Femi Gbede

Femi is a dynamic and versatile attorney with a multifaceted legal career spanning complex corporate advisory, high-stakes litigation, insurance defense, and U.S. immigration law. A seasoned practitioner admitted to the bar in both New York and Nigeria, Femi brings a rare blend of global perspective, Wall Street sophistication, and deep community commitment to every client he serves.

He began his legal journey at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, one of Africa’s premier law firms, where he gained invaluable experience in corporate transactions and dispute resolution. His practice took on an international dimension when he joined some of the most prestigious Wall Street firms, including Fried Frank LLP and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. At these institutions, Femi advised marquee clients such as Goldman Sachs, KKR, Brookfield, Blackstone, Permira, Genstar Capital, HPS, and PSP Investments on the formation, structuring and negotiation of private investment funds and other alternative investment vehicles. Femi has also collaborated with the Chicago office of Sidley Austin LLP to advise African businesses through their Emerging Enterprises Pro Bono Program.

Beyond his corporate practice, Femi has built a strong reputation in U.S. immigration law, representing businesses, individuals and families across multiple states in matters involving green cards, visa applications, naturalization, asylum, deportation defense in court, EB2 applications, P3 petitions, and more. As a naturalized US citizen, he brings a deeply personal perspective to his immigration advocacy, helping others navigate the often-intimidating U.S. immigration system with empathy and precision. He has also contributed his expertise to pro bono initiatives, including naturalization workshops and the Border Protection Project (BPP), where he assisted asylum seekers under the U.S. government’s Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP) program.

He is a director and one of the founders of the Africa Arbitration Academy, a patron of the Justice Udo Udoma Chambers at the University of Uyo, and President of the Femi Gbede Scholarship, through which he personally funds and sponsors deserving students to the Nigerian Law School.

A trained journalist and leader, Femi has served as a delegate at Young Leaders Summits organized by both the United Nations and the World Bank. He is also a faculty member of the World Bank and Africa Arbitration Academy’s Investment Arbitration Executive Program for State Officials and General Counsel in Africa.

His academic leadership spans several institutions. He served as a Graduate Editor of the Journal of International Law and Politics and a Student Bar Association leader representing thousands of students at New York University School of Law, where he is also a Weinfeld Fellow. He also held a leadership role at the Cambridge University Graduate Law Society, amplifying student voices within the academic community.

With a rare blend of elite training, international exposure, and heartfelt advocacy, Femi is a powerful ally to corporate and individual clients alike, committed to delivering world-class legal service with integrity, intellect, and impact.