Biography

Overview

Before joining Makkobilli, Adv. Berhanu held the role of senior in-house counsel at NIB International Bank (HQ) from 2016 to 2023. In this capacity, he skillfully represented the bank in proceedings across Ethiopian federal and regional courts, engaged in negotiations and arbitration on the bank's behalf, meticulously reviewed and provided input on a range of critical contracts including loans, mortgages, and leases, managed foreclosure processes, dispensed legal counsel to diverse departments and branches within the bank, mentored junior legal professionals, and initiated criminal proceedings with law enforcement bodies at both Federal and regional levels, ensuring swift action against any threats to the bank's legal welfare.

Additionally, Berhanu has lent his legal acumen to roles at Ethiopian Sugar Corporation and Gene United Car Import PLC as an in-house counsel. His professional journey also includes stints as a public prosecutor and head of the justice office in Oromiya Region's Guji Zone, along with teaching engagements in business law and criminal law at various academic institutions.

As a licensed private attorney at both Federal and Oromia Regional State Courts, Berhanu has provided adept legal guidance and representation to a diverse clientele consisting of individuals, NGOs, religious bodies, and business entities. Noteworthy among the clients served by him are Glorious PLC, Gene United Car Import PLC, Dire Isporti (DS) Radio, Mormor Media S.C, Mountain Light International Church, and FIDA.

Bar Admission

Licensed to practice law at all Federal courts of Ethiopia

Licensed to practice law at all Oromia Regional State courts of Ethiopia

Education

LL.M in Commercial and Investment Laws, Oromia State University School of Law (2021, Ethiopia)

LL.B Degree in Law, from Mekelle University Faculty of Law (2009, Ethiopia)

Successfully completed a two-year post graduate legal training and got certified to serve as a public prosecutor or a judge by Oromia Justice Sectors Professionals Training and Legal Research Institute.

Languages

English

Amharic

Afaan Oromoo

Selected Experience

Represented clients in a diverse range of complex and large scale civil, commercial and corporate litigations in multiple forums such as Ethiopian state and federal courts, arbitral tribunals, and administrative tribunals;

Gave legal advices to NIB Bank’s Departments, Branches and Employees, litigated on behalf of the Bank at all levels of courts in Ethiopia, undertook bank foreclosure procedures, coached junior attorneys of the Bank, prepared and commented various contracts signed by the Bank (including loan, mortgage, rent, and other types of contracts), and lodged criminal accusations on behalf of the Bank and followed up their investigations and prosecutions at Federal and State law enforcement institutions;

Represented a major Bank before all the Federal and various Regional Courts, Negotiations and Arbitration forums;

Served as a Legal Counsel and Attorney for individuals, NGOs, Religious and Business Organizations such as Glorious PLC., Gene United Car Import PLC., Dire Isporti (DS) Radio, Mormor Media S.C, Mountain Light International Church, Local NGOs like FIDA, Ethiopian Sugar Corporation (Metehara Sugar Factory), etc.

Served as head of district justice office Oromia Region Guji Zone and led the district justice office by coordinating criminal investigation and prosecution involving different justice sectors, and advised and guided the district administration and government sectors on legal issues matter;

Served as a Public Prosecutor at Oromia Region Guji Zone and investigated crimes by coordinating and guiding the police crime investigation divisions through appearing at major crime scenes, interrogating suspects and witness, and collecting evidences; and instituted criminal charges at courts and followed throughout the court hearing and appeals.

Areas of Practice

Banking, Insurance & Finance

Financial Services Regulatory Compliance

Capital Markets

Fintech

Investment

Mergers & Acquisitions

Litigation, Arbitration & Other ADR

Bidding and Public Procurement

Gaming and Betting

Land and Natural Resources

Personal Services (Family Law, Succession, etc)