Wehliye Law Firm provides comprehensive legal support to individuals, businesses, non-governmental organisations and public institutions operating within Somalia's evolving legal framework.

The firm integrates Somali statutory law with customary legal practice to offer solutions that are legally sound, culturally appropriate and strategically effective. We work across civil and criminal litigation, commercial and property law, corporate advisory, regulatory compliance, contract drafting, real estate transactions, data protection, anti-money laundering frameworks, notarial services, NGO legal advisory, and legal support for donor-funded projects.

Our legal team consists of advocates, consultants and support professionals who work together to deliver tailored, results-driven legal services. We maintain relationships with Somali institutions and international partners, which allows us to offer cross-border legal insight while remaining rooted in the Somali legal context.

Office
Via Londra Street, behind Banaadir Regional Court, Mogadishu, Somalia
Office hours
Saturday to Thursday, 08:00–17:00 (EAT). Friday closed.
Practice areas
Nine, listed under Services
Languages
Somali and English
Clients
Private individuals, Somali and international enterprises, development organisations and NGOs, financial institutions and government bodies

Three core service areas

Where the practice is concentrated.

Litigation and dispute resolution

Representation before the courts, and conflict resolution that accounts for customary practice.

Corporate, commercial and regulatory advisory

Supporting business growth through legal clarity, licensing and compliance.

Real estate, contracts and NGO legal support

Securing transactions and enabling development and humanitarian initiatives.

Vision

To be the leading legal partner for Somali businesses, organisations and individuals, recognised for integrity, innovation and excellence.

Mission

To deliver accessible, culturally relevant and business-oriented legal services that support Somali entrepreneurs, individuals and institutions.

Background

Why the firm exists.

Somalia's legal framework has been shaped by decades of institutional disruption, overlapping legal systems and limited regulatory enforcement, with statutory law and customary (Xeer) practice operating side by side. Many legal processes lack formal procedure, and access to qualified legal professionals remains limited across the country.

Businesses and organisations face real difficulty securing legal protection, resolving disputes and complying with regulatory requirements. They contend with unclear licensing procedures, weak contract enforcement and limited guidance on compliance. NGOs and development actors face the same uncertainty when navigating registration, licensing and reporting obligations.

Wehliye Law Firm was established to address these gaps: to provide structured, professional and accessible legal services that respond to Somalia's particular legal conditions. We support individuals, businesses and institutions with legal solutions that are practical, enforceable and aligned with both Somali law and international standards where relevant.

Over 70% of Somali businesses operate informally.

Disputes over land, contracts and governance are common and often unresolved, and investor confidence is constrained by legal uncertainty. In this environment, reliable legal guidance is a precondition for stability, growth and development.

People

The partners.

Both partners take instructions directly. There is no layer between the client and the lawyer handling the file.

Ibrahim Mohamud Arale

Managing Partner

Ibrahim Mohamud Arale

Leads the firm's strategy, client relationships and matter supervision. His practice covers commercial disputes, corporate advisory work and institutional clients.

  • Commercial disputes and corporate advisory
  • Client and matter supervision
  • Somali and English
Mohamed Nor Hassan

Partner Lawyer

Mohamed Nor Hassan

Advocate and legal consultant. Advises on litigation, legal drafting and regulatory matters, and has contributed to law reform drafting supported by development partners.

  • Litigation, drafting and regulatory advice
  • Legislative drafting and law reform
  • Legal education and training

Guiding principles

Four commitments the firm holds itself to.

Expertise

Grounded in Somali law and aligned with global legal standards.

Accessibility

Responsive, client-focused and solution-oriented service.

Integrity

Ethical, transparent and accountable legal practice.

Impact

Contributing to legal development and institutional strengthening in Somalia.

Why choose us

We act as strategic partners, not only as legal practitioners.

01

Client-centred solutions

We offer legal strategies that align with your goals. Our team takes the time to understand your context, whether personal, commercial or institutional, and delivers solutions that are practical, culturally attuned and legally sound.

02

Excellence without compromise

Quality is central to our work. From litigation to advisory services, we hold to professional standards that reflect precision, fairness and impact.

03

Trust and transparency

Our reputation rests on integrity. We build long-term relationships through honest communication, ethical practice and consistent delivery, and we remain accountable to our clients throughout.

04

Value-driven legal support

Legal services should empower rather than burden. Our approach is cost-effective and efficient, focused on measurable value whether you are resolving a dispute, securing a transaction or navigating a regulatory framework.

05

Innovative and accessible

We use technology and modern tools to make legal support more accessible and responsive. Our systems provide secure communication, streamlined processes and timely updates.

Speak to the firm about your matter

Send a short description of the issue and the documents you hold. The office replies with the next step, not a sales pitch.