Legal eagles spreading their wings

Law firms are seeing more business as African contracts become increasingly complex

As Chinese companies become more deeply involved in Africa and hire more local subcontractors and employees, they are starting to seek out legal advice more often on their projects, legal experts say.

"In the last few years we're receiving more and more requests for advice from Chinese companies. And we are seeing other law firms representing more Chinese companies as well," says Pascal Agboyibor, a partner specializing in energy and infrastructure with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, a global law firm with a focus on the technology, energy and financial sectors.