Our Story
The firm was founded in 1989 by Jean-Claude Yapi Sombo. A few years later, he was joined by Kouao Viviane as a partner. She notably contributed to the firm’s development and reputation in insurance law. It was during this period that the firm became known as SOMBO KOUAO.
In 2017, Williams Sombo joined the firm as Managing Partner. In 2022, two new partners, Guy-Serge Aké and Bérenger Awanan, further strengthened the partnership.
This new chapter led the firm to adopt the name SOMBO KOUAO AKE AWANAN (SKAA).
In an environment where regulations evolve rapidly—and where legal certainty, investment protection and the effective enforcement of laws remain paramount—SKAA delivers integrated, cross-disciplinary expertise in business law.
From structuring transactions to securing contractual relationships and defending our clients’ interests in litigation, we support them at every stage of their business activities.
The firm is built around two complementary areas, Advisory and Litigation,supported by a team of 15 lawyers and legal specialists with focused expertise. They assist clients seamlessly across both preventive and contentious matters.
This organisation allows us to deliver clear, effective legal solutions with real added value. Thanks to this approach and our close client relationships, SKAA has become
a well-established and trusted name in Côte d’Ivoire’s legal market.