Biography

Overview

Obsa Degabasa is an experienced attorney and a seasoned educator at Ethiopian Law Schools with a wealth of experience in practicing law and teaching a range of law courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In addition to his private legal practice and teaching role, he has conducted extensive legal and socio-legal research and provided legal counsel to various university bodies at Wallaga University such as the Senate, SEC, Board, and management teams. Additionally, he is actively involved as a legal advisor and board member for institutions like “Proof Academy” and “Bethel Academy,” – institutions known for their outstanding student achievements in national exams.

His leadership experience spans diverse levels, from serving on a university student union council to holding board positions in government and non-governmental organizations. Having held roles such as Dean of the School of Law, Legal Services Director, and President of the University Teachers Association at Wallaga University, he brings a deep understanding of academic administration and governance.

Moreover, Obsa’s professional journey includes serving as an assistant judge at a federal high court specializing in the criminal bench.

As a senior university teaching professional, Obsa has made significant contributions to research, teaching, and consulting, focusing on cutting-edge areas such as information technology laws, cybercrime, internet law, human rights in cyberspace (privacy rights, personal data protection, and freedom of expression in the cyberspace), intellectual property rights in the digital realm, and other pertinent topics such as law and development, human rights and development, restorative justice, and the Gada system as an institution.

His passion lies in using his legal expertise for serving clients, particularly in the delivery of attorney services, legal consulting, research, training, and the preparation of legal documents for various purposes.

In addition to his affiliation with Makkobilli as a “Regional of-Counsel at Nekemte,” Obsa is currently serving as a lecturer of law, a private attorney and legal consultant, and a legal researcher.

Bar Admission

Licensed to practice law at any Federal Courts of Ethiopia and the Oromia Regional State Courts.

Education

LL.B Degree in Law, from Wallagga University  School of Law (2014, Ethiopia)

LL.M Degree in Law, from Wallagga University  School of Law (2017, Ethiopia)

Short Term Courses/Trainings

Received a Special Training on Ethiopian Anti-Corruption Laws, Delivered by Ethiopian Anti- Corruption Commission (02 March- 16 March 2018)

Recipient of the Ethiopian Higher Education Leadership and Management Programme,  Delivered by the Ethiopian Institute of Higher Education in collaboration with Twente University of the Netherlands.(1 May,2018-1May 2019)

Languages

English, Amharic & Afaan Oromoo

Selected Experience

Legal Practice Experience: Consultant and Lawyer at any Federal and Oromia Courts, Legal Expert at USAID Justice Activity in Ethiopia, Private Attorney at Obsa Degabasa Law Office, and Legal Advisor to Bethel Academy and Proof Academy.

A/Judge at the Federal High Court

Full-time Lecturer in Law at Wallagga University School of Law and visiting Instructor at  Bule Hora University, Oromia State University, and Oromia Police University College as  Postgraduate Programs.

Leadership Experience: Dean School of Law at Wallagga University, Legal Service Director at Wallaga University, President of University Teachers Association at Wallaga University and Member for National Teachers Association Council, and Student Union Council at Wallaga University and Member of Ethiopian Student Union Council.

Areas of Practice

Employment, Compensation & Benefits

Intellectual Property

Business & Human Rights

Litigation

Arbitration & Other ADR

Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity

Technology Transactions

Telecom Regulation and Compliance

Personal Services (Family Law, Succession, etc)

Criminal Defense

Land and Natural Resources

Sectors of Practice

NGOs, Charities and Non-Profit Entities

Technology

Education

Telecom

Media & Entertainment Law

Publications, Conference Papers and other Research Outputs

Cybercrime policing in Age of Globalization: Ethiopian Perspective [The Parliamentary Research Conference, Organized by HPR of FDRE &UNDP, ECA,   Conference Center, 19/02/2021 – 20/02/2021]

Cybercrime Threats and Trends in Ethiopia: Critical Legal Analysis (Accepted for publication)

Legal Framework of Cybercrime in Ethiopia: The short comings (Accepted for publication)

Judicial Reform in Federal Courts: Critical Analysis of Lideta High Court Criminal Case Management (seminal paper, considered for publication)

Impacts of COVID-19 Crisis on Ethiopia’s Criminal Justice System: Specific study on Wallaga Zones( Research paper)

Great text and context Gada system for conflict resolution, as restorative justice: In case of Siinqee Arsii. [2022] https://www.lawjournal.info› archives › 2022.v2.i2.A

Precarious Constitutional Evolution through Interpretation and Legitimacy crisis Under Ethiopian Political Reform.(Conference  paper considered for publication)

Appraising Computer Crime Laws in Ethiopia: Selected Case Analysis of Substantive and Procedural Laws (LL.M thesis).