Founder & Principal
Abel Mwongela
The transformation that produced the global law firm in mature markets is now beginning to take shape across Africa, but it will follow a different model, and the firms that read it early will define the next decade. That conviction is why Abel founded ALMA.
Abel advises African law firms on the challenge many are not structurally equipped to manage: building the business of the firm alongside the practice of law. Over eight years working inside the business functions of several of Kenya's leading firms, he has come to undertstand the commercial engine of legal practice from within: how firms position themselves, originate work, organise talent, manage economics and grow across borders.
His thinking on the African legal market runs through a growing body of practitioner research, including Following the Capital, Beyond Referrals and Sector, Not Scale, each examining how the continent's firms can organise their talent, economics and positioning around where the work is actually going.
Abel holds an LLB and LLM from Strathmore Law School and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
ALMA is built specifically for African law firms. We bring together deep understanding of the African legal market with practical experience of how law firms actually operate from strategy and business development to economics, governance and growth.
We don't advise from the sidelines. We understand the commercial realities behind the decisions firm leaders have to make.
We believe African law firms should be able to build ambitious, commercially sustainable businesses on their own terms — firms that understand their markets, know where they create distinctive value, and have the capability to compete across borders.
| African context | Advice grounded in the realities of African legal markets. |
| Commercial clarity | Turning complexity into clear strategic choices. |
| Practicality | Recommendations that can be implemented, not just presented. |
| Independence | Objective counsel focused on the firm's long-term interests. |
| Capability | Building stronger internal leadership, business development and strategic capability. |
| Long-term thinking | Creating durable advantage rather than chasing short-term growth. |
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Ready to see where your firm stands?
A first conversation takes 30 minutes and costs nothing. What comes after that is up to you.