We have extensive experience in structuring, documenting and negotiating transactions and developing innovative Shari’ah-compliant processes, including in relation to asset finance, bank finance, regulation, project finance, derivatives transactions, funds and other structures including Ijarah, Musharakah, Murabaha, Tawarruq, Mudaraba, Istisna’a, Commodities Murabaha, Salam, Sukuk and Takaful; advising clients on Shariah supervisory boards, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, risks, among others.
The Shariah-compliant financial products and services that we have advised on and structured for clients have all been approved and certified by formal fatwas issued by eminent Islamic authorities in Kenya and launched successfully.
Relationships with the leading Kenyan and regional Shari’ah Scholars
We also have excellent and longstanding relationships with the leading Kenyan Islamic Scholars who are specialised jurists in Fiqh Al Muamalat (Islamic commercial jurisprudence) and who sit on the various Shari’ah supervisory boards of banks and microfinance institutions.
A unique history of “firsts”
OT Advocates has scored a first among the Islamic finance transactions in Kenya and the region, by advising on the first Shari’ah-compliant logbook financing for a major microfinance financial institution which is underpinned by the Islamic finance concept of Ijarah.
We also advised on and structured the first-ever Shariah-compliant Takaful (Insurance) Premium financing product in the Kenya financial market which product is based on the Shari’ah concept of Tawarruq.
Yes! You should never take legal action without the assistance of an experienced professional. If you need any legal advice, work with OT Advocates right away!
OT Advocates accepts cheques, direct bank transfer (SWIFT, RTGS, EFT), cash, mobile money (this includes MPESA, Airtel Money). A Deposit Request Note (invoice) is issued immediately instructions have been firmed up by the client; and at completion, a Fee Note (final invoice) is issued for the balance of the agreed fee and disbursements with credit being afforded to the earlier payment (deposit). All payments are due within fourteen (14) days from receipt of invoice.
Usually, clients meet with our attorneys at our offices but not always. If this is not convenient or you are prevented from physically meeting us at our office, we are amenable to having a Skype, Imo or WhatsApp call or video call, tele-conference call, normal telephone calls or email correspondence. We are always happy to work with our clients to ensure that their legal matters are solved in the most efficient and expeditious manner. If this means meeting with you at a place other than our office, we would be happy to do so, under reasonable circumstances.
Yes. If you choose to engage OT Advocates, do not hesitate to ask us any relevant questions concerning your matter. You can inquire about fees and payment terms; our strategy for handling your matter; what to expect during the process; the documentation and information needed by us; possible outcomes; how to prepare for negotiations and legal proceedings; and how to communicate with your attorney (especially in the event that an urgent issue arises).
- Our Strategy
STEP
01
The first meeting
Defining the Problem
The first interview between ourselves and the client is a crucial period of mutual assessment, where mutual confidence is built up, where we are given basic information, background and context on the client’s need or matter and the client is given some understanding of the way the law operates in relation to their problem plus possible solutions. Issues of legal fees and envisaged costs is also discussed.
STEP
02
The second meeting
Firming Up Instructions and Engagement
We prepare and send either a Letter of Engagement or a Proposal laying down: for the former, our terms of engagement, what is to be expected of us, what we propose to charge as fees and envisaged costs, timelines; and for the latter, the brief background, our assumptions (if any), the scope of work, a brief outline of our experience handling similar matters (for some cases), a technical proposal outlining the proposed work plan and methodology of undertaking the tasks, the expected deliverables and a financial proposal setting out the proposed fees chargeable and costs (to be paid per specified milestones achieved or at engagement and completion, depending on the specific circumstances). If the client accepts and signs the Letter of Engagement or issues us with a written acceptance and instructions to proceed, we commence work (subject to receipt of a deposit if the assignment requires settlement of disbursements).
STEP
03
The final meeting
The Second and the Final Meetings
Depending on the complexity of the matter and the deliverables expected from us, we may have a second or more meetings with the client where the client is updated on the progress made, achievements, challenges met, solutions crafted, and the in turn be advised by the client on whether the solutions or deliverables meet the client’s expectations and needs. Further discussions may be commenced on new unforeseen challenges that have arisen and possible ways of resolving them. Client feedback is very critical since we regard the client as a very important partner and stakeholder in finding the right, timely and effective solution to the problem.
