OVEDJE RORY OVEDJE, ESQ.

Ovedje Rory Ovedje, Esq. is the Founder of Leap Wise LP, a technology-focused law firm advising businesses at the intersection of law, technology, data and innovation.

Rory's practice focuses on data protection and privacy, technology law, AI governance, and regulatory compliance, with additional experience in civil and commercial litigation. She advises businesses, technology companies, founders and organisations on navigating regulatory requirements, managing legal risk and building responsible technology practices.

Her experience includes supporting clients on data protection compliance across Nigeria and the United Kingdom, developing privacy and AI governance frameworks, conducting compliance audits, advising on cross-border data protection issues, and translating complex regulatory requirements into practical compliance strategies.

Rory also brings a litigation background to her technology and regulatory practice. She has represented clients in civil and commercial disputes, managed litigation matters from pre-action through trial, and advised on legal risks, remedies and litigation strategy.

Her professional interests extend to AI governance, blockchain, cybersecurity, technology policy and privacy-by-design. She has contributed to publications on AI and data protection and has mentored emerging professionals on ethical AI innovation, responsible data use and technology governance.

Practice Areas

• Data Protection & Privacy
• Technology & Digital Law
• AI Governance & Emerging Technologies
• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Advisory
• Civil & Commercial Litigation

Experience

• Founder | Leap Wise LP — Leads a technology-focused legal practice advising businesses on data protection, technology, AI governance, regulatory compliance and commercial legal risks.
• Legal Associate | Chief O. A. Orugbo & Co. — Advises and represents clients in civil and commercial disputes, with responsibility for legal research, litigation strategy, pleadings, motions, affidavits, written addresses and broader case management.
• Associate | PrivaLex Advisory — Worked on cross-border data protection and compliance initiatives involving Nigeria's NDPA and the UK's GDPR, including privacy assessments, data protection playbooks, privacy policies and AI governance frameworks.
• Legal Intern, Data Protection | Olumide Babalola LP — Conducted NDPA compliance audits for corporate and academic institutions and coordinated a pro bono data protection audit initiative for SMEs and NGOs.

Education & Qualifications

• Master of Laws (LL.M.) — University of Benin (ongoing)
• Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) — Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus (2024)
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) — Obafemi Awolowo University (2022)

Professional Recognition

• Africa's Legal Rising Stars — Technology Law Category, Lawverse (2025)
• Certificate of Recognition — Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus (2024)
• Certificate of Excellence — SRC Judiciary, Nigerian Law School (2024)

Selected Certifications & Training

• ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor
• Data Protection — PrivaLex Advisory
• AI Governance & Security — Securiti
• Privacy Operations — Securiti
• Web3 MBA — SheFi
• Venture Deals — Techstars
• Startup Investor Fundamentals — The Investor Side

Insights & Publications

Rory writes and speaks on data protection, AI governance, emerging technology regulation and digital policy. Selected publications include:

• What Legal Support Does Your Startup Actually Need? A Stage-by-Stage Guide for Founders — Leap Wise LP
• How to Prepare Your Data Room for Investor Due Diligence — Leap Wise LP
• Rebalancing the Scales: Data Subject Rights in an Era of Controller Dominance — SSRN

Connect with Rory

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ovedjerory