Main menu
Email Us
[email protected]Call Us
(+234) 1236 6382Stay Connected
Facebook LinkedIn X/Twitter Instagram Email Us
[email protected]Call Us
(+234) 1236 6382Stay Connected
Facebook LinkedIn X/Twitter Instagram[case studies]
In conversation with Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN and Sir Kayode Adeluola, SAN, Founding Partners of Xentia LP
Client
Sector
Founding partners
Alder’s work
Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN and Sir Kayode Adeluola, SAN, each have more than 39 years of experience as legal practitioners. When they decided to merge their two law firms, they wanted to create a new firm that brought together their experience, values, and rigorous commitment to their clients.
Xentia LP was born out of a merger of Coker & Adeluola and Rouq & Company. Today it is a full-service law firm focused on commercial law and litigation.
They engaged Alder Consulting to help define the new firm, working across strategy, design and web.
In this conversation, the Founding Partners reflect on working with Alder Consulting, from the strategy sessions and the process of identifying a name for the new firm to the thinking that went into shaping the firm’s identity and direction.
On engaging Alder Consulting
Alder Consulting: How did you come to engage Alder Consulting?
Founding Partners: When we decided to merge, we felt there was a need for us to evaluate what we had done so far, understand where we are and identify the other things we could do. We felt that we should bring in the expertise of people who could look at what we had been doing and guide us to move forward.
We mapped firms offering different services, conducted due diligence, and we came to a consensus that Alder Consulting might be the one to give us what we needed. When we spoke to the Alder team, we found out that the firm ticked all the boxes we had.
“
Founding Partners, Xentia LP
On the strategy sessions
Alder Consulting: The engagement involved several strategy sessions; how would you describe the sessions?
Founding Partners: The strategy sessions were an eye-opener. We have attended strategy sessions within and outside Nigeria, but Alder Consulting brought an intentionality to the sessions, looking at things in minute detail to enable us to set a direction for the firm.
But the beauty of the session was that you did not dictate to us. You were flexible in how you presented the issues, guiding us to arrive at a decision.
We recall that there were one or two occasions where we worked until late in the evening and no decision was made. But you did not rush us. You simply said, “We will continue tomorrow.” And that was how it was throughout the process, and we found that very instructive.
Based on the prompts you gave us, we found ourselves asking questions of ourselves and exploring new ways to do things.
The strategy sessions were quite illuminating. They were incisive, and they achieved the purpose for which they were structured.
On identifying the name
Alder Consulting: You stated that you found the name selection process particularly thrilling. Could you speak a little more about that process?
Founding Partners: When we sat with Alder Consulting, we realised that there is so much more to selecting a name. It goes to your vision, your mission, your environment and how you want to be perceived. There is so much to it.
We never expected that picking a name would be that rigorous, but that was how it was. Fast forward to today, I am not sure we have had an interaction with anyone that has not commented on the name and asked us how we came up with it. And it always starts with, “This is beautiful.”
“
Founding Partners, Xentia LP
On what stood out
Alder Consulting: Looking back, what would you say stood out most about the engagement?
Founding Partners: If we look back at the engagement, one of the things that stood out is you opened our minds to the business of law in a way that was different from the traditional path.
Our minds were opened to the fact that there is another way of opening up legal transactions, and also to being proactive, innovative and creative.
On describing Alder Consulting
Alder Consulting: If you were going to describe Alder Consulting to another firm or organisation, what would you say?
Founding Partners: If you want your business to be structured in such a way that you are identifiable in your industry, your market, and your potential clients, then speak to Alder Consulting.
They will ask you what your destination is and tell you how you can arrive there, letting you know what your strengths are and the opportunities available to you. They will help you get the work done.
You will not end up with something strange or which you do not recognise. You will see yourself revealed to you in a different light.
On working with Alder Consulting
Alder Consulting: Do you have any other comments you wish to share?
Founding Partners: When you work with Alder Consulting, you are introduced to an amazing team. They become a part of you. They put themselves in your shoes and think along with you.
They develop an understanding of you to have a clear idea of where you are, what you want to be and how you can get to where you want to be.
It is an amazing team.
“
Founding Partners, Xentia LP
Thank you for taking the first step. Every strong brand begins with a conversation, and we’re glad yours begins with us. Expect to hear from us shortly.