Cynthia Lareine: Pioneering Pathways and the Journey from Global Firms to African Impact

WHEN WOMEN IN LAW LEAD

Perspectives. Positionalities. Politics

When Women in Law Lead is a blog series using storytelling and legal narratives to showcase how African women in law and leadership are transforming legal institutions and contributing to justice, the rule of law, and women’s empowerment. In a round of engaging questions, we delve deeper into the perspectives, positionalities and politics of women’s leadership in law.

Cynthia Lareine is a British-born Nigerian corporate competition solicitor with extensive experience from prestigious global law firms such as Allen & Overy, Linklaters, Hogan Lovells, and Norton Rose Fulbright. Her career seamlessly blends with her UK upbringing and Nigerian heritage. Beyond her legal expertise, Cynthia has demonstrated exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial acumen. She served as the Executive Director of International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA), where she contributed to the growth of legal expertise across the continent. In 2017, she founded Lareine Gold Consulting (LGC Africa), a consultancy focused on Africa-centered marketing and business development strategies. In 2019, she co-founded ACGC with Miss Nankunda Katangaza, establishing a platform to unite in-house legal professionals across Africa and address the need for networking and knowledge sharing.

Cynthia’s work is driven by her passion for relationships, collaboration, and community building. She is known for fostering innovation, authenticity, and empowerment through meaningful platforms and communities.. Focused on creating meaningful impact, particularly across Africa, she continues to inspire others to find their voices and embrace transformative opportunities. Through her multifaceted career, Cynthia brings a bold and unifying vision to Africa’s legal and entrepreneurial landscape — one grounded in community, innovation, and lasting impact.

IAWL: Briefly tell us who Cynthia Lareine is and what inspires her.

CYNTHIA: Cynthia Lareine is a British-born Nigerian, born in Manchester and deeply rooted in both her UK upbringing and her Nigerian heritage. I am a proud and dedicated mother of three, an avid CrossFit enthusiast, and a passionate gospel singer and songwriter, currently working on my second studio album.

Professionally, I am a UK-qualified corporate competition solicitor with extensive experience working at leading global law firms, including Allen & Overy, Linklaters, Hogan Lovells, and Norton Rose Fulbright, where I served as Global Head of Business Development for the global Infrastructure, Mining & Agribusiness practice and the firm’s Africa network. I have also held leadership roles such as Executive Director for International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA).

In 2017, I founded Lareine Gold Consulting (LGC Africa), an Africa-focused marketing and business development consultancy that supports professional service organizations, particularly law firms. In addition to LGC Africa, I’m the co-founder of ACGC and the owner of Cipria Makeup by Lareine, an organic, vegan makeup brand that retails in the UK and Nigeria and is dedicated to raising awareness - particularly among Black women - about the harmful effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in everyday makeup.

I am inspired by relationships, collaboration, and the opportunity to build communities that bridge gaps and empower others. My work is driven by a commitment to innovation, authenticity, and creating platforms that make a meaningful difference, particularly on the African continent. I am a connector, a change-maker, and passionate about helping others find their voices and claim their spaces.

IAWL: When was the ACGC established, and what motivated you to establish it?

CYNTHIA: ACGC was established in 2019, born from a vision to unite in-house legal professionals across Africa under a single platform. My co-founder, Nankunda Katangaza, and I recognized a gap in opportunities for these professionals to network, share knowledge, and collectively navigate the complex legal and business landscapes across the continent.

ACGC was born out of our desire to create a community that empowers African legal professionals to amplify their voices, lead with impact, and drive transformative change both locally and globally. It was a leap into the unknown—scary because we were doing something that had not been done before. However, we believed in the vision and trusted that if we built it, they would come - and they did. ACGC has grown into a vibrant community. While the original motivation was to establish a much-needed platform for in-house counsel, the drive now is to grow and strengthen it so it continues to thrive and make an impact long after we are gone.

IAWL: What are some key contributions you have made to ACGC as one of its founders?

CYNTHIA: ACGC is a joint passion project that Nankunda and I brought to life. We birthed the idea, named it, and have nurtured it into a vibrant pan-African community of over 2,000 in-house lawyers from more than 25 countries. It is our labour of love, and we remain deeply involved in shaping its strategy and programming.

