Meet Ms. Bernice Ofunre Asein, Esq., the visionary founder and executive director of Fashion Law Institute Africa, the continent’s first institution dedicated to the intersection of law and fashion. Ms. Asein is committed to advancing legal education, policy reform, and research in the African fashion industry. The institute has spearheaded several initiatives, including the Fashion Law and Business Conference (now in its third edition), the Fashion Law Masterclass, and the FLIP Project, which introduces fashion law into fashion schools. Additionally, the Fashion Legal Clinic provides pro bono legal services to fashion professionals, increasing access to justice.
As lead counsel at Cardinal Counsel, a Leading fashion law firm in Lagos, Nigeria, Ms. Asein advises a broad range of clients, including fashion brands, manufacturing companies, startups, fashion tech firms, models, and influencers.
Her legal expertise spans intellectual property, Technology, sustainability, international trade, contract negotiation, finance, and employment law, tailored specifically to the fashion industry’s needs.
Ms. Asein holds a Master of Laws (LLM) and further refined her knowledge internationally at the Milano Fashion Institute in Milan, Italy. She also holds an LVMH certificate in operations, supply chain, and customer experience, and has multiple certifications in intellectual property law from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Intellectual Property Institute of Nigeria.
Additionally, she has a certificate in tax law from the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. She is a member of ICSAN, the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, and the Nigerian Bar. Ms. Asein actively engages as a speaker and facilitator at various industry events,
training programs, and workshops. Her impactful contributions continue to shape the trajectory of fashion law, not only in Africa but also on a global scale.
Learn, Network, and Lead the way in Shaping the Future of the Creative Industry Law in Africa.