YOSEPH GENENE | ASSOCIATE
BACKGROUND
Yoseph Genene is an Associate at MTA and a corporate lawyer specializing in business transactions and commercial law. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Addis Ababa University. Prior to joining MTA, he gained practical legal experience as a law clerk at Anteneh Getachew Law Office in Addis Ababa, complemented by diverse roles in human rights research, civil society engagement, and legal observation.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- 2021 — Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Addis Ababa University College of Law and Governance Studies, Ethiopia
CAREER SUMMARY
- January 2025 – Present: Associate, Mesfin Tafesse & Associates
- August 2023 – December 2024: Law Clerk, Anteneh Getachew Law Office
- October 2022 – April 2023: Project Assistant, Civil Society Resource Center
- September 2022 – May 2023: Research Assistant, Lawyers for Human Rights
- August 2023: Data Enumerator, Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy
- February – March 2022: Intern, Ethiopian Human Rights Commission
- July 2021 – January 2022: Trial Observer, Kumlachew Dagne and Associates Law Office
- April 2021: Research Assistant, Ethiopian Labor Rights Watch
- February 2020 – September 2021: Assistant Legal Advisor, Center for Human Rights
- July 2019 – March 2020: Intern, Lawyers for Human Rights
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Employment and Immigration
- Merger and Acquisition
- Contracts
- Real Estate
- Corporate and Tax
- Investment
- Arbitration and Litigation
LANGUAGES
- Amharic
- English
TOP MATTERS
- Advised on M&A transactions, preparing merger agreements, conducting due diligence, securing approvals and structuring share acquisitions.
- Facilitated company formations for foreign investors, securing EIC permits, TIN registrations, and minimum capital deposits.
- Developed comprehensive HR and labor advisory methodologies ensuring full compliance with the Ethiopian Labour Proclamation, covering employment contracts, benefits, staff transitions, and communication.
- Provided expert advisory on Ethiopian corporate/M&A law, including freedom of contract doctrines, executive liability, insurance, and veil-piercing risks.
- Advised on contract disputes and due diligence for commercial transactions, streamlining processes to minimize errors and achieve favorable client resolutions.
- Reviewed and drafted contracts, including termination clauses, jurisdiction, enforcement, release provisions, and force majeure under Ethiopian law.
- Drafted bilingual (Amharic/English) employment contracts and termination notices, focusing on probation periods, notification rules, and legal compliance to mitigate workplace disputes.
- Advised foreign investors and expatriates on Ethiopian immigration regulations, including work permits, residency visas, and investment-linked entry requirements, ensuring seamless compliance for multinational projects.
- Provided comprehensive guidance on Ethiopia's Investment Proclamation, structuring foreign direct investments, joint ventures, and repatriation of profits while navigating incentives and restrictions.
- Facilitated trademark registrations and renewals with the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA), conducting availability searches.
- Advised on and facilitated corporate liquidation and dissolution proceedings.