Why Big Law is Betting Big on Africa

For Andrew Darwin, a statement he recently heard from a colleague encapsulates the opportunities and challenges of the African law market.

“Ethiopia has a population of over 100 million,” he said. “Their biggest law firm has about 20 people.”

In other words, there is a tremendous potential for legal work, but the market for such services is under developed. Big Law, however, is starting to take note.

At the end of June, DLA Piper — where Darwin is partner and managing director of their developing markets — acquired firms in Senegal and Tunisia. In total, DLA Piper is present in ...