Benfield Attorneys and Solicitors (BAS) is a leading corporate and commercial law firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. Since established in 2016, BAS has been at the forefront of developments in commercial and corporate practice in Nigeria and has continuously rendered sound technical advice and tailored customer solutions to its local and international partners. To our clients, BAS is a reliable partner and trusted counsel in various transactions and dispute resolution processes. We see our duty to our client as that of not just providing excellent technical advice, but also providing solutions that address and enhance a client’s purpose and business objective.

Over the years BAS has garnered an impressive track record of providing first class specialised services in the areas of commercial dispute resolution and arbitration, oil and gas, maritime/admiralty and shipping, civil aviation, intellectual property, energy and natural resources, company secretarial services, real estate and probate, banking and insurance, immigration, debt recovery, regulatory compliance, etc. Our successes in providing solutions have been a source of satisfaction and pride to clients and have been positively acknowledged by counter parties. Referrals from clients and counter parties constitute a good portion of our new briefs.

At BAS, we are continuously striving to raise the standard of legal practice in Nigeria and remaining a dependable and responsible corporate partner is the central goal for every effort.

Mr. Benedict Oregbemhe is the Managing Partner and the Partner in charge of the firm’s Maritime and Shipping Law Department. Mr Oregbemhe graduated from the faculty of law, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State in 2006 and was admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2007.

Mr Oregbemhe has a considerable experience in commercial and corporate litigation, arbitration and mediation, maritime and shipping law and is familiar with the practice and procedures of the various Nigerian Courts, major institutional and ad hoc alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Mr Oregbemhe is also experienced in the registration of foreign judgments, debt recovery, oil and gas, energy and natural resources law, immigration law, civil aviation litigation and aircraft lease agreement and registration, Intellectual Property litigation and enforcement, trademark registration, corporate filings and advisory.

Mr. Oregbemhe has been involved in the finance and purchase of vessels, registration and placement of foreign mortgages on Nigerian flagged vessels with the Nigerian Ship Registration Office (NSRO). He has also been involved in litigation involving the arrest and detention of vessels including the release of arrested and detained vessels at the Federal High Court in Nigeria.

Mr. Oregbemhe’s expertise has been consulted and has acted in matters involving:
• Ship sale and purchase
• Ship finance and mortgages
• Ship and Bareboat registration
• Obtaining necessary navigation permits
• Ship arrest, detention and release to enforce maritime obligation
• Filing and registration of caveat against arrest and detention of ship
• Marine and cargo claim advisory including marine insurance
• Time and voyage charter agreements
• International Carriage of Goods
• Marine Accidents including marine survey and loss adjustment issues
• Maritime Claims & Liens
• Nigerian Maritime Advisory
• Drafting and reviewing of chartering agreement
• Advising on marine insurance and commercial risk management
• Drafting and reviewing of ship management agreement.
• Seamen crew’s legal representation

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
Mr Oregbemhe holds a master’s degree (LL.M) from the University of Lagos, Nigeria specialising in Maritime and Shipping law and a Bachelor of Law Degree (LL. B) from the University of Benin.

MEMBERSHIP
• International Trademarks Association (INTA)
• Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
• Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA)
• International Bar Association (IBA)