Profiles of Our Attorneys
Michael is the Principal Partner at Ivy Crest Solicitors, with 18 years post-call experience and is licensed to practice law in Nigeria and America (New York). He is a versatile Attorney with exceptional commercial awareness and leads the firm’s banking, corporate finance and commercial law practices. Michael is a World Bank/APMG-Certified Public-Private Partnership Professional (CP3P) and is equally a Certified Public-Private Partnership Trainer for all three levels of the CP3P programme. He has led a good number of successful commercial and transaction advisory portfolios, having gained significant transaction experiences from countries, including Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, the UK and the USA. Between 2007 and 2009, Michael worked in commercial departments where he honed skills in corporate and commercial law. In 2010, he obtained a Master’s degree In Banking, Corporate and Finance Law from Fordham University Law School, New York and was subsequently awarded a fellowship with Fordham Law School, where he developed and lectured a course on Public-Private Partnerships in Anglo-Africa, examining how PPP governance, structuring and financing mechanisms in Anglo-Africa compare with other practices worldwide.
Uwadiale is the Managing Partner of IVY Crest’s Lagos Office and currently oversees the firms general practice. He is a resourceful Attorney with core competencies in FINTECH, privacy law, syndicated finance practice, and litigation. Uwadiale has a wide-ranging legal experience spanning over 18 years, over Which period he had worked with law firms with international practices, where he provided legal advisory services to public authorities as well as multinational businesses including in dispute resolution, mergers & acquisition and transaction advisory In his capacity, routinely provides legal advice to clients for various phases of their operations – incorporating investment vehicles; raising capital – including syndicated credit facilities; project finance and secured lending; equity/debt investments; corporate governance issues; merger/acquisition transactions; and corporate restructuring. He equally advises dients on appropriate transaction structures to ensure regulatory compliance. Uwadiale is a graduate of University of Benin and has been called to the Nigerian bar. He is a member of FINTECH Association of Nigeria as well as member of the Compliance Institute of Nigeria
Pius is a highly resourceful legal practitioner with extensive experience in corporate/commercial law and litigation. Licensed to practice in both Nigeria and Canada, he leads Ivy Crest’s Trust and Estate Planning as well as Immigration practices.
Since earning his law degree in 2009, Pius has continuously expanded his expertise, obtaining several designations, including TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner), CEA (Certified Executor Advisor), and MFA-P™ (Philanthropy). His versatility and commitment to providing exceptional legal representation set him apart.
In Trust and Estate Planning, Pius assists high-net-worth clients with estate planning documents, probate applications, and estate administration. In the corporate/commercial realm, he navigates business complexities, creates sound corporate structures, and drafts various commercial agreements. He also advises on legal compliance related to AML/ATF/sanctions and privacy.
With significant experience in Nigerian and Canadian law, Pius guides individuals, families, and businesses through immigration matters, including work and residency permits. His diverse experience and commitment to bespoke solutions ensure that each client’s unique needs are met.
Nadia is a senior associate at Ivy Crest and leads its civil and criminal litigation efforts. She is a creative Attomey with core competencies in litigation and dispute resolution. Nadia has a wide-ranging legal experience of over ten years and clients often commend her knowledge and depth of experience in
technology, property and asset management aspects of law. She constantly provides practical, appropriate, cutting-edge legal solutions that effectively resolve legal quandaries in her areas of expertise. She has served as consultants to a number of startups and is versed with the company regulatory and compliance requirements.
Nadia is a member of the Nigeria Bar Association, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Institute of Public
Management
Oseloka is a detail-oriented and tech-savvy Associate at Ivy Crest’s Lagos office. With an enterprising six-year experience in both public and private sector legal practice, Oseloka brings a unique blend of experience to professional service delivery.
Previously, Oseloka worked with the Office of the Attorney-General of Enugu Stateas a prosecutor in the department of public prosecution. With the ability to deliver quality client service under pressure and possessing the requisite passion for the advancement of social justice through legal journalism, Oseloka ventured into private practice, specializing in corporate and commercial law. Since 2021, he has represented clients in superior courts of record in Nigeria and advised clients on various legal matters and transactions arising from domestic and international electronic funds transfer, maritime/admiralty claims, matrimonial causes, debt recovery, trademark and copyright dominance in cyberspace, drafting and review of contracts, labour and employment disputes. He has also contributed to the jurisprudence of the law through notable articles in diverse areas of the law published in local and international peer-reviewed journal publications. Oselokaearned his Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) degree from the University of Nigeria in 2018,and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2019.
