Sonia Onyia is a seasoned legal professional with extensive expertise in corporate commercial transactions, finance, and intellectual property law. With a career marked by a commitment to excellence and a profound understanding of complex legal frameworks, Sonia has established a reputation for delivering strategic legal solutions that align with the dynamic needs of modern businesses.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Lagos and a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of East Anglia, UK, Sonia embarked on a legal career that quickly demonstrated a penchant for navigating intricate commercial and financial landscapes. She embarked on her professional journey at Kenna Partners, a leading law practice renowned for its bespoke legal services and expertise in corporate commercial practice. Here, Sonia has engaged herself in managing and negotiating high-profile corporate transactions. Her role involves structuring complex deals to optimize client outcomes while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and fostering robust business relationships.

In the finance practice, Sonia excels in advising clients on a broad spectrum of financial transactions. Her comprehensive knowledge of financial instruments and regulatory requirements enables her to provide strategic guidance that supports clients’ financial objectives and enhances operational efficiencies. This expertise is particularly valuable in the current economic climate, where financial transactions are increasingly complex and require a nuanced understanding of both local and international regulations.

Throughout her career, Sonia has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to client service and professional integrity. She has successfully handled numerous high-stakes transactions and legal issues, contributing significantly to the success of clients across various industries. Her approach to legal practice is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, a proactive problem-solving attitude, and a deep-seated understanding of the commercial implications of legal decisions.

In addition, Sonia also works with the firm’s commercial litigation practice, representing clients on a broad spectrum of litigation assignments and has considerable experience of all aspects of litigation. Sonia remains committed to upholding the highest standards of legal practice while helping clients navigate the challenges and opportunities of their commercial endeavours.

Relevant Experience

• Provision of Legal Advisory Services: Delivered comprehensive legal advice to clients, specializing in corporate regulatory issues. Provided strategic guidance to navigate complex regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
• Active Membership in Dispute Resolution, Corporate Practice, and Intellectual Property Practice Units: Engaged actively in diverse legal units, contributing to the resolution of disputes, corporate legal matters, and issues related to information and communication technology. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide well-rounded legal solutions.
• Legal Representation in Courts: Represented clients at esteemed judicial bodies, including the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and National Industrial Court in Nigeria. Advocated on behalf of clients, presenting compelling legal arguments, and ensuring legal interests were robustly defended.
• Drafting and Review of Corporate Commercial Contracts: Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated corporate commercial contracts, ensuring legal accuracy and alignment with organizational objectives. Played a key role in contract development, modification, and compliance.
• Drafting and Review of Court Processes: Prepared and reviewed court processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards. Played a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of legal documents submitted to various courts.
• Provision of Company Secretarial Services: Managed company secretarial functions, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Handled corporate governance matters, board meetings, and facilitated effective communication between the company and regulatory bodies.
• Legal Research, Writing, and Publication of Articles: Conducted extensive legal research, producing high-quality written materials and articles. Contributed thought leadership to legal publications, showcasing expertise and staying at the forefront of legal developments.
• Diverse Advisory Services: Advised a diverse clientele on various legal matters, including infrastructure projects, capital market transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. Offered strategic guidance to clients in multiple sectors.
• Transaction Document Preparation and Negotiation: Conducted in-depth research, prepared drafts, and negotiated transaction documents in diverse legal practice areas, including Finance & Capital Markets, Private Equity, Corporate & Commercial, and Technology & Digital Economy.

Education

• LL.M, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
• B.L, Nigerian Law School, Lagos, Nigeria
• LL.B, University of Lagos, Nigeria

Bars

• Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria

Memberships

• Member, Nigerian Bar Association
• Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)

Publications

• Liability of Online Platforms for Defective Goods and Products
• Crowdfunding in Nigeria: Evaluation of the Legal Framework
• The Legality of the Requirement of the Covid-19 Vaccine
• An overview of the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Law 2021
• Embracing Technology in International Arbitration: Virtual Proceedings and AI in Perspective.