Serkalem Eshetie
Senior AssociatePractice Areas
Professional Summary
Senior associate with over 12 years of experience spanning government prosecution, academic scholarship, private practice at leading Ethiopian law firms, and sophisticated transactional and advisory work. A published legal scholar with three peer-reviewed articles and two award-winning theses, he brings exceptional analytical depth to complex legal matters.
At the Ministry of Justice Civil Justice Administration Directorate General (2021–2023), he served on negotiating teams settling major contractual disputes involving the Ethiopian government, participated in investor-state arbitration proceedings, and drafted and negotiated contracts for mega government projects in the geothermal sector—including Power Purchase Agreements, Direct Agreements, and Implementation Agreements. He also served as conciliator in government disputes and represented the government before judicial bodies.
Prior to the Ministry, he served as an associate at Taddesse Kiros Law Office—one of Ethiopia's most established firms—advising domestic and foreign investors on tax, corporate finance, project finance, PPP transactions, secured transactions, M&A, consumer protection, and foreign exchange matters. His academic career at Haramaya University (2012–2021) included teaching ten law courses, serving as Editorial Manager of the Haramaya Law Review, and coaching moot court teams in international competitions. He holds exceptional academic credentials: LL.M. in Business and Corporate Laws from Bahir Dar University (CGPA 3.91/4.0) and LL.B. from Haramaya University (CGPA 3.90/4.0), with his LL.M. thesis graded "Excellent" and LL.B. thesis graded "A."
Judicial & Government Experience
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Senior Associate, 5A Law Firm LLPInvestment law, PPP, corporate finance, capital markets, tax advisory, and commercial litigation
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Attorney at All Federal Courts & Consultant at Law (May 2023–Present)Licensed advocate representing clients and providing advisory services on investment, tax, capital markets, corporate finance, and governance matters
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Public Prosecutor, Ministry of Justice – Civil Justice Administration (May 2021–April 2023)Investor-state arbitration proceedings, negotiating team for major government contractual disputes, drafting/reviewing geothermal PPP contracts (PPAs, Direct Agreements, Implementation Agreements), conciliation of government disputes, representing government before courts
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Associate, Taddesse Kiros Law Office (January 2020–April 2021)Tax advisory, corporate finance, project finance, PPP, secured transactions, investment law, M&A, consumer protection, trade competition, and foreign exchange for domestic and foreign investors
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Lecturer in Law, Haramaya University (October 2012–January 2021)Taught 10 courses at undergraduate level including Taxation, Investment, Business Organizations, Contracts, Banking & Insurance, Employment Law, and Administrative Contracts. Editorial Manager of Haramaya Law Review (2017–2020). Coached moot court team at international WTO Law competition in South Africa (2017). USAID-funded research on access to justice and family law reform
Representative Matters
- Participated in investor-state arbitration proceedings involving the Ethiopian government, including handling notices of disputes and serving on negotiating teams for major contractual settlements
- Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated contracts for mega geothermal energy projects including Power Purchase Agreements, Direct Agreements, and Implementation Agreements
- Advised domestic and foreign investors on complex investment, tax, corporate finance, and M&A transactions at leading Ethiopian law firm
- Represented the Government of Ethiopia before judicial bodies in civil justice matters
- Served as conciliator in disputes involving government bodies
- Conducted USAID-funded research on access to justice and legal awareness across Hararghe Zones and Harari Regional State
- Published three peer-reviewed articles on Ethiopian share company law, family arbitration, and vital events registration
Education & Credentials
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LL.M. in Business and Corporate Laws (CGPA 3.91/4.0) – Thesis graded "Excellent"Bahir Dar University, School of Law (2014–2016)
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LL.B. in Law (CGPA 3.90/4.0) – Thesis graded "A"Haramaya University, College of Law (2007–2012)