Abubakar is a versatile Associate at Ivy Crest’s Abuja office, specializing in Litigation, Regulatory Compliance, Corporate and Public-Private Partnership Advisory. Known for his resourcefulness and goal-driven approach, he brings sharp observation, innovation, and strong research and communication skills to his legal practice.
He holds an LL.B from Ahmadu Bello University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2022. Abubakar excels in simplifying complex legal issues and fostering effective collaboration through strong interpersonal skills. His commitment to continuous learning keeps him aligned with legal innovation and excellence.
Frank, a dynamic and highly analytical Associate at our Abuja office, possesses a strong foundation in law, coupled with exceptional skills in research, corporate agreements and legal drafting. He graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in Law from Adekunle Ajasin University and the Nigeria Law School, Abuja. Prior to earning a law degree, Frank obtained a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic. His academic excellence is bolstered by a rich array of professional certifications in project management, customer relations, human resource management, and marketing. Frank is versatile and often harnesses his ICT and information management skill sets traversing desktop publishing, programming, website development, and graphic design. His leadership capabilities are evident from his roles in various organizations, such as Director of Media & Editor in Chief at the Nigerian Law School and President of the Community Development Service for Environmental Protection and Sanitation during his NYSC.
Frank’s commitment to community service is demonstrated through his volunteer work with the Chadash Empowerment Foundation, African Young Entrepreneur Summit, and Ondo State Youth Clean the City Programme. His natural leadership skills and systematic problem-solving approach, make him a valuable asset to our firm.
Profiles of Our Interns
Mary is an intern at the Abuja Office of IVY CREST with a passion for law practice. As one of the survivors of the 276 kidnapped Chibok girls in 2014, she is a demonstrably resilient and determined personality.
She holds a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) degree from the American University of Nigeria (AUN), where she graduated with honours. Her academic achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication.
As a legal intern, Mary has gained valuable experience in legal research, drafting, and advocacy, providing legal support to senior lawyers and clients. She has worked on various projects, including human rights cases and social justice initiatives.
She is driven by a passion for justice and a desire to make a positive impact in her community. She isexcited to contribute to the team and learn from this internship opportunity.
Queensike is a Legal Intern at our Abuja office, having recently successfully completed her studies at the Nigerian Law School. She holds an LL.B. from the American University of Nigeria, where she graduated with University Honors. She is resourced with strong analytical abilities, attention to detail and a commitment to delivering practical legal solutions. She has a keen interest in corporate and commercial law, with growing experience in legal research, contract drafting and corporate compliance, with a passion for helping businesses navigate complex legal frameworks.
Beyond legal practice, Queen is also passionate about purposeful leadership and community impact. While at university, she participated in several service-oriented projects and now leads “Light Forge”, a mentorship and youth empowerment initiative which strives to inspire the next generation of leaders through guidance.
In addition to her legal training, Queen is an excellent public speaker with strong media communication skills. She brings confidence, creativity and problem-solving abilities into the work environment.
Profiles of Our Administrative Team
Esther coordinates and oversees the Firm’s administrative efforts. She is a motivated, proactive, problem-solving, confidential and detail-oriented professional. She has extensive experience as an administrative coordinator, human resource management and executive assistant with over 10 years of experience in supporting high-level executives and managing administrative operations in the corporate environment. Esther holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and began her career as an administrative assistant in 2006. Since then, she has gained extensive knowledge with certifications, is a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria and has experience in organizing and coordinating executive meetings, managing budgets and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office. Her sound judgement is an invaluable asset to the firm. She spends her free time developing her writing, training and research skills in Corporate Financing and Project management.
Jennifer is the Administrative Assistant and works out of Ivy Crest’s Lagos office, providing administrative support and ensuring efficient operations of the office. She is a graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Her experience in managing the office functions is often relied upon in supporting the legal team through a variety of tasks and for maintaining official records. Jennifer is passionate about growth; she loves reading and watching movies