“First, breathe. The law can feel overwhelming, especially when you are staring at your first contract or case file. But remember, no one learned everything overnight.”- Grace Wambura
Grace Wambura is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Commissioner of Oaths with extensive experience in international and domestic law, specialising in compliance, contract management, and regional integration.
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession.
For Grace, the spark was curiosity. Growing up, she was fascinated by how rules could both create order and sometimes be bent in very creative ways. She wanted to be on the side that made sure the rules worked for people, not against them. That curiosity took her from the courtroom to Afreximbank, where she saw how legal frameworks fuel trade across borders, to the World Bank, where she helped untangle regional trade laws (which is a bit like solving a giant puzzle where the pieces come from countries). Now at Piedmont Global (PG), working as a Legal and Contract Specialist, she is in the thick of federal procurement, contract drafting, review and compliance. It is fulfilling because whether she is negotiating a contract or shaping regional policies, she can see law making a real difference in people’s lives and institutions.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
Today’s lawyer cannot just be a walking legal encyclopaedia, Google already has that job. An exceptional lawyer needs adaptability, cultural intelligence, and a healthy dose of patience, especially when contracts come back with “just a few” redlines that multiply. At Afreximbank, Grace had to balance multiple jurisdictions. At the World Bank, she learned how to listen and translate complex stakeholder needs, and at Piedmont Global, precision and timeliness are non-negotiable. For young lawyers, her advice is to “stay curious, keep learning, and do not be afraid to stretch beyond your comfort zone.” And remember, integrity is your non expiring license to practice.”
3. Significant Ongoing Project or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
Right now, Grace’s big focus is on regional integration in Africa, specifically how the law can balance state sovereignty with regionalism. Her Master of Laws (LLM) research was part of this, and she would like to carry it beyond the academic paper into real policy reform. She has seen the power of integration firsthand at Afreximbank, in the World Bank’s work, and in her current role at Piedmont Global, where managing cross border contracts and navigating federal compliance constantly reminds her how interconnected legal systems really are. The work she does at Piedmont Global, ensuring clarity, accountability, and alignment in international agreements, mirrors the same principles that regional integration requires. Her dream is to help create frameworks where borders are less about division and more about opportunity, where Africa increasingly trades with itself, and where the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital is not just policy language but a lived reality. And when that day comes, it will mean the law has done what it was always meant to do, to make life just a little easier, a little fairer, and a lot more connected.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books
Grace has been fortunate to work with brilliant legal minds in global institutions, colleagues who reminded her that law is not just about precision but also about purpose. At Piedmont Global, she came to appreciate how balancing technical perfection with business pragmatism is almost an art form. Book wise, “East African Community Law” by Emmanuel Ugirashebuja (current and 4th Judge President of the East African Court of Justice, former Dean of the Law School, University of Rwanda, and former Member of the Superior Council of the Judiciary) has shaped her perspective by providing practical insights into the legal frameworks and challenges of regional integration in East Africa. “On a more personal level, “Let Them” by Mel Robbins has been a grounding reminder that while we cannot control every decision or reaction, we can choose how we respond and remain aligned with our bigger purpose.” Together, these works continue to shape how Grace views law not only as a profession but also as a tool for personal and collective transformation.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
“First, breathe. The law can feel overwhelming, especially when you are staring at your first contract or case file. But remember, no one learned everything overnight. My own path has taken me from litigation to Afreximbank, to the World Bank, and now to contract management at Piedmont Global and each step taught me something new, sometimes the hard way. My advice is do not box yourself in too early. Explore, say yes to opportunities, even the unexpected ones. Build relationships, because law is as much about people as it is about statutes. And above all, hold onto integrity. It is the one thing you will never regret guarding fiercely. Also, coffee helps!”
Click here to read our previous Millennial, Godswill A. Agbaitoro
Editorial Team
Silver Obioha
Clinton Nyamongo
Kazeem Afolabi
Dikeledi Matlhagare
Tolulope Olasunkanmi
Sulaimon Badmus
Aya Hamdy
Princess Maake
Jemilat Akerele
Vera Enubianozor
Brandon Otieno
Oluwabusayo Awodele
Kyenpiya Wonang
Gift Nwoke
Jessica Odoh
Tracy Karumba
Mary-Jones Ossi
Halimah Oladunni
Mary Linus
Peter Momoh
Jessica Omoruyi
