Welcome to the thirty eight blog post for The Lawyer Files.
Thank you, as always, for subscribing and following the journeys of legal changemakers. Each edition brings you honest reflections, practical insights, and powerful stories from individuals shaping the legal profession through purpose, adaptability, and global perspective.
✨ In this edition, we feature Femi Adeluola, a dual qualified disputes lawyer licensed in England and Wales and Nigeria, and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK.
Femi’s career spans private practice in Nigeria and in house legal work in London, offering a rare insight into dispute resolution across jurisdictions. Beginning his career within a fused legal profession, Femi practised as both solicitor and barrister, gaining early exposure to the full lifecycle of disputes, from client engagement and case preparation to courtroom advocacy. That foundation continues to shape his approach to legal practice today.
Now practising in England and Wales, Femi brings a cross jurisdictional mindset to his work, with a focus on resolving disputes efficiently and strategically, often outside the courtroom. His experience highlights the importance of cultural awareness, adaptability, and sound judgment when navigating complex legal systems and commercial realities.
In this conversation, Femi reflects on transitioning from courtroom advocacy to in house legal work, the professional discipline required to balance legal independence with commercial objectives, and the value of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in modern practice. He also shares practical advice for aspiring lawyers interested in building international careers, emphasising the role of soft skills, resilience, and long term perspective.
If you are interested in dispute resolution, arbitration, or understanding what it really takes to build a legal career across borders, Femi’s story offers clarity, realism, and thoughtful guidance.
Let’s dive in 💡
1. How has practising in two legal systems shaped your approach to dispute resolution?
I started my career as a dispute practitioner in Nigeria, where the legal profession is fused, so you act as both solicitor and barrister. That gave me the benefit of understanding the entire dispute process from start to finish, from client engagement and case preparation to courtroom advocacy.
I am now a solicitor in England & Wales, and I’ve been able to draw on my experience in Nigeria to strengthen my practice here in the UK. Across both jurisdictions, my approach has been consistent: to resolve disputes out of court wherever possible. This is often the most cost-effective outcome for clients and helps avoid the time delays that litigation can bring.
Practising in two legal systems has also taught me to be adaptable, tailoring my strategy to the jurisdiction, the client, and the way courts approach dispute resolution. Cultural nuances matter, and understanding them in context can make a real difference to the outcome of a case.
Ultimately, successful dispute resolution in any system demands attention to detail and tenacity. In both Nigeria and England & Wales, meticulous preparation, mastery of the facts, and sound application of the law are the foundations of presenting a persuasive case before a judge.
2. What were the biggest adjustments moving from Nigerian firms to an in-house role in London?
One of the biggest adjustments was stepping back from courtroom advocacy. As I mentioned earlier, I practised as both a barrister and solicitor in Nigeria, but my role here is focused more on preparing court documents, gathering evidence, and briefing the barrister who presents the case in court.
Another key adjustment has been moving from an external adviser to an internal stakeholder. Working in-house means acting as both a legal and business partner, helping the organisation make informed decisions. The focus is on supporting the business to achieve its commercial goals within the boundaries of the law.
That shift also comes with a different kind of challenge. As an in-house lawyer, you’re part of the business, so your advice can directly influence its success and in turn, affect you personally. There can be a way to frame advice in a way that helps the business perform well, but it’s crucial to stay objective and independent. In private practice, it was easier to separate those interests because your role was to provide detached, professional advice. In-house, that balance takes constant awareness and discipline.
3. What advice would you give to aspiring lawyers who want an international career?
I will answer this question based on my background and experience.
The first step is to qualify in a jurisdiction and get as much hands-on experience as you can across different areas of law. Early exposure helps you understand not just the theory, but how the law actually works in practice whether that’s in court, advising clients, or dealing with regulators. Over time, you’ll start to see what really interests you and where your strengths lie.
Once you’ve built that foundation and have a sense of which practice area you want to build your career in, let your interests guide your next steps. For disputes practitioners like me, England & Wales is a natural destination. It’s a global centre for arbitration and commercial litigation, with a respected legal system and strong procedural structure. If you’re serious about cross-border work, it’s worth looking into dual qualification.
Qualifying in a new jurisdiction is just the beginning. To really succeed, you need to understand not only the law but also the culture and the expectations that come with it. Learn how lawyers communicate, how cases are managed, and how credibility is built. It’s not only about technical skill it’s about understanding how to work effectively within that system.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of soft skills. Working internationally means dealing with clients, colleagues, and regulators from all sorts of backgrounds. You need to be adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and able to communicate clearly. Whether you’re managing a dispute, negotiating a deal, or leading an investigation, your ability to connect with people is often just as important as your legal knowledge.
I have answered this question based on my background and experience. However, it is important to mention that building an international legal career does not always require relocation or dual qualification. You can remain in one jurisdiction and have an international practice whether through working in multinational companies or law firms that are regularly instructed to handle cross-border matters or transactions.
Femi Adeluola, ACIArb(UK) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/femi-adeluola-aciarb-uk-3a062359/
Disputes Lawyer (Licensed in England & Wales and Nigeria)
I hope Femi’s journey has inspired you, especially if you are interested in dispute resolution, arbitration, or building a legal career across jurisdictions.
His story is a powerful reminder that legal careers are rarely linear, and that adaptability, cultural awareness, and professional discipline can open doors across borders. From early courtroom advocacy within a fused legal profession in Nigeria to in house legal work in England and Wales, Femi shows how broad exposure and thoughtful decision making can shape a resilient and purposeful legal career.
Through his reflections on dual qualification, dispute strategy, and transitioning from private practice to an in house role, Femi highlights the importance of understanding clients beyond the black letter law. His journey reinforces that effective legal advice is not just about technical accuracy, but about appreciating commercial objectives, risk, and the wider context in which decisions are made.
For anyone questioning whether an international legal career is realistic, or wondering how to navigate unfamiliar legal systems with confidence, Femi’s story offers reassurance. With preparation, openness to learning, and strong interpersonal skills, it is possible to build a career that is both globally minded and deeply grounded in professional integrity.
🎧 Our podcast episode with Femi will be available shortly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Audible. In the episode, we explore cross border dispute resolution, arbitration, the realities of dual qualification, and the skills needed to thrive in international legal practice.
We also discuss the shift from courtroom advocacy to in house advisory work, and how seeing legal issues from the business perspective can transform the way lawyers deliver advice.
Make sure you are subscribed so you do not miss future episodes.
Until next time, stay curious, stay open minded, and keep pursuing the work that inspires you 💡🎙️
Denice Obeng 😊
