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Principal Managing Partner
Dawit Kidane is the Co-founder and Principal Managing Partner of DABLO Law Firm LLP, with over 16 years of experience recognized and ranked by Chambers and Partners Global Guide 2025 & 2025 and Legal500 2023 & 2024 Recommended Lawyer.
In addition to his role at DABLO, he has been elected Chairman of the Executive Members for the Ethiopia Federal Advocate Association (EFAA), which serves as the national lawyers’ bar association established under the Federal Advocacy Service Licensing and Administration Proclamation.
He is also a member of the Bar Exam Entrance Committee. Dawit also serves as Board Director at BDO Ethiopia, a prominent global financial advisory firm, where he played a key part in obtaining the BDO Investment Advisory license.
Dawit’s holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Gondar and his career reflects a unique blend of judicial and private practice expertise. Before co-founding DABLO Law Firm, Dawit served as an Assistant Judge at the Federal First Instance Court of Ethiopia. During this tenure, he honed his skills in a wide array of legal matters, developing an in-depth understanding of the Ethiopian legal system and its intricacies.
In 2013, Dawit transitioned to private practice, where he built a successful career representing and advising both corporate and individual clients in diverse sectors. His expertise extends to representing clients in complex disputes, where he has consistently achieved favorable outcomes in Ethiopian courts and arbitration tribunals.
As Principal Managing Partner since February 2023, Dawit has been instrumental in the firm’s growth, overseeing its expansion and strategic direction. His leadership continues to shape DABLO Law Firm’s commitment to providing exceptional legal services
Advised on regulatory compliance for a USD 50 million (ETB 6.7 billion) engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning project.
Represented the client in a dispute with the Benshangul-Gumuz regional mining authority over the revocation of an exploration and production license.
Advised a leading Ethiopian real estate developer in a public-private partnership with the Addis Ababa City Administration to develop 12,000 housing units. Scope included revising and negotiating the PPP agreement to ensure legal soundness and mutual benefit.
Acted in a contract dispute involving a USD 1.5 million (ETB 200.06 million) claim.
Represented a top-tier construction company in a multimillion-dollar dispute (ETB 700 million) with the Addis Ababa City Administrhhation over the termination of three major urban projects.
Provided legal advisory and contract review for a multimillion-dollar digital lottery platform structured as a joint venture between ELS and a private entity.
Assisted in the establishment of a multimillion-dollar diagnostics facility in Addis Ababa.
Advised the acquirer in the purchase of a licensed gaming company, including due diligence, indemnity negotiations, and regulatory clearance from the Lottery Authority.
Conducted comprehensive due diligence for the acquisition of a foreign-owned pharmaceutical plant in Sendafa, Oromia, valued at USD 2 million
Represented a major brewery in a contractual dispute over a failed vehicle delivery. Successfully secured a favorable arbitration award and pursued enforcement through civil litigation.
Represented a European pharmaceutical group in a distribution dispute involving a foreign forum selection clause.
Represented 17 Ethiopian construction firms in a multimillion-dollar arbitration against International Relief and Development, a USAID-affiliated entity.
Conducted comparative legal research for a major African financial institution exploring the establishment of a shared service center in East Africa, with a focus on Ethiopian regulatory frameworks.
LLB (University of Gondar)
Ethiopian Federal Bar Association
Association of European Attorneys
Ethiopia Lawyers Association
