Chima Uzochukwu-Obi is currently pursuing an LL.M. at NYU School of Law, Class of 2026, where he is honored as a Hauser Global Scholar. He graduated with first-class honors in Law from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, and also achieved first-class honors at the Nigerian Law School before being called to the Nigerian Bar. In this exclusive interview with Stephen Onyekwelu, Chima shares insights into his professional journey and the experiences that have shaped his career.
Reflecting on your academic and early professional achievements, including your first-class honors and work at a leading Lagos commercial law firm, which experiences or mentors most influenced your approach to law, discipline, and ambition?
From a young age, I was driven by a strong desire to excel. This was nurtured by my parents, who exemplified discipline and integrity in their daily lives. Receiving merit scholarships during both secondary school and university reinforced my belief that dedication and hard work directly influence one’s path. These early successes instilled a deep sense of discipline, teaching me that consistent merit is the only sustainable way to level the playing field. Throughout my career, mentors have reinforced this principle, emphasizing that ambition without discipline and accountability is hollow. These foundational lessons continue to guide me today.
G. Elias is renowned for handling complex, high-stakes corporate matters. How did your experience there deepen your understanding of the relationship between business and law, and how did it influence your decision to specialize further in corporate law at NYU?
My tenure at G. Elias was instrumental in shaping the lawyer I aspired to become. The firm’s involvement in some of Nigeria’s most intricate corporate and financial transactions challenged me to critically analyze the interplay between legal frameworks and business objectives. Even as a junior lawyer, I was entrusted with significant responsibilities on complex deals, which taught me that every contractual clause is essentially a negotiation of power and trust. This realization ignited my passion for corporate law and motivated me to pursue advanced studies at NYU, where I could explore how legal mechanisms can enhance capital accessibility and fortify financial infrastructures that drive economic growth.
As a Hauser Global Scholar pursuing an LL.M. in Corporation Law at NYU-one of the most prestigious legal scholarships worldwide-how does this opportunity align with your broader career goals?
Being named a Hauser Global Scholar stands as a pivotal milestone in my career. This distinguished scholarship is awarded to a select group of outstanding candidates globally each year. The LL.M. in Corporation Law perfectly complements my professional background, allowing me to delve deeper into subjects like capital structures, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics from a comparative perspective. After years of practical experience at G. Elias, this program offers a unique chance to engage with the theoretical underpinnings of my work. Studying in New York, the epicenter of global finance, enriches my understanding of how law can be strategically employed to design transactions that generate broad socio-economic benefits.
Immersed in NYU’s diverse legal community as a Hauser Scholar, what differences have you observed in how corporate law is approached in New York compared to Lagos?
The most notable contrast lies in the conceptualization of risk. In New York, there is a pronounced focus on systemic risk and maintaining the stability of the entire financial ecosystem, driven by extensive regulation and historical experience. Conversely, in Lagos, while there is some recognition of broader risks, the emphasis tends to be more on the specifics of individual transactions, prioritizing execution and regulatory compliance. Both perspectives offer valuable insights. Experiencing them side by side has highlighted the importance of lawyers who can bridge these approaches-facilitating the flow of capital from mature markets to emerging opportunities in Africa. This intersection is where I believe the future of Africa’s legal and financial landscape will be forged.
As Graduate Editor of the Journal of Law and Business, you stand at the crossroads of academic inquiry and practical application. Which emerging topics in corporate law currently captivate your interest, and why?
I am increasingly drawn to the theme of resilience-how legal frameworks can bolster market robustness. Issues such as business continuity planning, bail-in mechanisms, and innovative financial instruments intrigue me because they focus on creating systems capable of withstanding shocks. The central challenge in contemporary corporate law is balancing innovation with stability. I am passionate about developing legal structures that enable businesses to flourish while safeguarding the broader economy from systemic vulnerabilities. This convergence of academic research and practical relevance defines my current focus.
Each generation of lawyers redefines corporate practice in its era. How do you envision African, particularly Nigerian, lawyers shaping the future of global corporate law?
African lawyers are increasingly asserting themselves as key contributors to the evolution of global corporate practice. We are transitioning from merely applying externally developed frameworks to originating innovative ideas, driving reforms, and structuring cross-border transactions that attract international investment. Nigerian lawyers, in particular, bring a pragmatic ingenuity born from navigating complex and imperfect systems to achieve outstanding results. This adaptability is a valuable intellectual asset. As Africa becomes more integrated into the global financial system, I anticipate that our unique perspectives will play a crucial role in shaping the future of corporate law worldwide.
If you had the opportunity to redesign one element of how cross-border transactions between Africa and the global market are structured-be it legal, regulatory, or ethical-what would you change, and how would you approach it?
Africa’s participation in global transactions is still evolving, though the trajectory is promising given the continent’s youthful population, expanding capital markets, and improving governance. However, many cross-border deals remain overly cautious regarding African risk. If I could redesign one aspect, it would be the allocation of risk within these transactions. I advocate for frameworks that embody genuine partnership and acknowledge Africa’s potential rather than focusing solely on perceived volatility. Establishing standardized, context-sensitive deal structures would not only attract more investment but also ensure its sustainability. This vision drives my commitment to leveraging law as a tool to enhance capital access.
Looking ahead over the next ten years, what legacy do you hope your professional journey will leave-not just in terms of deals or titles, but in the evolution of corporate law and governance?
In the coming decade, I aspire for my career to exemplify that excellence transcends geography. I want my path to demonstrate that an African lawyer can excel at the highest echelons of global finance while contributing to the development of robust markets and institutions at home. Ultimately, I aim to be part of a generation that designs legal, financial, and institutional frameworks capable of delivering enduring, structural improvements. The greatest measure of success for me will be knowing that my efforts have helped build resilient systems that tangibly improve people’s quality of life.