“Those starting out should not view themselves as incompetent. The practice of the law is like aged wine, the longer it is stored the finer it becomes.”– Meschack Kwaka
Meshack Kwaka is a distinguished advocate of the High Court of Kenya with specialised expertise in emerging technology law, including AI regulation, cybersecurity, data privacy and protection, and decentralised finance. His practice encompasses complex technology related disputes across both arbitration and litigation forums, positioning him at the forefront of legal innovation in the digital age.
Currently serving as legal consultant in London, Meshack advises on the strategic deployment of AI assistant platforms, ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation in the rapidly evolving digital space. His international arbitration practice is equally impressive, having represented clients before prestigious institutions including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), and leading regional tribunals across Africa. In Kenya, Meshack has successfully represented clients in diverse industries including financial services, manufacturing, technology, and construction, demonstrating his versatility and deep commercial understanding.
Meshack’s academic credentials reflect his commitment to excellence and specialisation. He holds a Master’s degree in IT and Data Law from the London School of Economics (LSE), complemented by a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. This unique combination of legal expertise and social science background provides him with a nuanced understanding of the societal implications of technological advancement.
Beyond his professional achievements, Meshack maintains a balanced lifestyle, with interests in literature, travel, football, and fitness pursuits that enrich his holistic development.
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession.
It was back in 2010 while working for Community Aid international during his first year of university as a student of political science and sociology at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi that Meshack’s love for the law blossomed. Back then, he couldn’t sit still and do nothing as the country was gearing up for a referendum that would eventually deliver a new constitution. At the time, Kenya was facing a defining moment in its clamour for a new constitution.
The organisation, which had been pivotal in championing for good governance, offered him a temporary position as Facilitator who would educate the communities in Kenya, specifically Nyanza region regarding the new draft constitution and its benefits. Despite having never sat in a law class, his foundational units such as administrative law, political theory and governance equipped him with the basic knowledge that tipped his curiosity to self-educate himself on constitutional law
Meshack’s work involved interpreting clauses of the constitution and convincing the masses in village meeting, town halls, bus stops, football fields and markets to vote for the draft constitution in the upcoming referendum. He interacted with common folk in the remotes parts of Kenya and was able to see and experience first-hand how the (1963 constitution) had created a centralised system of governance that deprived resources from communities and systematically denied certain regions basic services such as education and health.
This deeply enriching experience greatly shaped his mindset and his love for the law. Upon concluding his B.A in Political Science and Sociology graduating with a First Class Degree, he was so passionate and willing to study the law that he enrolled for an LLB degree and graduated with a First Class. After qualifying for the bar, he worked for one of the top law firms in Kenya before proceeding to pursue his masters at the prestigious London School of Economics in the United Kingdom.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
In Meshack’s view, an exceptional lawyer needs to arm himself with certain attributes that define not only his practice of the law but also reflect his character throughout practice. He states that standing out as an exceptional lawyer requires a sprinkle of various qualities and values. Among the values and qualities, he identified are Integrity, professionalism, curiosity, consistency, hard work and adaptability.
Integrity is value that one should cultivate as a lawyer. Many people have defined integrity – he defines it as doing the right thing at the right time, to the best of one’s ability even when no one is demanding of it or watching you. Integrity also requires of an individual to be honest in their dealings with clients and fidelity to the constitution and the rule of law.
Professionalism requires an exceptional lawyer to adhere to a formal code that demonstrates competence in execution of the tasks and assignments. Professionalism instils confidence in clients and colleagues.
An exceptional lawyers must strive to offer the best quality of services and constantly improve themselves in their field of practice. Consistency also involves obtaining feedback and positive criticism to maintaining the highest standards of quality.
A lawyer must put in the work to see the results. One must be willing to read an extra chapter, case or legislation. They must be willing to consult junior and seniors on legal matters. They must be willing to work long hours in preparation for any transaction, meeting or case in court. This demands that lawyers should exert energy and be passionate about their legal work.
In the current world one must be curious. One must be inquisitive and thirst for knowledge. They must read widely and be willing to fish for knowledge not only in the pond but also in the vast sea of information.
Adaptability. Morden technology will require of a lawyer to adapt and learn how to deploy technology in their work. AI will require lawyers to deploy the technology to assist in their work flows and enhance their productivity.
