Ashenafi Yirga Nigatu is a founder and Principal Partner of 5A Law Firm LLP, heading the firm's Litigation Section. With over 18 years of experience, he graduated with distinction from Bahir Dar University Law School and recently completed his LL.M in Business Law from Addis Ababa University in 2024.

Ashenafi served 12 years as a judge at both the Amhara Regional State Supreme Court and the Federal High Court of Ethiopia. His judicial experience at the highest levels of Ethiopia's court system gives him unique insight into evidence standards, judicial reasoning, and courtroom dynamics.

His recent LL.M in Business Law further strengthens his expertise in commercial litigation and corporate disputes. He is the first call for time-critical interim relief, emergency injunctions, and performance bond disputes.

In addition to his litigation expertise, Ashenafi is a Licensed Trademark Agent certified by the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office, enabling him to handle IP registration, protection, and disputes. He combines courtroom presence with evidence discipline and pragmatic risk analysis to consistently achieve favorable outcomes.

Education

• LL.M - Business Law, Addis Ababa University (2024)
• LL.B - Bahir Dar University (graduated with distinction)

Practice Areas

• Complex Commercial Litigation
• Business Law and Corporate Disputes
• Arbitration and ADR
• Emergency Relief and Injunctions
• Intellectual Property
• Performance Bond and Guarantee Disputes

Languages: English, Amharic