NGO & Civil Society Law

Overview

At DABLO Law Firm, we support NGOs and civil society organizations with tailored legal solutions that strengthen compliance, governance, and operational clarity. With deep experience in Ethiopia’s regulatory environment, we guide local and international nonprofits through formation, licensing, and ongoing legal needs under the Charities and Societies Proclamation and ACSO directives.

Our end-to-end services cover registration, contract drafting, employment law, income-generating activities, and litigation support. We help organizations align donor requirements with Ethiopian law, resolve disputes, and navigate risk while staying mission focused.

Whether advising on governance structures or ensuring regulatory compliance, our team understands the complex intersection between international NGO policies and domestic legal frameworks. We provide practical, forward-thinking counsel that enables organizations in sectors such as health, education, and humanitarian aid to operate with confidence and integrity.

DABLO acts as a strategic legal partner—safeguarding our clients’ legal standing so they can focus on making impact.

Work Highlights

Longstanding legal advisor to Marie Stopes International Ethiopia, including representation in employment, civil, and criminal litigation; regulatory compliance for income-generating activities; and advisory on CSA directives.
Provided comprehensive employment law analysis and contract restructuring for Institute for Healthcare Improvement, reconciling U.S.-based HR frameworks with Ethiopian labor law.
Represented Project Mercy Community Hope Project in court proceedings concerning employment and organizational matters.
Advised Aerie Africa on internal administrative issues, including disciplinary procedures and employment disputes.
Supported IREX with registration efforts and compliance assessments prior to its proposed establishment in Ethiopia, offering detailed legal due diligence and policy alignment guidance.
Drafted and reviewed partnership agreements and grant contracts for NGOs operating in the health and education sectors.
Delivered legal advisory services to Amref Health Africa, on employment case matter
Assisted international NGOs with compliance audits and internal policy reviews to align with ACSO reporting and donor transparency requirements.