Biography

Overview 

Before his association with Makkobilli Law Firm LLP as a Regional of Counsel at Adama, Fedesa's legal acumen shone as a judge and a solo practitioner, illuminating the legal landscape with his expertise.

Fedesa's tenure as a dedicated and astute judge from late 2011 until early 2024 resonated across the various echelons of the Oromia Regional State Courts. Navigating through the annals of the judiciary, Fedesa's illustrious career spanned pivotal roles—from a judge at Oromia State Supreme Court (2021-2023), Kellem Wollega Zone High Court (2015-2016) and Dalle Wabara First Instance Court to a trainer of judges and public prosecutors at Oromia Legal Research and Training Institute (2018-2021). His leadership as the President of Kellem Wollega Zonal High Court (2017), the President of Gidami District First Instance Court (2013-2015), and the President of Dalle Wabara District First Instance Court (2012-2013) and his judicious roles in other judicial capacities underscored his unwavering commitment to justice and legal excellence.

Beyond the courtroom, Fedesa's illustrious endeavors as a proficient trainer at the Oromia Justice Training and Legal Research Institute fueled justice reforms and inspired scholarly pursuits. His scholarly contributions, evident in publications exploring legal precedents and Land Law intricacies in Ethiopia, showcased his intellectual vigor and commitment to legal scholarship.

Fedesa has also a solid educational background. Graduating with an LL.B. degree from Mekelle University and further enriching his knowledge with an LL.M. in Land Law from Amsterdam University, Fedesa embarked on a transformative path of legal enlightenment. Imbued with a passion for justice, he delved into a specialized practical training program in judgeship and public prosecution, honing his skills over a two-year period.

Serving as Makkobilli's Regional of Counsel at Adama, Fedesa Mengesha epitomizes a blend of experience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of justice and protecting the legal interests of his clients.

Bar Admission

Licensed to practice law at all Oromia and Federal Courts of Ethiopia

Education

LL.M in Land Law, from Amsterdam University hosted by OSU.

LLB Degree in Law, from Mekelle University Faculty of Law (2009, Ethiopia);

Short Term Courses/Trainings

Trainings from Oromia Justice Training and Legal Research Institute, 2010GC-2011GC

Languages

English

Amharic

Afaan Oromoo

Selected Experience

Presided over various complex civil and commercial litigations and delivered judicial rulings as a judge.

Provided consultancy services to engineers and investors on a variety of legal matters.

Judge at Oromia Supreme Court, from 2021 to December 13, 2023.

Trainer at Oromia Legal Research and Training Instirute from 2018 to 2021.

High Court President at Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, in 2017.

High Court judge and team leader at Kellem Wollega Zone from 2015 to 2016.

President of Gidami Woreda Court, Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia from 2013 to 2015.

Judge at the First Instance Court of Dalle Wabara, Kellem Wollega zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia from 2012 to 2013

Areas of Practice

Litigation

Corporate Services

Investment

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Reviews & Due Diligence

Employment, Compensation & Benefits

Tax & Customs Duty

Arbitration & Other ADR

Personal Services (Family Law, Succession, etc)

Criminal Defense

Bidding and Public Procurement

Land and Natural Resources

Research Outputs

The Emergence of Precedent over Precedent and Its Potential Conflict with the Priciple of Self-rule in Ethiopian Judicial Federalism: The Case of Oromia Courts, (Vol.9, No.1, 2020) 28 Oromia Law Journal, [Available online]

Prospective of Private Ownership of Rural Land and Its Driving Forces in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities (LL.M. Thesis)