Partner

About Igbokwe

Dr. Virtus Igbokwe joined the firm in 2004 and heads our international arbitration practice group. His main clients are foreign investors, sovereign states and international financial institutions.

Virtus graduated as the gold medalist in his LL.B class and thereafter earned a master’s degree in law from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. He holds a doctorate degree in international arbitration of investment disputes from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. Prior to joining Blackfriars LLP, Virtus worked as in-house counsel at blue chip companies and law firms including Shell Petroleum Development Company in Nigeria, and Amsterdam & Peroff.

When he is not engaged with work on foreign investment arbitration, Virtus is our in-house expert on European football, particularly the European Champions League competition.

Education

Ph.D., (Osgoode)
LL.M., (UBC)
B.L., (Lagos)
LL.B., (Benin)

Areas of Practice

International Arbitration
Capital Markets and Corporate
Transactions
Competition
Bankruptcy and Restructuring
Corporate Governance
International Trade
Foreign Direct Investment
Mergers and Acquisitions
Privatization
Securities
Venture Capital/Emerging Companies
Oil and Gas
International Law

Professional Membership

Nigerian Bar Association
Canadian Tax Foundation

Honors and Awards

Dean’s Academic Excellence Scholarship,
Law Foundation Graduate Award
Gold medalist, LLB class
Gold medalist, B.L class

Bar Admissions

Nigeria

Publications

Determination, Interpretation and Application of Substantive Law in Foreign Investment Treaty Arbitrations” (2006) 23 Journal of International Arbitration 267

Socio-Cultural Dimensions Of Dispute Resolution: Informal Justice Processes Among the Ibo-Speaking People of Eastern Nigeria and Their Implications for Community/Neighbourhood Justice System in North America” (1998) 10 African Journal of International & Comparative Law 446.
Developing Countries and the Law Applicable to International Arbitration of Oil Investment Disputes: Has the Last Word Been Said?” (1997)14 Journal of International Arbitration 99.
Customary Arbitration in Nigeria: Agu v. Ikewibe and Applicable Law Issues Revisited” (1997) 41 Journal of African Law 201./a>

Other Attorneys

Mrs. Igbeaku Evulukwu
Nweke, Chukwunonso Chrysanthus
Mrs. Omotayo Okere
Oguta, Mathias Paul Oghenekaro Afabor Mrs. Oluomachi Kingsley Chinyere Amadi