Professional Background
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Birmingham, UK, Wale Banjo’s passion for justice and problem-solving led him to pursue a career in law. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Honours degree from the University of Birmingham, followed by the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at BPP Law School in London. Admitted to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales in 2010, he began his career at a prestigious City law firm, Clarke & Partners , where he trained under leading corporate lawyers and honed his skills in high-stakes transactions.

In 2015, Wale joined Horizon Legal LLP as an associate, rapidly ascending to partnership within five years. His rise was fueled by his ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, negotiate favorable outcomes, and provide clear, actionable advice. At Horizon, he leads the Corporate & Commercial department, specializing in M&A, private equity, and corporate restructuring, with a particular focus on advising small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tech startups.

Areas of Expertise
Wale’s practice centers on empowering businesses through critical growth phases. Key areas include:

• Mergers & Acquisitions : Guiding clients through cross-border deals, due diligence, and post-merger integration.
• Corporate Governance : Advising on compliance, shareholder agreements, and board responsibilities.
• Commercial Contracts : Drafting and negotiating agreements for joint ventures, partnerships, and technology licensing.
• Startups & Venture Capital : Supporting emerging companies in securing funding, structuring equity, and navigating regulatory frameworks.

He has notably advised a London-based fintech unicorn during its Series B funding round and represented a Nigerian renewable energy firm in a landmark acquisition deal valued at £45 million.

Skills & Recognition
Wale is celebrated for his analytical rigor, cultural fluency (with a deep understanding of UK-African business dynamics), and ability to simplify complex legal issues. Proficient in multiple languages, including Yoruba and French, he bridges gaps in international transactions.

Recognized in Chambers UK 2023 as a “Rising Star in Corporate Law” and featured in The Lawyer’s Hot 100 , Wale’s thought leadership extends to authoring articles on post-Brexit corporate strategy and speaking at events like the Global Legal Innovation Summit.

Community Engagement
Beyond practice, Wale is committed to fostering diversity in law. He mentors aspiring solicitors through the City Solicitors Horizons program and volunteers with Lawyers Without Borders , providing pro bono services to underserved communities. He also co-founded StartupLegals , a nonprofit offering free legal workshops for early-stage entrepreneurs.

Personal Interests
A devoted family man, Wale balances his demanding career with a love for travel, jazz music, and Nigerian cuisine. He frequently blogs about the intersection of African diaspora entrepreneurship and UK law, blending his professional insights with cultural passion.