Cultivating these values require a conscious decision at the start of your career. It has to be a personal decision throughout your career. But importantly, having good mentors from all profession and seeking out sound advice from them are also important for the development of values and ethos in the profession. To be able to consult and confide in seniors and trusted colleagues is important in developing these values too.
Lastly the only way to be good at something is to constantly practice. Practicing these values cultivates discipline and guarantees resilience in the face of any challenge.
3. Significant Ongoing Project or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
Nothing noteworthy or noble was ever done without vision. Meshack is currently working on a “African Technology Think Tank” that would render insight and expertise in frontier technology regulation and implementation on the African continent. The African continent has for a long time sought expertise in law and technology from law firms or consulting firms in Europe or America. This has led to identical regulatory frameworks that do not mirror the African perspective. Furthermore, it has led to adoption of technology by African governments and entities on terms that favour the owners of technology rather than benefit the people.
Additionally, African data has been difficult to collect and disseminate across the world. Data has become the oil that fuels developments and the need to collect, analyse and utilise the data for development has never been more important than in present times. The data collected must uniquely characterise and represent the true picture of each African country. As we enter a new age of technological deployment, data governance will be a key feature for organisations and governments on the continent. Advancement in technology will also result to breaches in data security and privacy. Regulating the cyber security space and ensuring governance structures through legislation is highly significance.
In order to breach the gap between knowledge and adoption, Meshack maintains the need for a regional tech think tank of young Africans with expertise in technology, regulation and data analytics which can enhance technology adoption, governance and regulation on the continent.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books.
Nelson Mandela’s Long walk to Freedom has shaped not only Meshack’s practice but how he view life. It is a moving read from a lawyer who dedicated his life to fight for justice for his people whilst maintaining his principles throughout. His journey was difficult, growing up poor but doing his best to obtain an education and excelling. Nelson Mandela journey is relatable. Meshack was deeply inspires by Mandela’s story during his formative years in university. It motivated him to run for the office of Secretary General of the student council. In this role, he championed for student welfare and defended the rights of students staying true to the goals he had set out to achieve. Like an ever burning flame, Nelson Mandela’s values of speaking truth to power assertively and respectfully still flickered in him all through his university life.
In his formative years, Mandela was a man deeply concerned about the welfare of his people. He wanted his people to live in dignity and not under the oppressive apartheid laws that were in force at the time. This greatly resonated with Meshack’s commitment and activities that led to the promulgation of the current constitution of Kenya.
In Meshack’s legal career, he carried the values and principles that Nelson Mandela had through his life; integrity, dedication, diligence and passion. These values and principles shape how he approached his tasks and deliver legal services.
Mr Chacha Odera is one of the legal minds that Meshack also admire and look up to in the legal profession. He embodies professional ethos and characterises a lawyer with grace and finesse. He is sharp and articulate and treats every one as an equal.
Senior Counsel George Oraro is also a beautiful legal mind. He is a top lawyer in Kenya with a career spanning 40 plus years. Meshack draws inspiration from his brilliant legal mind which is evident in his legal arguments and successful cases. He has taught him to be humble, dedicated and to read widely.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
“Always start with the question WHY? Why do I want to do this? Why do I want a legal career? Why do you want to be a lawyer and why is it so important? Establishing the answer WHY will kickstart your journey and prepare you mentally for the road ahead.” said Meshack. According to him, “Pursuing a career in law should not be for prestige or for money. Those are the benefits that result from your hard work during your career. The objective should be to serve others, to facilitate transactions that have social, economic impact on society, to defend people’s rights, to obtain justice on behalf of others, to render sound legal advice and to ensure fidelity to the rule of law and the constitution. These objectives should be alive throughout one’s professional career.”
The legal profession just like any other profession has its challenges. These challenges are largely due to the lack of the practical know how at the beginning. Those starting out should not view themselves as incompetent. The practice of the law is like aged wine, the longer it is stored the finer it becomes. Similarly, as an individual learns and practices over the years, confidence is cultivated and their growth is measurable. Anyone who is starting out should be patient, willing to learn and be fully present and immersed in the practical legal work, in order for them to become excellent lawyers.
Always be adaptable and willing to increase your knowledge. At the beginning it might seem challenging since there is a lot to absorb and do in a short amount of time. However, small incremental doses of knowledge like reading a book, case law, catching up with the news and importantly weaving technology in your daily tasks to increase your productivity and improve organisation. This will eventually be helpful throughout your career.
Always find your true north! which is your ‘WHY’
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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
