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Legal Associate
Andualem Dereje is a Legal Associate at DABLO Law Firm with expertise in corporate and investment law. With three years of hands-on experience in the Ethiopian legal framework, he provides strategic support in legal advisory and due diligence, drafting and reviewing complex agreements, handling company registration and licensing matters, navigating investment regulations, and managing corporate immigration matters.
Prior to joining DABLO Law Firm, Andualem played key roles at leading Ethiopian law offices. His career is marked by a track record of supporting high-value transactions through rigorous due diligence, entity incorporation, and regulatory compliance for a diverse portfolio of multinational businesses and NGOs. A former President of the Haramaya University Entrepreneurship Club, Andualem combines legal expertise with a collaborative, business-oriented mindset.
Beyond his transactional and advisory work, Andualem has developed extensive experience in regulatory compliance and corporate governance.
He advises both local and international clients on structuring investments, meeting statutory requirements, and navigating the evolving landscape of Ethiopian corporate law. His work often involves coordinating with governmental authorities to ensure seamless compliance and strategic alignment with clients’ business objectives.
He has also been actively involved in end-to-end transaction support, from preliminary legal assessments and risk identification to post-incorporation compliance and ongoing corporate maintenance. His experience further includes drafting and reviewing shareholder agreements, advising on regulatory approvals, assisting with capital registration processes, and supporting clients in resolving complex procedural and administrative matters before relevant authorities. His approach is grounded in precision, responsiveness, and a strong understanding of the commercial realities facing investors operating in Ethiopia.
Advised a European microfinance investment vehicle on the Ethiopian legal and regulatory framework applicable to cross-border lending and equity participation in local financial and agricultural entities.
Assisted a major U.S.-based client engaged in the production of international energy drinks in reviewing and providing legal opinions on cross-border commercial agreements.
Assisted a major Russian client in preparing a legal environment report assessing key Ethiopian regulatory and operational considerations relevant to its proposed business ventures.
Acted for a Chinese company in industrial engineering and turnkey manufacturing by preparing a legal and operational due diligence report.
Acted for a Singaporean company in preparing a buyer-side red-flag due diligence report, delivering a risk-focused assessment across regulatory, tax, corporate, and operational matters to inform transaction structuring considerations.
Advised an India-based client on Ethiopian mining law, with a focus on the regulatory framework governing gold mining operations.
Advised a U.S.-based client engaged in Digital Financial Services (DFS) on applicable Ethiopian financial laws and regulations relevant to its proposed ventures.
Special Economic Zones: Assisted a major Ethiopian conglomerate in establishing a Special Economic Zone Developer Company, coordinating with government authorities to facilitate necessary approvals.
Entity Incorporation: Led end-to-end regulatory filings and registration for various international subsidiaries and local firms.
Financial Services: Participated in the licensing, and documentation for the incorporation of a microfinance institution.
Market Entry: Provided regulatory and compliance guidance to major multinational clients, to facilitate their operations within Ethiopian legal frameworks.
Due Diligence: Conducted detailed legal due diligence for high-value transactions, including a regulatory exposure assessment for a Chinese client regarding a potential crypto-mining acquisition.
Commercial Agreements: Drafted and reviewed a wide array of complex contracts, including shareholder resolutions, loan agreements, share transfer agreements, and NDAs for major businesses in diverse sectors.
Employment Advisory: Reviewed managerial and non-managerial employment contracts for international organizations to ensure alignment with Ethiopian labor laws.
Corporate Immigration: Advised and assisted international clients in obtaining work permits, investment visas, and residency procedures.
Intellectual Property: Assisted clients with trademark searches and registrations.
Case Strategy: Supported senior lawyers by preparing organized briefs and legal research to support litigation strategies and court filings.
Pro-Bono: Provided free legal assistance to underserved communities through the Haramaya University Legal Clinic, focusing on family law and land disputes.
LLB Haramaya University
