Amare Ashenafi
Founder and Deputy Managing PartnerPractice Areas
Professional Summary
The firm's primary contact for international matters with 18+ years spanning judicial administration at Ethiopia's highest court and regional judicial leadership. His role as Court Manager at the Federal Supreme Court—a position carrying the rank of Supreme Court Judge—provided comprehensive insight into judicial operations, case management, and the inner workings of Ethiopia's apex court.
Certified arbitrator with both Ethiopian (Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations) and international (Chamber Trade Sweden) credentials positions him as a trusted neutral for complex commercial disputes. His combination of judicial administration experience and arbitration certification makes him uniquely qualified to advise on dispute resolution strategy and serve as arbitrator in commercial matters.
As Deputy Managing Partner, he leads the firm's international expansion initiatives, including its exclusive Ethiopian membership in IR Global (Corporate Law) and contributions to Mondaq Legal500 Intelligence, and serves as primary relationship manager for international law firm referrals.
Judicial & Government Experience
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Court Manager, Federal Supreme Court of EthiopiaPosition carrying rank of Supreme Court Judge; managed operations, case flow, and administration of Ethiopia's highest court
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Presiding Judge & President, Dessie City Appellate CourtLed appellate court operations; managed judicial personnel and court administration
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Judge, Amhara Regional State CourtsAdjudicated civil, commercial, and administrative matters
Representative Matters
- Advised telecom infrastructure company on regulatory approvals and market entry strategy
- Structured PPP arrangement for logistics facility development
- Represented foreign investor in investment permit application and Ethiopian Investment Commission proceedings
- Served as arbitrator in commercial disputes involving construction and supply contracts
- Advised multinational on tax-efficient investment structure for Ethiopian operations
Education & Credentials
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LL.M. in Tax and Investment LawMekelle University
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LL.B.Bahir Dar University
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Certified ArbitratorAACCSA & Chamber Trade Sweden
