Name: UCHENNA OKOH
Position: GENERAL COUNSEL
Company: RELIA ENERGY LIMITED
Sector/Industry: Oil and Gas
Worked in current position for: 1 year and six months
Total years as an in-house lawyer: 7 years
A day in the life:
As a General Counsel at Relia Energy, my days revolve around navigating complex regulatory frameworks, negotiating high value contracts for upstream operations, and advising the executive team on compliance with global environmental and safety standards. I work closely with executive leadership to align legal strategies with business goals, handle dispute resolution, and provide strategic counsel on corporate governance. A typical day might include reviewing ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) disclosures, strategizing crisis response protocols, or collaborating on energy transition initiatives.
The best thing about my current job is:
The best thing about my current job is contributing to strategic decisions that balance profitability with sustainability. The dynamic nature of the oil and gas sector, particularly the push toward renewable energy integration keeps the role intellectually stimulating. I also value leading a legal team that directly imparts global energy solutions.
The most challenging thing about my current job is:
That would be balancing business interests with strict regulatory requirements while managing multiple high-stakes negotiations in a fast-paced and evolving industry.
Most pivotal career decision:
Taking on the role of a General Counsel, which required me to step up as a strategic advisor, establish and manage a legal team, while navigating the complexities of the oil and gas sector at an executive level.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face in your in-house career journey is:
Leading high-value negotiations with international partners and regulatory bodies while ensuring my company’s interests are fully protected.
What advice would I give my younger self?
Key influencers that have shaped my journey:
I would say my female bosses, who are my mentors have guided me in corporate legal strategy; my experiences handling complex transactions and regulatory compliance; then through continuous learning, professional development and industry trends.
One cool thing I’ve observed in the legal industry recently?
The integration of artificial intelligence in contract management and regulatory compliance, making legal operations more efficient through its predictive analysis in regulatory compliance, particularly in assessing climate related financial risks-a game changer for energy companies.
Favourite pro bono/ volunteer or charitable activity:
Providing legal mentorship and training for young lawyers interested in the oil and gas sector.
If I were not practising law, I would be:
A chef.
What (singular) achievement are you most proud of?
Successfully negotiating and closing a
major contract that secured long-term value for my company while mitigating legal risks.
Something you love doing that but you’re not that great at?
Public speaking – I enjoy sharing legal and industry insights, but I’m still refining my presentation style.
Something you dislike doing that you’re pretty good at?
Conducting granular compliance. It is tedious, but my attention to detail ensures nothing slips through.
In 5 years-time I’d love to be:
A leading executive or a General Counsel with an expanded portfolio, playing a key role in shaping corporate and regulatory strategy in the oil and gas industry.