance claim handling)
- Company Law (due diligence, mergers and acquisitions)
- Bankruptcy Procedures (scheme development and corporate restructuring)
- Arbitration (contractual and commercial disputes)
Fikre Moya is a legal practitioner specializing in construction law, with particular expertise in FIDIC-based contracts and dispute management. His practice extends to banking and insurance law, where he handles complex claims in specialized areas including marine and aviation insurance. Fikre advises clients on a wide range of company law matters, including due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, and bankruptcy procedures. He has significant experience in scheme development and corporate restructuring, guiding businesses through transitions with practical, solution-oriented counsel. In dispute resolution, Fikre is actively engaged in arbitration, representing clients in contractual and commercial disputes. He combines technical legal expertise with a pragmatic commercial approach, helping clients secure outcomes that are both legally sound and business-ready.
Derbe Andergie
Litigation Lawyer
30 years
Education
- LLB, Addis Ababa University
Practice Areas
- Specialized Legal Translation
- Litigation and Advocacy
- Commercial and Family Law Advisory
Derbe Andergie is a litigation lawyer with three decades of experience advising and representing clients across contentious and advisory matters. His practice combines courtroom advocacy with clear legal translation and communication for complex issues. Derbe supports clients in commercial and family law matters with practical guidance, disciplined preparation, and consistent client care. He is recognized for reliable representation and strong commitment to protecting client interests throughout proceedings.