General counsel from major international hospitality businesses are discussing how multinational companies select local lawyers when entering new jurisdictions.
The IBA session, “Hiring New Counsel in Foreign Lands,” features legal leaders connected with companies including Marriott International and Hilton Hotels.
The panel is examining how businesses identify lawyers in markets where they do not already have established professional relationships.
For local firms, that process can determine whether they ever enter the consideration set for major cross-border work.
Technical competence is essential, but international clients may also assess responsiveness, commercial understanding, reputation, conflict-management systems and the ability to communicate risk clearly.
The session is also considering whether AI can serve as an independent check when general counsel assess outside lawyers.
For Nigerian practitioners attempting to internationalise their practices, these discussions provide practical intelligence about what sophisticated corporate clients value when selecting local counsel.
READ MORE: IBA Copenhagen 2026 Opens With Nigerian Lawyers in Key Roles Nigerian Law Updates
behind Games Village, Abuja
5A, CGH, Games Village, Abuja