Mrs. Funmi Falana
SAN, LL.B, B.L, FCI. Arb
what makes us different
The values we live by
Justice For All Empowering Clients Defending Rights Legal Excellence
Upholding Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession
Integrity and ethical conduct are paramount to Funmi Falana. She serves as the Board Chairman of the NBA Ikeja, Legal Practitioners, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee, playing a vital role in upholding ethical standards within the legal profession. Furthermore, her active membership in the Nigerian Bar Association's Committee on Human Rights underscores her commitment to ensuring human rights are protected and championed by all legal professionals. Through her leadership and dedication, she sets a powerful example for aspiring lawyers and promotes a legal system built on fairness and ethical conduct.
Championing Social Justice and Prison Reform
Funmi Falana's advocacy extends beyond legislative reform for women. She champions significant social justice issues, demonstrably evident through her commitment to prison reform. Her frequent visits to facilities like Kirikiri Maximum Prison involve not only attending to cases but also actively pursuing legislative changes. A key focus is preventing the incarceration of pregnant women, aiming to eliminate the heartbreaking reality of children raised in prison environments.
Public Engagement and Human Rights Advocacy
Funmi Falana actively combats domestic violence through collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Women's Affairs & Poverty Alleviation. She played a pivotal role in simplifying domestic violence legislation, making it accessible through clear English translations and accompanying diagrams. Furthermore, she translated the legislation into Yoruba to ensure wider comprehension among Lagos residents. Her dedication to human rights is further evidenced by her legal representation of numerous victims in Nigeria and her service on the Osun State Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2011.
A Legacy of Impactful Contributions
Funmi Falana's distinguished career reflects her unwavering commitment to human rights. She has held key positions such as Board Chairman of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Secretary of Women in Nigeria (WIN), Board Member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADL), and member of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (NBA Ikeja). Her expertise was instrumental in representing victims of human rights abuses at the Oputa-led Human Rights Abuses Investigation Panel and the Osun State Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She also served as a Member of the Board of the Human Rights Commission, further solidifying her dedication to this crucial area.
A Multifaceted Advocate
Funmi Falana's multifaceted endeavours extend beyond legal advocacy. She is the founder and chairperson of the non-governmental organization Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA). Through WELA, she champions the rights of women, provides legal support to the underserved, and empowers the less privileged throughout Nigeria and West Africa. She is also the Managing Director of Legaltext Nig. Ltd. and Legaltext Ghana Ltd., demonstrating her expertise in both Nigerian and Ghanaian legal landscapes. She also serves as the Editor of the Weekly Report of Nigeria and the Ghana Monthly Law Report, sharing her knowledge and insights with the broader legal community. She also upholds ethical standards in the legal profession as the Chairman of the NBA Ikeja, Legal Practitioners, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee. Her commitment to human rights advocacy is further underscored by her membership in the Nigeria Bar Association's Committee on Human Rights.
Champion of Women Rights
Funmi Falana, SAN, is a powerful voice for women's rights in Nigeria. Her unwavering commitment manifests through strategic litigation that dismantles discriminatory legislation. A landmark victory exemplifies her dedication: successfully challenging Regulation 124 of the Police Regulations (LFN). This regulation previously mandated written permission from female police officers before marriage, a requirement not imposed on male officers. Through her relentless pursuit of justice, the courts declared this regulation unconstitutional, eliminating a discriminatory barrier within the Nigerian police force. However, Mrs. Falana's commitment extends beyond legal victories. She actively seeks positive change through her leadership of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), a vital organization dedicated to empowering women and advocating for the less privileged.
Inspiring Change with Every Word
Funmi Falana's dedication to social justice extends beyond the courtroom and into the realm of written advocacy. Her published works serve as valuable resources for legal professionals, students, and anyone passionate about women's rights and social change. Her books include Cases and Materials on Women's Rights, Topical Issues on Women's Rights in Nigeria, and Diary of a Detainee's Wife. She has also authored numerous articles published in academic journals and legal publications. These articles address a wide range of topics related to women's rights, human rights, and social justice issues in Nigeria. Her insightful writing and dedication to legal scholarship contribute significantly to advancing knowledge and promoting positive change.
Leadership and Service
Funmi Falana's distinguished career reflects not only her legal expertise but also her dedication to leadership and service. She has held key positions such as Board Chairman of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), ensuring consumer rights are protected and grievances are swiftly resolved. Her leadership extends to national organizations, where she served as Secretary of Women in Nigeria (WIN) and Board Member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADL). Furthermore, she served as a member of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (NBA Ikeja), upholding ethical standards within the legal profession. Her representation of victims at the Oputa-led Human Rights Abuses Investigation Panel and the Osun State Truth and Reconciliation Commission further exemplifies her commitment to justice and social progress.
A Legacy of Recognition and Achievement
Funmi Falana's dedication to justice and social progress has been consistently recognized throughout her distinguished career. She has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the British Society of Commerce (England), the Service to Humanity in Law award from the Counselling Association of Nigeria (2010), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). These are just a selection of the many honours bestowed upon Funmi Falana in recognition of her exceptional work. The pinnacle of her achievements came in 2023 when she was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). This esteemed recognition serves as a testament to her lifetime of unwavering dedication to the legal profession, human rights advocacy, and societal betterment.
AWARDS Received