From organizing the flagship annual conference — a convening that blends skills development, regional insights, and community-building — to launching the ACGC Awards, which shine a light on trailblazers in the in house legal profession, we’ve worked to ensure that ACGC is a space where in-house counsel feel seen, supported, and empowered.

We’ve also introduced thematic webinars, curated storytelling campaigns, and built partnerships with leading law firms to amplify African legal voices globally. My personal mission is to empower legal professionals, particularly in-house counsel, to lead transformative change — and ACGC continues to be a powerful platform in bringing that vision to life.

IAWL: How would you rate the success of ACGC since its inception?

CYNTHIA: I believe ACGC has been a remarkable success. What started as a bold idea has grown into a trusted platform for connection, collaboration, and career growth. Our conferences, roundtables, and webinars have created meaningful spaces for legal professionals to share knowledge, tackle common challenges, and explore regional trends together. We've seen members secure new roles, deepen their expertise, and forge lifelong professional friendships through ACGC.

Success for me is not just in our numbers — though crossing 2,000 members is a proud milestone — but in the stories of impact, the confidence our members gain, and the recognition the platform is now receiving from across the legal industry. There’s still so much more ahead, and I’m excited about what we’re building together.

IAWL: What factors have contributed to a successful partnership with your co-founder, and how has that led to the growth of ACGC?

CYNTHIA: Our partnership thrives on mutual respect, complementary strengths, and shared vision. Nankunda and I bring different skills and perspectives to the table, but we are aligned in our commitment to the growth of ACGC. Communication, authenticity, trust, and genuine kindness toward one another have been key to navigating challenges together. We prioritize being compassionate, respecting each other’s limitations, and celebrating each other’s successes. Our shared passion for making a difference and helping each other shine has been a driving force behind ACGC’s success and growth.

IAWL: What are three or four strategies women in law can use to be successful?

CYNTHIA: 

First, Own your narrative:  There’s power in recognising your unique journey — your perspective, your voice, your values. Don’t be afraid to speak up and let others see the strength and authenticity you bring to the table. Your story might be the inspiration someone else is waiting for.

Second, be intentional about your network. Surround yourself with people who see your potential, challenge you to grow, and champion your success. Seek out mentors, allies, and collaborators — relationships that go beyond business cards.

Third, lead with confidence, but stay curious. It’s okay not to know everything. What matters is your willingness to learn, to ask questions, and to take up space — even in rooms where you might be the only one who looks or sounds like you.

Finally, protect your well-being. This journey is a marathon. It isn’t a sprint; The path is long and winding. Prioritise your mental and physical health, give yourself grace, and remember that rest is part of the work too.

IAWL: What are some challenges you have faced as a woman in leadership, and what practical steps did you take to overcome them?

CYNTHIA: Like many women in leadership, I’ve had to wrestle with imposter syndrome, the inner critic that questions whether you belong — even when your track record says otherwise. There’s also the challenge of being underestimated or sidelined, particularly as a Black woman, and navigating environments where your presence is still viewed as the exception rather than the norm. I’ve found myself working twice as hard for half the recognition, and in some rooms, fighting just to be heard. But over time, I’ve learned to measure success by impact, not applause. I’ve stopped chasing immediate validation and focused instead on delivering value that speaks for itself.

Building a strong circle of support — people who affirm, challenge, and uplift me — has been essential. I’ve also embraced discomfort as part of the growth process and leaned into my resilience. These experiences haven’t just shaped my leadership — they’ve deepened my empathy and sharpened my drive to create space for others to rise.

IAWL: Are there any upcoming milestones or ways for others to get involved with your work?

CYNTHIA: Absolutely — here are a few exciting things on the horizon, and ways people can connect with what we’re building:

Join the community: Membership in ACGC is still free (for now) for in-house lawyers across Africa, making it accessible to legal professionals seeking community, growth, and collaboration.

Law firm partners: Our work is supported by the generosity of law firm sponsors, and we are always eager to collaborate with more firms to continue driving meaningful initiatives. We would love to hear from interested firms and organizations.

ACGC 2025 Conference: This year, we are excited to host our 7th annual conference in Zambia from October 1st to 3rd, under the theme "From Bridges to Breakthroughs – In-House Counsel as Catalysts."  It promises to be a landmark gathering, and we’d love to see new and familiar faces there.

Expanding the team: As we grow, we are looking for passionate individuals to contribute to our mission. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you!