Michelle Chikezie 

Partner 
G Elias 
Lagos 

A significant matter I’ve worked on 

One of the most significant projects I worked on was advising Titan Trust Bank Limited on its US$500 million acquisition of Union Bank of Nigeria. This was one of the largest and most transformative deals in Nigeria’s banking sector in recent years. As the co-lead on the transaction, I navigated complex components related to regulation, financing and cross-border structuring. This deal not only reshaped Nigeria’s banking landscape but also enhanced my understanding of strategic acquisitions and large-scale consolidation in the financial sector. 

Advice I’d give to my 25-year-old self 

Embrace curiosity, resilience and passion in your journey to becoming a successful lawyer. Doubts and setbacks are normal but perseverance, integrity and lifelong learning will lead to growth and achievement. Success isn’t perfection but learning from mistakes, balancing legal expertise with business insight and building trust. Seek mentorship, stay humble and remain grounded through relationships and self-care outside work. Ultimately, the path won’t be easy or linear but with determination and character, you will fulfil your potential and thrive in your career. 

If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d probably be… 

If I weren’t a lawyer, I would likely be a development economist or policy advisor, focusing on influencing financial systems in Nigeria or other emerging markets. I have always been fascinated by the intersection of finance, economics and development. This is one of the reasons I pursued graduate studies at John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies: to better understand the economic and institutional dynamics that underlie legal and financial systems. I find the analytical rigour of economics models and research highly compelling for real-world applications. In my legal practice, I am drawn to work that sits at the crossroads of law, markets and public purpose. 

Why ESG/sustainability law? 

ESG law is a unique opportunity to align private capital with public good. It makes modern finance and governance a lot more holistic in approach. As human beings living in a world with other humans, we recognise that business involves more than just monetary gain and profit. When advising on green bonds, sustainable infrastructure and ESG-linked investments, I feel I am contributing to Nigeria’s broader development goals while helping clients meet global standards and achieve significant business progress. It’s particularly meaningful to work on transactions that consider long-term social impact. ESG law brings the opportunity to approach issues systemically and act ethically. That’s the kind of work I always want to be part of. 

A pivotal decision I’ve made 

One pivotal decision I made was to step away from active legal practice to pursue a Master’s degree in International Public Policy at Johns Hopkins. Leaving a senior position temporarily to return to the classroom was not an easy choice but it proved to be transformative. The program deepened my understanding of global economics and finance, while also broadening my perspective on how legal structures fit within larger geopolitical and development frameworks. This decision further enhanced my cross-border work by incorporating policy implications and reinforcing my commitment to impact-driven finance. Sometimes, stepping back is the most strategic way to move forward. 

Reference 

“Michelle consistently delivers outstanding legal advice, combining deep subject-matter expertise with commercial pragmatism. Her guidance on ESG-related transactions, including  green bonds and sustainable infrastructure projects, has been critical to meeting client expectations. She listens carefully, thinks strategically and brings a level of diligence that inspires confidence. Her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes while aligning stakeholder interests is rare. We continue to trust Michelle with some of our most significant mandates because she brings value beyond legal analysis – she offers perspective, leadership and a deep understanding of sustainable finance.” Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN (senior partner)