Ejide Sodipo, Maritime Lawyer and Advocate

Ejide Sodipo (LLM Commercial and Maritime Law, 1984) is one of Nigeria’s leading authorities in commercial and maritime law, with a litigation career spanning more than three decades at all levels of the Nigerian court system, including the Supreme Court. A seasoned courtroom advocate, she has acted in more than 400 disputes across the full spectrum of marine and commercial risk, regularly handling high-stakes matters where Nigerian law, English law and international conventions intersect in complex ways. Beyond individual cases, Ejide’s advocacy extends to the broader development of the legal framework governing Nigeria’s maritime sector. She has advised on regulatory compliance and statutory interpretation, and contributed to sectoral working groups of industry bodies. Through high-profile speaking engagements, Ejide consistently foregrounds the role of robust legal institutions and effective dispute resolution in unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.

What motivated you to study the LLM at UCL Laws, and how do you believe your experience differed from other institutions offering similar programmes?

From an early age, I was immersed in the world of shipping because my parents were among Nigeria’s first indigenous shipowners, and that exposure made me curious about how law allocates risk and responsibility in international trade. By the time I qualified as a lawyer, it was clear to me that commercial and maritime law would be the backbone of Nigeria’s participation in global commerce, so UCL’s LLM in Commercial and Maritime Law, with its strong reputation and specialist modules, was a natural choice to deepen my expertise. The combination of academic rigour, practical focus and London’s position at the heart of the maritime and insurance markets made the experience distinctive in a way that few other programmes could match.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time at UCL Laws that has had a lasting impact on you?

A memorable experience was working through a simulated shipping‑casualty problem in class, where we had to analyse jurisdiction, liability and insurance issues under intense time pressure. That exercise mirrored the urgency of real‑life maritime incidents and taught me how to dissect complex facts quickly, identify key legal questions and communicate advice clearly – skills I now rely on in practice when major incidents occur. It also showed me the value of collaboration across different legal cultures, something that has remained central to my work with international clients and foreign counsel.

How has your career path evolved since finishing the LLM, and how did UCL Laws prepare you for this?

After completing the LLM, I first applied my training in public service as legal counsel in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, where I gained insight into the workings of the courts and government regulatory structures. I then joined the University of Ibadan as a lecturer in commercial law, helping to build capacity in an area that was still developing in Nigeria and mentoring future practitioners. Subsequently, I moved fully into practice, taking up a role as legal adviser and statutory compliance consultant to Relugas Nigeria Limited, the Nigerian affiliate of Sheringham P&I Services Ltd, where I advised on a wide range of maritime and commercial disputes and regulatory issues – work for which the analytical rigour, research skills and international network developed at UCL proved indispensable.

Could you tell us a bit more about your current role, and what a typical day looks like for you?

My current work is a blend of contentious and advisory practice in commercial and maritime law, with a significant focus on litigation and dispute resolution. A typical day may involve reviewing pleadings and evidence in ongoing cargo, charterparty or collision disputes, drafting opinions on risk allocation and liability, and strategising with clients and co‑counsel on how best to navigate Nigerian procedures and international elements. I also spend time mentoring younger lawyers, engaging with industry bodies and contributing to policy discussions on the legal framework governing shipping and marine insurance in Nigeria.

What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far, or had the biggest impact on you?

The most significant highlight has been acting in complex maritime cases that reached the appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where the resulting decisions helped clarify important points of commercial and maritime law. Representing members of leading International Group P&I Clubs and other international clients in high‑stakes disputes has also been particularly meaningful, as these cases often involve intricate facts, multiple jurisdictions and substantial commercial consequences. Beyond individual cases, contributing to policy work and industry discussions that support the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector has been a source of lasting professional satisfaction.

You are a leading authority in commercial and maritime law, with more than 30 years’ experience in litigation. How do you reflect on your career achievements, and what challenges do you see in maritime litigation today?

Looking back, what stands out is the breadth and depth of the disputes I have handled and the opportunity to help shape how Nigerian courts address complex maritime and commercial questions. Appearing in over 400 matters, including before the Supreme Court, has been both demanding and rewarding, and has allowed me to build a practice grounded in meticulous preparation, strategic thinking and collaborative work with clients and colleagues. Today, maritime litigation is marked by increasing regulatory complexity, multi‑jurisdictional disputes and emerging issues such as environmental liability, sanctions and digital evidence, all of which require constant learning and adaptation.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of doing an LLM at UCL Laws?

For anyone considering an LLM at UCL Laws, my advice is to approach it with clear goals but also an open mind; use the programme to deepen your expertise while remaining curious about adjacent fields. Engage fully with seminars, reading and discussions, and take every opportunity to interact with academics, practitioners and fellow students, because those relationships can shape your career long after you graduate. Be prepared to work hard – the intellectual demands are high, but the training you receive in analysis, writing and advocacy will serve you throughout your professional life.

What careers advice or guidance would you give to current students or recent graduates who are just starting out?

Start by building strong foundations in core legal principles and developing excellent research, writing and advocacy skills; these are what sustain a career over decades, regardless of specialism. Seek out mentors, be willing to learn from both successes and setbacks, and do not be afraid to begin in roles that may seem modest if they offer genuine learning and courtroom exposure. For those interested in commercial and maritime law, cultivate an understanding of the industries behind the cases – shipping, trade, insurance – so that your legal advice is grounded in commercial reality and trusted by clients.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would add that a legal career is ultimately about service – whether to clients, to the courts, to students or to the broader community. The opportunity to contribute to the development of commercial and maritime law in Nigeria, to mentor younger lawyers and to participate in conversations about the future of our maritime sector has been a privilege, and I remain committed to that work.

Find out more about Ejide on LinkedIn and at ejidesodipo.com.