WELCOME TO MY LEGAL CORNER
Hello there, I am
Abisola Olayinka
A seasoned legal professional and well-rounded corporate & finance law expert with a specific focus on corporate governance & business advisory, mergers & acquisition, data privacy & protection law, corporate finance & securities law, project finance & construction law and more.
SOME CLIENTS I'VE WORKED WITH:
What I am awesome at
I am a well-rounded corporate lawyer and business consultant with over six years of experience advising businesses including multinational companies and SMEs across multiple industries. Currently a Senior Associate at Yingke Law, a globally recognized Chinese law firm headquartered in Beijing, I specialize in corporate/commercial law, business advisory, mergers & acquisitions, project finance & construction law, corporate finance & securities law, data privacy protection, Intellectual Property Law, corporate restructuring and insolvency – essentially, everything a business needs to thrive.
Corporate & Commercial Law
I advise companies on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, from entity structuring and business formation to day-to-day operational compliance. My work includes drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, and corporate governance frameworks, ensuring businesses operate within the bounds of Nigerian law while remaining commercially sound. This bleeds into a lot of work I do & it’s broken doing in the following sections;
Corporate Finance
With a strong foundation in corporate advisory, I support companies in raising capital, both equity and debt. I advise on financing transactions, shareholder arrangements, and structuring deals in a way that aligns with business goals while meeting regulatory requirements. I have helped companies raise funds through friends-and-family funding rounds, convertible notes, and larger institutional investments.
Technology & Data Protection Law
With a keen understanding of tech-driven business models, I support startups and established companies in the digital economy. I draft and review terms of use, privacy policies, and third-party contracts, ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), GDPR, and international best practices. I help clients navigate data privacy, user rights, and platform liability with confidence and clarity.
Legal Advisory for Startups
I provide result-focused legal solutions for early-stage companies/startups, guiding founders through incorporation, fundraising, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, and operational contracting. I work closely with startups to anticipate legal challenges, structure investor-ready documentation, and navigate evolving regulatory landscapes. My goal is to help businesses scale legally and sustainably.
Project Finance
I offer legal advisory services on project finance transactions, which involve the long-term financing of large-scale projects based on projected cash flows. I have participated in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and project finance deals, reviewing and negotiating key documents such as concession agreements, strategic alliance agreements, full business cases, term sheets, and other related documentation. My work includes reviewing EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) and O&M (Operations and Maintenance) contracts, and understanding the risk allocation between sponsors, lenders, and contractors.
Regulatory Compliance
I support businesses in understanding and complying with Nigeria’s complex regulatory landscape. I have worked with various local and foreign companies across multiple sectors to ensure their operations comply with statutory and industry-specific obligations. My work includes advising on corporate structuring, obtaining relevant permits and approvals, and ensuring on time regulatory filings. I liaise with key regulators such as the CAC, FIRS, NIPC, Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), NITDA, and others, ensuring full regulatory alignment throughout a company’s lifecycle.
Banking & Finance Law
I provide regulatory and transactional support to financial institutions and borrowers in loan syndications, secured lending, and compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial services regulators. My work includes drafting and negotiating loan and security documentation, and advising on licensing and capital requirements. I advise companies on licensing requirements, capital thresholds, regulatory reporting obligations, and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. I have assisted companies in obtaining money lending licenses and advised on the acquisition of a microfinance bank.
Investment Law
I guide both local and foreign investors through the Nigerian investment terrain. I provide legal support on matters relating to capital raising, investment structuring, and deal execution. I understand the legal risks and regulatory requirements involved in managing investor relationships, drafting investment agreements, and facilitating private placements. I also assist clients in structuring investments in a manner that aligns with business goals, tax efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Mergers & Acquisitions
I have experience advising on both domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. My involvement spans due diligence, negotiations, contract drafting and review, regulatory approvals, deal structuring, and post-transaction integration. I support clients in navigating the legal complexities involved in acquiring or selling business entities, with a focus on minimizing risk and ensuring smooth transitions.
Capital Markets
My interest in capital markets is rooted in my broader experience in corporate finance and regulatory compliance. I stay actively informed on the legal and regulatory framework that governs securities, equity, and debt offerings in Nigeria. While not a primary practice area, I am keenly interested in developments around public offerings, private placements, and investment instruments.
Litigation
I gained over three years of solid litigation experience while working at Abdu-Salaam Abbas & Co. During this period, I represented individuals, corporate entities, and government agencies in a wide range of civil and commercial disputes before superior courts of record across Nigeria. My practice covered all stages of the litigation process; from pre-action advisory and case strategy to trial advocacy and enforcement of judgments.
Debt Recovery
I have worked with corporations, and individuals in recovering debts through court actions and alternative dispute resolution. My experience includes filing and defending debt recovery suits, negotiating settlements, and enforcing judgments through garnishee proceedings and other modes of enforcing judgments. I have also advised on pre-litigation strategies to improve recovery outcomes and ensure proper documentation to strengthen claims.
Employment Law
Represented both employers and employees in employment-related disputes before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria. My work includes wrongful termination claims and disputes over employee benefits. I have provided support to companies facing internal disciplinary actions and regulatory audits, while also advising on settlement options and compliance with the Labour Act, employee handbooks, and HR policies.
Family Law & Succession
Represented clients in contentious and non-contentious family law matters, including divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, spousal maintenance, and legal guardianship. In succession-related matters, I have advised on probate applications, letters of administration, and estate disputes while assisting clients in resolving inheritance and will-related issues, ensuring compliance with the matrimonial causes act and customary law where relevant.
