Meet Nkechi Hokstad: finalist in the 2024 Inspiring Women in Property Awards

Jersey Corporate law expert Nkechi Hokstad is among the women in the UK real estate sector being recognised for their achievements in the 2024 Inspiring Women in Property Awards.

A Finalist - Woman of the Year – Financial and Professional Services, Nkechi has wide experience in corporate and commercial matters, particularly acquisition finance, corporate advisory work and private funds. Her involvement in real estate as an asset class includes advising on some of the largest commercial transactions in London in recent years.

Her broad professional background includes the London Magic Circle, having trained and practised as a finance lawyer at Clifford Chance. Nkechi joined offshore and international law firm Ogier in 2024.

Described by clients as "intelligent, personable and pragmatic in equal measure", Nkechi is seen by many she has worked with as a genuine role model. Throughout her career, Nkechi has built both a successful practice and a platform to make a real difference to others, helping shape careers in both formal and informal settings, and continues to share her passion for supporting women to achieve their potential, both at Ogier and in the wider industry.

Joining Ogier's global Real Estate team

Ogier advises on some of the largest transactions and most complex disputes around the world. 

Within the real estate sector, Ogier works on large and innovative transactions involving real estate in the UK, Europe and beyond. Nkechi's specialism is underlined by experience advising on the structuring of major M&A, corporate and funds transactions in which the underlying asset is in real estate.

Nkechi said: "Our teams across Asia, the Channel Islands, Europe and the Caribbean are all experienced in transactions involving some of London's most recognisable and iconic real estate, advising on all aspects of financing, acquisitions and disposals, with particular expertise in cross-border structuring and advising lenders. 

"I regularly work with a greater range of clients and transactions than would be typical of a London firm counterpart. That means I can gain and share market trends and insights from this rare perspective."

While the commercial real estate sector's conversations continue to centre around muted and unpredictable market conditions, Nkechi has experienced the market's challenges: past transactions include providing Jersey law advice in the acquisition of London landmark Dolphin Square, one of the UK's largest private residential schemes, and the £1 billion development of the UK's largest all-electric net-zero carbon office scheme. 

Providing Jersey law expertise in London

Building her Jersey practice from London, Nkechi emphasises the advantages of using Jersey structures. 

"Jersey is popular due to its proximity to European financial markets, sophisticated infrastructure, transparency and appropriate regulation.

"Clients look to Ogier to add real value to clients and onshore advisers by providing excellent legal advice, being commercial and pragmatic, and delivering deals on time."

A client-focused approach

Nkechi also works alongside corporate administration specialists at Ogier Global, which means ready access to a team whose capabilities cover general entity management and corporate services, with particular expertise in the administration of structures in the debt capital markets, private wealth and real estate sectors, should clients require it. 

"We're first and foremost a people business. The emphasis is on collaboration for the benefit of clients and their transactions, so we all work very closely. Now we've moved to a new office space at St Helen's Place, it's even easier for me to introduce my colleagues whose specialisms are in BVI, Cayman, Guernsey or Irish law. 

"As lawyers, everything is driven by the client. We are focused on providing relevant, commercial advice. Responsiveness is key. It's about being smart and pragmatic – that's what clients are looking for."

The Inspiring Women in Property Awards will be announced in October.