Young Business Lawyer section in BusinessDay

Full name: Joshua Olajide Daranijo

Organisation: Allen and Brooks

Area of practice: Legal Practice

Years of experience: 8 years

Professional summary: Joshua is the Managing Partner at Allen & Brooks. He specializes in Project Finance, Real Estate, Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) ensuring innovative and efficient legal solutions. With a track record of excellence in legal advisory, corporate structuring and financial strategy, Joshua helps businesses manage complex transactions, understand regulatory frameworks, and achieve meaningful strategic growth. Beyond law, Joshua leads research, business advisory and impact-driven initiatives in agriculture and sustainability.

Five Questions with Joshua

What have been some of the most rewarding moments in your career so far?

My career has been an exciting journey of growth, leadership, and innovation. One of the most rewarding moments was launching Allen & Brooks in 2020 as we continue to drive excellence in legal service delivery. The launch of the firm in itself was rewarding and it’s a reward that has not stopped giving benefits. We have served a plethora of clients across various sectors and it is always amazing to watch as businesses we advise grow significantly and scale up. Another highlight has been my involvement with the International Law Association (ILA) as Chair of the Young Members’ Committee of the Nigeria Chapter where I have had the opportunity to mentor and empower young legal professionals as they join and grow in our noble profession.

What challenges have you encountered so far in your career and how were you able to overcome them?

One major challenge has been adapting to the constantly evolving legal and business landscape while ensuring that Allen & Brooks remains at the forefront of industry-emerging trends. Balancing innovation with traditional legal practice requires continuous adaptation. I have addressed this challenge by developing a culture of continuous learning, embracing technology, and establishing strategic partnerships. Our team at Allen & Brooks goes beyond the basics to equip ourselves with the technical skills needed to provide valuable service in this constantly evolving marketplace.

What are some trends/changes you anticipate in the legal industry in the near future?

The legal industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and I foresee several key trends:

A. Increased adoption of LegalTech

There would be a significant increase in AI-driven contract drafting and automated compliance tools will become mainstream reducing turnaround time and enhancing accuracy. Most lawyers already use AI tools in their daily work.

B. Growth of Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs)

Traditional law firms will face increasing competition from ALSPs that offer specialised, cost-effective legal solutions. A couple of them are standing out by providing niche legal services targeted at certain sectors, demographics and classes of the market.

C. Expansion of the ambit of Compliance Practice

With global pressure on sustainability, companies will require legal guidance on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance, particularly in sectors like project finance and infrastructure. Lawyers with technical skills in ESG compliance would be more mainstream. This would also apply to AI Compliance, in a couple of years, companies would have roles for AI Ethics and Compliance as we already see with Data Protection and Privacy today.

What world leader do you look up to and why?

I deeply admire Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to national transformation. Under his guidance, Rwanda has emerged as a testament to how a nation can rise from adversity to become a beacon of innovation, economic growth, and effective governance. His emphasis on technology-driven development, strategic infrastructure investment, and a zero-tolerance stance on corruption aligns closely with my own values of efficiency, excellence, and forward-thinking planning. These are principles that I also strive to embody in both my business and legal practice. That said, his approach to democracy and international relations has sparked considerable debate, and I believe there is an opportunity for greater openness and dialogue in these areas to further strengthen Rwanda’s global standing and internal inclusivity.

Finally, what advice do you have for new wigs?

A. Master the Fundamentals

The legal profession is built on strong foundational knowledge. Ensure you have a firm grasp of legal principles before diving into specialisation. Lawyers who will thrive and succeed over time are those who have a deep understanding of their craft.

B. Be Business-Minded

Law is not just about case law and statute, it’s also a business. Understanding finance, technology, and business strategy will set you apart. We must not understand the law, we must understand the business of law. You cannot be equipped to advise businesses when you are not capable of managing one yourself.

C. Network Relentlessly

Your career trajectory will often be shaped by the relationships you build. It is never too early to start networking and when you start, network from all angles; network downwards, upwards and among your peers. Join professional organisations, attend conferences and social events, finally seek mentorship.

D. Leverage Technology

The legal landscape is evolving, and those who embrace technology will have a competitive edge. Stay updated on AI, legal research tools, and emerging legal tech trends.

E. Think Long-Term

Whether in litigation, corporate practice or in-house counsel, always make career decisions with the long game in mind. Building a solid reputation and expertise takes time but the rewards are worth it. Good things will always take time, trust the process.