Smart Okpara

Smart Okpara is an Associate in the firm's Dispute Resolution, Fintech, International Trade and Transportation Practice teams, specialising in dispute resolution, litigation, arbitration, and regulatory compliance. He represents and advises clients on environmental law, energy, labour and employment, taxation, regulatory compliance, fintech, and international trade matters, with a keen interest in International Economic Law, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) and its dispute settlement process.

He provides strategic legal counsel on energy disputes, trade disputes, labour and employment issues, taxation, corporate and commercial advisory, and arbitration proceedings. He graduated in the top 5% of his class with Honours from Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, and bagged a First Class Honours at the Nigerian Law School. He is a Chartered Arbitrator, Mediator and Conciliator, known for proffering top‑notch and practical advice to meet clients' needs.

Smart is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, Nigeria, Amnesty International, and the Young African Leaders Initiative.