Megafirm tight-lipped over developments in Lagos
Magic circle outfit Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer appears to be a brand in hot demand, with a local Nigerian law firm using the name to promote its services online.
Freshfields Law & Legal Services — based Nigeria’s largest city of Lagos — is headed up by managing partner Aderemi Adekile. Or to give his full title, Prince Aderemi Adekile LL.B (HONS.), B.L., LL.M., ACIT, FCIT.
With the magic circle giant’s namesake boasting expertise in everything from corporate law to real estate, the firm proudly trumpets that it not only attracts the top clients, but also “top quality law graduates”.
But before law students fire off a training contract application, they should probably check out the “office tour” section of the site. First spotted by legal blog Roll On Friday, the offices of Nigeria’s “leading” law firm may leave many wannabe lawyers a little underwhelmed.
As you arrive at the office you are met with a plush open plan reception and seating area. Unfortunately, if more than two clients arrive at any one time, then one will be forced to sit on the floor. But what a floor!
Moving swiftly on, it would appear that images labelled the “coffee room” and the “meeting room” could be the same room photographed from different angles.
Next up is the extensive law library at Freshfields. With literally hundreds of books available to undertake legal research, you’re in safe hands with Prince Adekile and his team.
Finally, come the lawyers’ offices themselves. Or “layers’ offices”, according to the website. With at least one desk, and a fancy looking coat stand, it’s not clear whether Freshfields’ Nigerian outpost operates a ‘hot-desking’ policy.
Freshfields — the magic circle one, with over 2500 lawyers across 28 offices in 16 countries — declined to comment.