Kenna
Emeka Opara

Biography

Emeka Opara is a partner in the Firm’s Dispute Resolution & ADR, Maritime, Labour & Employment Practice. He advises and represents financial institutions, governments, shipping lines and major oil and gas companies on highly complex banking and finance disputes, construction disputes, oil spill claims and environmental litigation, commercial and regulatory dispute resolution and arbitration, as well as maritime and employment and labour related matters, with a particular focus on cross-border disputes in emerging markets.

Emeka is recognised for his ability to deliver commercially focused, pragmatic solutions that align legal strategy with business objectives, particularly in dynamic and highly regulated sectors. He brings a strong understanding of the intersection between energy operations, shipping logistics, and workforce management, enabling him to provide integrated advice and solutions that support effective risk mitigation and sustainable outcomes.

Representative Experience

• Acting for an indigenous oil and gas exploration and production company in a highly complex, high-stakes ₦36 billion multi-party oil spill and environmental claim.

• Representing a leading financial institution in a ₦5.7 billion high-stakes commercial dispute arising from a margin facility.

• Represented a leading manufacturing company in a complex, high-stakes ₦2.9 billion commercial dispute against an international subsidiary of a global financial group involving bank facilities arrangements.

• Acted for a leading energy company in a US$574,284.92 maritime claim arising from a vessel charter and hire services contract.

• Represented an African-based global financial institution in a high-stakes ₦500 million breach of contract dispute involving complex banker-customer contractual obligations.

Education

LL.M, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.

B.L, Nigerian Law School

LL. B, (Hons), Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria

Bars

LL. B, (Hons), Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria

Membership

  • Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
  • Member, International Bar Association (IBA)
  • Member, Employment and Labour Lawyers Association of Nigeria (ELLAN)
  • Member, Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA)
  • Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM)

Practice areas

related resources

Authored Publications