With: Angela Achieng Ochumba, Senior Legal Counsel, Americas at Standard Chartered Bank

Description

Working in-house opens up a world of opportunity - not just to advise, but to influence, collaborate, and shape strategy. It’s where legal expertise meets business insight, and where growth depends on more than knowing the law.

In conversation with Angela Achieng Ochumba, Senior Legal Counsel, Americas at Standard Chartered Bank, we explored what it really takes to thrive in-house. From managing internal dynamics and developing strategic influence, to finding sponsors and sharpening decision-making, Angela shared practical insights that speak directly to the realities of in-house life.

This discussion highlights key takeaways to help any in-house lawyer reflect on their current role and think more intentionally about what’s next.

About our African Women Lawyers Mentor Programme

This conversation forms part of the DLA Piper and Standard Chartered Bank African Women Lawyers Mentoring Programme. While progress has been made, women in law continue to face systemic challenges - fewer role models, limited access to mentorship, and the pressure of balancing career ambitions with societal expectations.

To help shift this dynamic, legal professionals from DLA Piper’s Africa offices and Standard Chartered Bank across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East have come together to support junior women lawyers in Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria. Through an eight-month mentorship programme, experienced lawyers are helping early-career professionals build confidence, sharpen strategic career planning, and strengthen the soft skills needed to thrive.

With 23 mentors from seven countries and a shared commitment to empowering the next generation, this initiative is more than a programme - it’s a movement. One that’s creating a ripple effect of leadership, support, and impact across the continent and beyond.

About Angela Ochumba

Angela is a Senior Legal Counsel, Americas at Standard Chartered Bank. She is a dual-qualified finance lawyer (Kenya & New York), currently based in New York. She brings deep experience across emerging and investment-grade markets, having spent eight years in a regional role in Nairobi advising on complex transactions involving governments, development banks, financial institutions, and multinationals.

Her expertise spans corporate & investment banking, financial markets, and transaction banking - with a strong grasp of structuring and execution across diverse financial products.