Law.com International’s Inaugural Black Rising Stars List: Spotlight on the Best Young Black Talent in the U.K.’s Corporate Legal Industry

Law.com International has recently released its inaugural Black Rising Stars list, highlighting the top young Black talent in the U.K.’s corporate legal industry. After months of collaboration with the top law firms in the U.K. and U.S., the list features 10 exceptional lawyers who have shown excellence in their practice areas.

One standout individual on the list is Wupya Nandap, a Senior Associate at Weil Gotshal & Manges. Nandap’s high-profile work includes advising Teneo as administrators of VTB Capital PLC, a major corporate bank in Russia. In addition to her legal work, Nandap is also a legal trustee of Hopscotch, a charity supporting minoritised ethnic women in London.

Another notable lawyer is Sean Spence, a Partner at Proskauer Rose, who has worked on significant mandates such as JLC Infrastructure’s investment in the New Terminal One project at JFK Airport. Spence emphasizes the importance of diversity within law firms and the positive impact it can have on the legal profession.

Samuel Ogunlaja, a Partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, has made a mark in the Energy and Projects & Infrastructure practice area. Ogunlaja’s achievements include advising Abu Dhabi National Oil Company on a multi-billion dollar project to reduce carbon emissions. He advocates for more socially-conscious lawyers in positions of influence to drive meaningful change in the industry.

Other standout lawyers on the list include Daniel Anti of Bird & Bird, Danny Mutisya of Clifford Chance, Saira Henry of Dechert, Esi Armah-Tetteh of A&O Shearman, Sadiq Ali of Eversheds Sutherland, Afua Adane of Dentons, and Tosin Adeyeri of Travers Smith. Each of these individuals has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication in their respective practice areas.

The Black Rising Stars list serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate the achievements of young Black lawyers in the U.K.’s legal industry. These individuals are not only making a significant impact in their firms but also contributing to the diversity and inclusivity of the legal profession as a whole.