Principal Partner
David E. Umem, Esq.
Human development is the highest form of development, and the greatest innovations emerge from the potential of the human mind.
David E. Umem provides strategic leadership and legal expertise across the firm's diverse practice areas. A seasoned lawyer and advocate, he combines a strong background in law, organisational management, financial administration, and international consultancy to deliver innovative solutions for clients, institutions, and communities.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree and a Diploma in Accounting, giving him a distinctive foundation in both legal practice and financial management. This interdisciplinary perspective enables him to approach complex commercial and regulatory matters with a balanced understanding of legal risk, operational realities, and strategic decision-making.
David's professional journey extends beyond traditional legal practice. He has served in leadership roles within international organisations, including as Program Manager at WN International, Brazil, and as a Board Member of Land of Hope, Denmark, and Children Philanthropy, Singapore. These engagements have provided him with significant experience in governance, international collaboration, stakeholder management, and mission-driven leadership.
He is also widely recognised as the Founder and Executive Director of the African Children's Aid Education and Development Foundation (ACAEDF), home to the internationally known Land of Hope Children's Center. Through this work, he has led transformative initiatives focused on child welfare, education, community development, and social justice across Africa.
His contributions to the legal profession, humanitarian service, and community development have been acknowledged through numerous national and international awards and recognitions.
At Parah, Chen and King LLP, David's philosophy is rooted in the conviction that human development is the highest form of development, and that the greatest innovations emerge from the potential of the human mind. This philosophy informs his approach to legal practice, leadership, mentorship, and institutional growth.
His dual commitment to legal excellence and social impact continues to shape the firm's culture and strengthen its mission of using the law as a tool for sustainable progress.
Practice Focus
Managing Partner
Grace Kalu, Esq.
Grace Kalu serves as the Managing Partner of Parah, Chen and King LLP, where she leads the firm's operations, strategy, and client engagement with a blend of legal precision, commercial intelligence, and transformative leadership.
Her practice reflects a rare intersection of corporate law, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, technology, and digital strategy, positioning her as a trusted adviser to businesses, founders, investors, and institutions navigating complex legal and commercial environments.
Grace is a First-Class graduate of the Nigerian Law School and holds a Master of Laws (LL.M). She is also pursuing an MBA at the Lagos Business School, further strengthening her ability to integrate sophisticated legal analysis with business strategy, financial decision-making, and organisational leadership.
Her professional reputation has earned significant national and continental recognition. She has been named among the Top 15 Under 40 Lawyers in Nigeria, recognised as one of the 50 Leading Female Lawyers in Nigeria, and honoured as one of the 25 Africans Changing the Face of Education and Creating Sustainable Impact in Africa (2023).
These recognitions reflect not only her legal accomplishments, but also her broader influence in innovation, leadership, education, and sustainable development.
At Parah, Chen and King LLP, Grace channels this award-winning drive into advancing the firm's mission of delivering exceptional legal services while fostering innovation, equity, institutional excellence, and long-term impact for clients and communities alike.
She is particularly known for bringing a commercially strategic lens to legal advisory, helping clients translate regulatory complexity into practical business opportunities and actionable growth strategies.
Practice Focus