Open to opportunities

Ima-Abasi Ubong-Abasi

@ima-abasiubong-abasi

Message

Commercial dispute-resolution and maritime lawyer focused on regulatory compliance and risk.

Nigeria

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to grow as a disputes and maritime legal professional, delivering clear strategic advice, regulatory-compliance support, and risk-focused solutions for commercial and cross-border matters.

I’m a commercially-minded Nigerian lawyer with experience across maritime law, litigation, regulatory compliance, tax strategy, and corporate transactions. I bring proven exposure to superior courts of record, cross-border maritime claims, and advisory work for multinational clients.

As an Associate at Southgate Solicitors, I represent clients before the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, State High Courts, and Magistrate Courts. I handle matters from pre-action advisory through trial and post-judgment processes, including strategic guidance on maritime and shipping issues that affect operational continuity, asset control, and commercial risk.

I also support ship arrest proceedings, crew repatriation, and enforcement actions—managing legal processes that can directly impact ongoing business operations. In addition, I prepare legal opinions and coordinate with regulators, counterparties, and internal teams to manage legal and operational risk exposure.

Previously, I worked as a Legal and Compliance Officer and later a Compliance Officer, overseeing loan documentation, security perfection, and compliance frameworks. Earlier legal experience and externships deepened my research and drafting strength across energy, shipping, corporate, and government-facing matters, while leadership roles strengthened my ability to manage stakeholders and drive results.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Associate

Current

Southgate Solicitors

Jul 2024 - Present (2 years)

Represents clients before higher courts in commercial, maritime, and property-related disputes, covering matters from pre-action through trial and post-judgment processes. Provides maritime and shipping-related legal advice, including support for ship arrest, crew repatriation, and enforcement actions.

Maritime Law Ship Arrest Proceedings Crew Repatriation Strategic Dispute Advice Regulatory Coordination Compliance Advisory Risk Management

Law School Extern

Chief Ladi Rotimi Williams Chambers

Jun 2023 - Aug 2023 (2 months)

Externship at a law chambers supporting legal practice during the law school period.

Law School Extern

Federal High Court – Honourable Justice Lifu’s Court

Apr 2023 - Jun 2023 (2 months)

Externship at the Federal High Court in the courtroom of Honourable Justice Lifu.

Legal and Compliance Officer

Chapters and Heights Finance Limited

Aug 2022 - Dec 2022 (4 months)

Provided in-house legal and compliance support within a regulated financial services environment. Oversaw loan documentation and compliance-related processes and helped strengthen corporate governance and regulator engagement.

Compliance Support Loan Documentation Corporate Governance Internal Controls Regulatory Compliance Regulator Relationship Management Compliance

Compliance Officer

Sidebrief Limited

May 2022 - Sep 2022 (4 months)

Advised clients on regulatory compliance, licensing, and corporate structuring across multiple sectors. Coordinated engagement with regulators to secure approvals and maintain ongoing compliance.

Regulatory Compliance Licensing Corporate Structuring LIRS Compliance Compliance Coordination

Legal Intern

Adepetun, Caxton-Martins, Agbor & Segun

Aug 2016 - Sep 2016 (1 month)

Supported the litigation and shipping teams with court appearances, client meetings, and regulatory engagements, including interactions with EFCC, DPR, and other MDAs. Conducted legal research and assisted in drafting motions, briefs of argument, and legal opinions.

Litigation Support Shipping Law Support Legal Research Court Opinions Government Agency Engagement (EFCC Corporate Energy And Maritime Legal Support

Legal Intern/Study Tour

Federal Inland Revenue Service

Oct 2018 - Present (7 years 9 months)

Supported legal research and drafting across energy, shipping, and corporate matters. Gained exposure to petroleum regulation, shipping law, and government-facing legal processes.

Legal Research Legal Drafting Energy Law Petroleum Regulation Exposure