Melissa Wango Were

MELISSA WANGO WERE P.O. BOX-, MOMBASA · - E-MAIL:-· LINKED IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissawango-b5 · PROFILE A results-oriented legal professional with a solid background in commercial practice, commercial agreements, and expertise in insurance or regulated activities. Seeking a position to utilize my skills and experience in providing practical legal and strategic advice to product teams and supporting the development of new products and customer experiences. Committed to contributing to the growth of an innovative company and building a global social safety net on the Internet. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE May, 2022- PRESENT MMC ASAFO (NAIROBI OFFICE) ASSOCIATE - CORPORATE COMMERCIAL • • • • • • Effectively represents clients in a wide range of corporate commercial matters, including contract negotiations, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Governance, Intellectual Property, Compliance and dispute resolution. Collaborates closely with clients to understand their business objectives, devises creative and practical legal strategies, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Conducts due diligence, drafts and reviews legal documents, and provide expert guidance on legal risks and implications. Applies a pragmatic and risk-based approach to problem-solving, breaking down complex issues into actionable solution steps. Develops and maintains strong client relationships, earning a reputation for delivering exceptional legal services and trusted counsel. Developing an expertise in insurance tech or fintech startups, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the industry’ regulatory landscape. Summary of some of the transactions I am handling: - National Toll Operator: Part of the team advising the Public Private Partnerships Unit (PPP Unit) of the National Treasury on the procurement of a national toll operator initially to toll the Nairobi Nakuru Mau Summit Road and subsequently other public toll roads as part of a consortium led by KPMG East Africa. - Currently advising the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia as part of the Consortium led by Ernst & Young with respect to the Proposed privatization of eight (8) sugar companies including guiding the Government of Ethiopia on the regulatory framework governing the sugar industry in Ethiopia and advising on appropriate modalities of privatization. - KPLC: advised the Office of the Auditor General on the forensic audit of KPLC with respect to the procurement of the independent power producers with the aim of identifying malpractices in the procurement and operation of the power purchase agreements. - Kenya Railways Corporation: Currently part of the team advising Kenya Railways Corporation on the legal and regulatory framework governing railways and metropolitan railways operation in Kenya aimed at assisting Kenya Railways Corporation in the design of the Mass Rapid Transport System for the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. - Tatu City Limited: advising on the legal soundness of the proposal for the rea-alignment, relocation and/or reclassification of public roads traversing Tatu City and contributing in the legal justification section of the application to KeNHA, KeRRA, the County Government of Kiambu and the National Director of Physical Planning. - Tatu City Limited: legal services with respect to the supply of power to Moderna Limited. This involves drafting the Term Sheet, the Power Supply Agreement and the Water Supply Agreement and ensure smooth running of the negotiation process. - Kenya Wines Agencies Limited (KWAL) and KWAL SEZ Limited (KSL)- providing legal advisory services to KWAL, which is in the process of transferring its business and operations to KSL, a newly incorporated entity registered as a special economic zone. Tasks involve conducting the due diligence exercise, assessment of the privatization, preparing business transfer agreement and other transactional documents, among others. - Happy Cow Limited: provided legal advisory services with respect to the investment of EUR 1,000,000 in the Client by Fair Factory Development Fund I Cooperatief U.A. This involved drafting the transaction documents such as the Share Purchase Agreements and Shareholders Agreements and carrying out the transfer of land to the Client’s name. - Currently advising the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia as part of the Consortium led by Ernst & Young with respect to the Proposed privatization of eight (8) sugar companies including guiding the Government of Ethiopia on the regulatory framework governing the sugar industry in Ethiopia and advising on appropriate modalities of privatization. - Provided legal advisory services Hara Kenzo World Patent and Trademark, Japan relating to the procedure of the recordation of Intellectual Property Rights with the AntiCounterfeit Authority for all consumable goods imported into Kenya. - Successfully conducted the registration of a vast number of trademarks of both local and international clients both in Kenya and other countries such as Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa and Congo at the national level, regional level (ARIPO) and international level (Madrid protocol). - ADAMS & ADAMS: provided legal services on a number of cases involving extension of time and opposition of trademarks in Kenya. May, 2021- May, 2022 MMC ASAFO (NAIROBI OFFICE) JUNIOR LAWYER – LITIGATION; BANKING FINANCE & FINTECH; COMMERCIAL • • • • • Assisted senior partners in managing a diverse portfolio of corporate clients, conducting legal research, and drafting legal documents. Participated in negotiations and closings of commercial transactions, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Conducted due diligence investigations, identifying and mitigating legal risks. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to provide legal support on various corporate matters. Developed a strong foundation in corporate commercial law, building skills in contract drafting, legal analysis and client counseling. KEY SKILLS • • • • • • • • • Commercial practice and contract law expertise Proficiency in drafting, reviewing and negotiating legal agreements Sound knowledge of insurance or regulated activities across multiple jurisdictions Strong problem-solving skills with a pragmatic and risk-based approach Ability to break down complex problems into actionable steps Product and sales-oriented mindset Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Detail-oriented strong organizational abilities Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in cross-functional teams PERSONAL QUALITIES • • • • • • Committed to building a global social safety net on the Internet Independent thinker, willing to challenge conventional wisdom Open to trying new approached and embracing innovation Curious and receptive to new ideas and perspectives Creative and bold in problem-solving Strong integrity and a commitment to doing what is right EDUCATION 1. KENYA SCHOOL OF LAW ADVOCATES TRAINING PROGRAMME DIPLOMA CERTIFICATE OF ADMISSION TO THE BAR OF ADVOCATES 2. MOI UNIVERSITY Bachelor of laws (LLB)- Second Class HONORS (upper division) PUBLICATIONS 6th October, 2022: Co-authored the research paper on the Banking & Finance 2022 Practice Guide (definitive global law guides offering comparative analysis from top-ranked lawyers). https://gpg-pdf.chambers.com/view/-/i/ HONORARY AWARDS 18th March, 2022: received awards from the Kenya School of Law, TripleOKLaw and the Cooperative Bank of Kenya for emerging the best performer in Civil Litigation. REFEREES Peter Dede, Founding and Managing Partner, Corporate Commercial, Property and Intellectual Property J P Ngoya & Advocates,-, P.O. Box- Nairobi, Kenya. Maxwel Mafubo Senior Associate, Corporate Commercial Department, MMC ASAFO, Spring Valley Crescent Westlands, Nairobi - P.O. Box- Email:-