In a fast-changing world full of challenges and opportunities, it’s important for modern lawyers to be cognisant of shifts in technology or government policy, and proactively build strong client relationships through open discussions, says Marysheila Onyango-Oduor, who on 3 February was announced as new Managing Partner of TripleOKLaw Advocates.
“There are many differences in legal practice from when I first joined TripleOKLaw, when we focused on dispute resolution, real estate, and conveyancing,” reflects Onyango-Odour, who has made a ground-breaking rise through the ranks at the leading Kenyan law firm.
“We have been intentional. We have grown a strong corporate and commercial team, and incorporated emerging areas like climate change and sustainability, energy and oil and gas, and TMT within that, which goes well with clients we serve and we’re able to cross sell.”
Onyango-Odour started out as a pupil in 2002, later became the first female partner, and is now charged with leading TripleOKLaw into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
She’s conscious she brings a fresh perspective, and thinks the way she’s spoken up as a woman in the partnership, highlighting issues and different dynamics for female lawyers, such as the juggle of a legal career alongside family responsibilities, made a difference.
“The male partners would say they hadn’t thought of things that way, that it made sense, and I brought compassion to the partnership. I think that is how I first got the role of Deputy Managing Partner, and managing people, because of some of those discussions. I learned to speak up, and that being authentic makes a real difference when you’re a leader.”
Onyango-Odour says she’s enjoyed candid, fun discussions with other female lawyers across the region, about issues they face and how to best conduct themselves as they climb the legal ladder, and she’s looking to continue being a leader in the profession, not just the firm.
She is hugely excited about taking TripleOKLaw’s leadership baton from John M Ohaga, SC, who led the firm through massive growth over the past twenty years, and mentoring the next generation of East African lawyers to help clients navigate modern challenges.
“I'm looking forward to it. It's a huge challenge. John, the outgoing Managing Partner, is a brand on his own, but I'm glad he thought I am the next best person to take over the role. I’m looking forward to the growth that comes from facing new challenges as a leader.”
Onyango-Odour believes one of TripleOKLaw’s key assets is the firm’s great culture. She’s looking to reinforce and build that even more in the coming years, and argues experienced practitioners and younger lawyers can learn a lot from each other.
“As a mentor to a younger team I try to include them at all steps of engagement with clients, so if we’re visiting a client, taking them along, or preparing for a visit, sit down and have a discussion with them,” she says.
“Sometimes you’ll find the client is younger than you, and your interns or pupils are their peers, and they give you better ideas. So it’s like a mentorship in reverse. And when you go to the client, you’re actually in touch with different age groups, and that makes you stand out. That’s one of the strategies I use.”