Background

John Maina is the Managing Partner of OLM Law Advocates LLP and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He advises corporations, banks, SMEs and high-net-worth clients on corporate and commercial law, M&A, banking and finance, real estate and intellectual property, and leads the firm's dispute resolution work. Clients value his practical, outcome-focused approach to complex Kenyan and cross-border mandates.

His work spans M&A and corporate structuring, insolvency and debt recovery, real estate transactions, employment law and regulatory compliance. He is a trusted advisor to both domestic and international clients establishing or expanding operations in Kenya, guiding them through market entry, licensing and the full transaction lifecycle.

Before joining OLM Law, John gained substantial hands-on experience as an advocate at Walker Kontos Advocates.

Areas of Practice

  • Corporate & Commercial Law
  • Real Estate & Property Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
  • Dispute Resolution & Arbitration
  • Banking & Finance Law
  • Employment & Labour Law

Selected Experience

  • Advising multinational corporations on market entry strategies, incorporation of businesses, and regulatory compliance in Kenya.
  • Structuring and negotiating M&A transactions across multiple sectors, including technology, real estate, and financial services.
  • Representing major financial institutions in complex debt restructuring, loan enforcement, and security perfection matters.
  • Managing corporate restructuring and advising on insolvency proceedings.
  • Managing property acquisitions, conveyancing, drafting lease agreements, and resolving land disputes.
  • Drafting employment contracts, developing workplace policies, and facilitating dispute resolution.
  • Representing clients in trademark registration, renewal, and objection proceedings.

Qualifications

  • Advocate of the High Court of Kenya (Admission 2017)
  • Bachelor of Laws, University of Nairobi
  • Post-Graduate Diploma in Law, Kenya School of Law

Professional Memberships

  • Law Society of Kenya
  • East Africa Law Society

Languages

  • English (fluent)
  • Swahili (fluent)