Expert Legal Team
Meet the Experts
Highly motivated, client-focused professionals with deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to legal excellence and innovation.

Ibitayo Akinkuolie
Partner
Ibitayo is a commercially astute lawyer with a strong focus on foreign investment, corporate advisory, and market entry strategy. He advises multinational corporations, investors, and high-growth businesses on establishing and structuring operations in Nigeria and across Africa, with particular emphasis on regulatory compliance, risk management, and commercial efficiency. He holds an LL.B. (Second Class Upper) from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar upon completion of the Nigerian Law School, Abuja.
His practice spans cross-border transactions across Africa, with a client base that includes businesses and investors from Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, and other key jurisdictions. He has extensive experience advising on company formation, corporate governance, and complex commercial contracting, as well as navigating the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to inbound investments.
In addition to his advisory work, Ibitayo has significant litigation and dispute resolution experience, representing clients in commercial disputes, regulatory enforcement actions, and debt recovery matters before Nigerian courts. He has acted for financial institutions, corporate entities, and private clients in high-stakes disputes, skilled in developing litigation strategy, managing contentious proceedings, and achieving commercially viable outcomes.
Notable Deals & Representations:
• Advised on acquisition of a Ghanaian cocoa licensing company valued at GHS 1.5 million, including transaction structuring, due diligence support, and cross-border regulatory considerations.
• Acted for a foreign investor in connection with a USD 3 million investment into Nigeria's real estate sector, providing end-to-end advisory on market entry, regulatory compliance, corporate structuring, and transactional documentation.
• Represented financial institutions and corporate clients in debt recovery and commercial litigation matters, including enforcement of security interests and recovery of non-performing loans.
• Acted in regulatory and compliance-related disputes, advising and representing clients in engagements with regulators.

Rachael E. Michael
Senior Associate
Rachael is a dedicated legal professional with comprehensive experience in corporate law, transactional matters, and business advisory. She brings strategic thinking and meticulous attention to detail to every matter she handles, ensuring clients receive practical and effective legal solutions.
With a strong track record of managing complex commercial transactions and regulatory matters, Rachael is committed to delivering excellence across diverse areas of legal practice. Her proactive approach and collaborative working style make her a valuable asset to the Cortland Partners team.

Adeyinka Binuyo
Partner
Adeyinka has over a decade of experience in corporate law, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance. He holds an LL.M. in International Commercial Law and an LL.B. from the University of Northampton, graduating with Second Class Upper Division Honors. He also holds a degree in Politics and International Relations from Lead City University, Ibadan.
Adeyinka was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing the Nigerian Law School, Abuja. With experience at BA Law LLP and Kunle Fagbohunka & Co., he has successfully handled complex corporate matters, including commercial transactions, litigation, and regulatory compliance. He has worked extensively with businesses facing enforcement actions and has a strong track record of successfully negotiating settlements to reduce penalties.
Adeyinka's ability to manage complex negotiations with regulatory bodies has earned him a reputation for delivering results while preserving client relationships.

Oluwatomilade Adegunju
Associate
Oluwatomilade is a newly called Nigerian lawyer whose experience spans corporate and commercial transactions, dispute resolution, legal research, regulatory compliance, and policy development. Through internships and practical legal training, she has developed a strong foundation in providing legal support across both transactional and contentious matters while working with leading law firms and the courts.
Beyond her legal practice experience, Oluwatomilade has demonstrated strong leadership and advocacy through national and international extracurricular engagements. She was a member of the winning team at the 2024 Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition (Nigerian National Rounds), where she strengthened her legal research, written advocacy, and oral advocacy skills. She has also served in leadership roles at the Lagos Model United Nations, including Chair of the International Labour Organization Committee and Vice Chair of the General Assembly Second Committee, where she facilitated committee sessions, guided delegates through complex international policy discussions, and produced comprehensive research materials.
These experiences have equipped her with strong analytical, drafting, advocacy, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in collaborative, fast-paced legal environments. She is committed to delivering practical legal solutions while continuing to develop expertise across diverse areas of legal practice.
15+
Experienced Legal Professionals
100+
Successful Legal Matters
USD 3M+
Transaction Value Managed
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