Kevin Kipchirchir

Reflecting on your first month in practice, can you advise what the first month has been like for you?

My first month at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) has been outstanding. It has been characterised by insightful experiences, challenging transactions, mind-blowing practices of law, and inspiring colleagues and newfound mentors.

My first month has challenged me to think out of the box and to adopt a more business centric worldview.

Given I had never worked in a corporate setting before, I have found the most support in grounding myself in the rigours of CDH. I am now more motivated each day to tackle each new assignment. My experience has also shown me that with the right mindset, I can learn and that there are opportunities to learn with every new transaction, every new client and every new assignment.

What type of experience have you gained/been exposed to?

Being a full-service corporate law firm, I have been introduced to various aspects of business. I have been exposed to legal considerations in investments, Private Equity (PE) transactions, company incorporation requirements in Kenya and across the continent, employment considerations in Kenya and across the continent and aspects of banking and finance.

Through this time, I have been involved in meetings and correspondences with clients, advised clients and researched on legal assignments. These assignments have improved my research skills and my corporate commercial sense.

What advice would you give to a student that wants to join a corporate law firm?

My advice to a student seeking to join a corporate law firm is to be open minded to new possibilities and to be open to learn. I would advice that they stay on top of recent developments in the corporate legal field. Further, I would advice that they should position themselves in appropriate school activities so that they are best placed above the cutthroat competition that characterises recruitment into a corporate law firm.