Wadzanai Vudzijena

As an associate in the corporate and commercial team, I specialize in corporate restructuring and managing commercial transactions across both UAE and international markets. My practice includes handling multi-jurisdictional private mergers and acquisitions, advising on corporate governance, and structuring joint ventures across various sectors such as finance, technology, health and wellness, and food and beverage, in addition to general commercial matters.

Some of my key accomplishments include:

• Acted for a sovereign wealth fund in a high-value acquisition of a target with multiple subsidiaries. Conducted legal due diligence against the various entities and prepared an comprehensive due diligence report. Contributed to the drafting and/or reviewing of critical transactional documents, including the Non-Disclosure Agreement, Sale and Purchase Agreement, Disclosure Letter and Shareholders' Agreement ensuring that the terms were aligned with the client’s strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Represented a renowned F&B business in its acquisition of a majority stake in a high-profile UAE restaurant, playing a crucial role in conducting legal due diligence and either drafting or reviewing key transactional documents, including the Term Sheet, Non-Disclosure Agreement, Sale and Purchase Agreement, and Shareholders’ Agreement.
• Provided key legal support to a leading health and wellness company in its strategic sale, coupled with the development of comprehensive corporate governance and compliance strategies. This involved aligning the group's structure with industry best practices and regulatory requirements, thereby streamlining their governance policies and enhancing overall compliance.
• Prepared a comprehensive report outlining the optimal reorganization of a leading UAE conglomerate’s group corporate structure, complete with strategic justifications for the proposed restructuring to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness for the group.
• Acted for a prominent chef in reviewing and negotiating an extensive Services Agreement with an established investment company, focusing on securing favorable terms and protecting the client's interests.
• Advising numerous international investors on the UAE’s corporate and regulatory framework, including, but not limited to, preparing reports that address key aspects on company incorporation, shareholder involvement and operational jurisdiction, contributing significantly to clients' decision- making processes.
• Drafting, reviewing, and advising on a wide range of commercial agreements, including, but not limited to, Secured Loan Agreements, Share Option Agreements, Consultancy Agreements, Property Management Agreements, Asset Development Agreements and Loan Agreements.

I specialized in offering bespoke business and legal solutions, addressing a diverse range of client needs. My experience encompassed a broad spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, including corporate transactions and general corporate advisory. Specifically, some core areas of work included:

• Negotiating, drafting and reviewing a wide range of commercial contracts including, but not limited to, service agreements, supplier contracts, and non-disclosure agreements, ensuring legal compliance and protecting client interests.
• Assisting in corporate restructuring processes, aiding in the streamlined transformation and reorganization of business entities.
• Providing guidance on adherence to industry-specific regulations across financial services, healthcare, and technology sectors, amongst others.
• Advising on employment law matters, including drafting employment contracts, assisting in managing disputes, and guiding on labor law compliance.
• Advising on aspects of corporate governance, encompassing board responsibilities, shareholder agreements, and regulatory compliance.
• Facilitating the formation and strategic structuring of business entities tailored to the specific operational and strategic goals of clients.
• Assisted corporate clients identify potential legal risks and develop proactive strategies to mitigate them.

As a Professional Associate at a leading commercial law firm in Zimbabwe, I developed substantial and diverse legal expertise across various practice areas. My key contributions at the firm encompassed:

• Delivering precise and client-centric legal advice, strategically tailored to meet specific business objectives.
• Providing technical advice and structuring a range of commercial contracts, ensuring legal soundness and business efficacy.
• Representing clients in various legal forums, handling a broad spectrum of matters including significant contractual disputes, insurance, banking and finance disputes, labor law, insolvency, and tax issues.
• Coordinating effectively with external advocates, overseeing outsourced legal tasks and ensuring streamlined case management.
• Drafting and presenting comprehensive weekly reports and briefs to management, contributing to informed decision-making.
• Advising corporate clients on revising internal policies for alignment with evolving legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Leading extensive negotiations and mediating disputes, achieving favorable settlements and resolutions for clients.
• Presenting persuasive and well researched arguments in court and various tribunals.
• Managing multiple office processes and maintaining various confidential client files and documents.
• Drafting legal opinions and various court pleadings.