Legal expertise shaped around practical client needs.

HMK Advocates advises on a broad range of real estate, conveyancing and land-law transactions, including sales, transfers, subdivisions, leases, mortgages, charges, easements, change of user, powers of attorney, extension of Government leases and other aspects of property acquisition and development.

The firm conducts legal due diligence, negotiates and drafts agreements for the acquisition and sale of land, prepares transaction-specific documentation and obtains the statutory consents required to complete property transactions. HMK also advises developers, investors and lenders on the acquisition, development, financing, sale and leasing of real estate, as well as changes in land law and Land Office procedures.

HMK Advocates combines legal expertise with business management, strategic management, corporate strategy and governance experience to provide tailored research and advisory services.

The firm proactively tracks Bills before Parliament, County Assemblies and the East African Legislative Assembly, together with relevant treaties, agreements and wider legal and regulatory developments. Where developments may affect clients, HMK undertakes in-depth analysis, provides advisory materials and training, and assists clients wishing to participate in or influence policy and legislative processes.

The team also undertakes legislative drafting, advocacy and support for public participation where required.

HMK Advocates advises on the legal framework and appropriate structures for businesses and investments, including the establishment of branches, subsidiaries, representative offices, regional headquarters and other special-purpose business entities.

The firm assists clients in obtaining Government approvals, permits, licences and registrations, and prepares, negotiates and reviews contracts for corporate and commercial transactions. HMK also provides legal opinions on regulatory requirements that may affect proposed transactions or a client's ongoing business operations.

HMK Advocates provides corporate secretarial support as part of its wider corporate and commercial practice.

The firm assists clients with the incorporation of businesses and companies, establishment of appropriate business structures, and obtaining necessary approvals, permits, registrations and related corporate documentation. This support is complemented by HMK's broader commercial advisory work, helping clients understand and meet the legal and regulatory requirements affecting their organisations and transactions.

HMK Advocates approaches legal and governance auditing as a form of preventive law: helping organisations identify and address legal, regulatory and compliance risks before they develop into more serious problems.

The firm assists clients in identifying the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to their organisations, isolating areas of non-compliance and developing appropriate remedial measures. This includes evaluating legal and regulatory obligations, reviewing contracts for potential exposure, auditing organisational processes and structures for compliance, and strengthening governance standards.

HMK Advocates advises clients on the protection of intellectual property and information technology rights, including the registration of trademarks, industrial designs, patents and copyright.

The firm also advises on and drafts contracts relating to intellectual property and information technology, and handles disputes involving counterfeiting, passing off, trademarks, industrial designs, patents and copyright infringement. Its experience also extends to issues involving social-media defamation and online media.

HMK Advocates handles both litigation and alternative dispute resolution, with experience before courts and specialised tribunals in Kenya.

The firm represents clients in arbitration, mediation, commercial and civil litigation, insolvency matters and regulatory disputes. Its advocates have also appeared before specialised forums including the Retirement Benefits Tribunal, Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal, National Environment Tribunal and Business Premises Rent Tribunal.

HMK also provides early neutral evaluation where an objective assessment can assist parties in understanding and resolving a dispute before it progresses further.

HMK Advocates advises employers on the drafting, negotiation and review of employment contracts across different levels of employment, including the legality and practical effect of contractual provisions.

The firm assists clients in managing disciplinary processes and redundancy procedures and in preparing or reviewing show-cause letters, suspension and dismissal documentation and human-resource policies.

HMK also advises on immigration matters affecting employees and investors in an increasingly globalised business environment.

HMK Advocates has experience in insurance and retirement-benefits law and has represented regulators, statutory managers and participants in the insurance sector.

The firm's experience includes representation involving the Retirement Benefits Authority, the Commissioner of Insurance, the Insurance Regulatory Authority, statutory managers and insurance companies, as well as advice on bancassurance matters.

HMK advises on financing arrangements within the pensions market, business-to-business insurance products, investment contracts relating to retirement products, legal relationships between insurance agents and insurers, and regulatory requirements affecting the insurance sector.