Spencer West Expands into Africa: A Testament to Our Growth and Vision
At Spencer West, we pride ourselves on being “Globally Connected, Locally Invested.” Our recent expansion into Africa, marked by the rapid growth of our offices in Johannesburg and Nairobi, underscores our commitment to this ethos. This strategic move not only highlights our belief in the continent’s potential but also reflects our innovative approach to the legal profession through the fee-share model.
The Rapid Growth in Kenya
Our Kenyan office has seen remarkable growth just weeks after its launch, now boasting a team of 10, including three new partners. The swift expansion of our Nairobi office is a clear indication of the potential for our model in Africa. The team, co-led by ex-CMS partner Haanee Khan and former PwC director Joseph Githaiga, has quickly grown with the addition of highly respected professionals like commercial partner Peter Mwaura, high-net-worth of-Counsel Katherine Muldoon, and real estate and construction lawyer Caroline Karugu Mwarari joining early hire Teodosia Osir.
This rapid expansion not only demonstrates the attractiveness of our fee-sharing model but also our ability to attract top-tier talent. The Nairobi office serves as a gateway into East Africa and a robust base from which we plan to further grow our African team.
Establishing a Strong Foothold in South Africa
Similarly, our presence in Johannesburg led by Sanusha Govender, a corporate lawyer with specialist sector expertise (including in mining) who has worked in top firms Bowmans and Webber Wentzel, has laid the groundwork for substantial growth in South Africa. We are enthusiastic about the prospects in this market, where the fee-sharing model offers an appealing alternative to the traditional, more rigid structures of conventional law firms.
Why Africa is Primed for the Fee-Share Model
We believe Africa is a fertile ground for the fee-share model due to its dynamic legal market and the increasing desire for flexibility among legal professionals. The traditional model often involves extensive administrative burdens and internal politics, which can detract from client-focused work. Our model, on the other hand, enables partners to retain a larger share of their fees, reduces administrative overhead, and allows for more client-facing time. It also takes its steer from the local leadership team in the country, while being able to draw on the wider expertise across the firm. This approach has proven attractive not only to partners but also to associates seeking a less politicised path to career development.
Building Collaborative Communities
At Spencer West, we are dedicated to fostering collaborative communities of high-caliber colleagues who work together rather than in silos. Our aim is to be the most connected fee-sharing firm in the world, not only across jurisdictions and sectors, but also within our localised teams. By establishing office hubs in key locations like Nairobi and Johannesburg, we create environments where partners and associates can collaborate closely, sharing knowledge and expertise across disciplines and borders.
Our model ensures that our partners and colleagues feel part of a cohesive team, mitigating the isolation that has challenged some other fee-sharing firms. This collaborative culture, coupled with our strategic office locations, enables us to deliver exceptional service to our clients and maintain a supportive, dynamic work environment for our legal professionals.
A Global Vision with Local Expertise
Our entry into Africa is spearheaded by local lawyers from esteemed African firms who possess deep understanding of the local market. This local investment is crucial to our strategy, ensuring that our services are tailored to meet the specific needs and challenges of the African legal landscape.
As we continue to grow, our focus remains on sustainable expansion. We aim to build our profile, teams, and market share in Kenya and South Africa while exploring opportunities for further growth in due course. Our recent successes in Africa mirror the high-quality talent we have attracted globally, from Europe to Asia and Australia.
Conclusion
Spencer West’s expansion into Africa is a testament to our innovative fee-sharing model and our commitment to being “Globally Connected, Locally Invested.” We are excited about the rapid growth of our Kenyan office and the potential for our Johannesburg office. Our collaborative, flexible approach not only attracts high-caliber professionals but also provides exceptional service to our clients.
As we continue to expand, we remain dedicated to building a connected, multi-jurisdictional firm that fosters close collaboration and client engagement. Africa is a key market for us, and we are confident in our ability to grow sustainably and successfully in this dynamic region.
You can read Law.com’s recent article from Alfred Olufemi about how Spencer West are “changing the game” in Africa here: Spencer West’s 70-30 Fee Split May Be a Game-Changer for African Law Firms