WHY CHOOSE US
MEET OUR TEAM
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Charné Thompson
Our Founder imbues unconventional thinking with a deep understanding and appreciation of the ever-evolving laws in relation to blockchain technology; tokenisation; commercial negotiations, corporate structuring; data protection; global Anti-Money Laundering; Risk Management Compliance Protocols and regulatory frameworks.
A practicing attorney, with years of valuable international experience. Charné holds BA LAW, LLB, and LLM qualifications; specialising in Web3, Commercial law and Corporate structuring; while servicing clients globally.
In addition, Charné is a member of the Crypto Assets Association of South Africa, International Blockchain Lawyers Forum and has been appointed as the head of the African Chapter for the global organisation Women in Web3 (WiW3CH).
Having successfully guided numerous innovators in the industry, on the legal intricacies surrounding web3 and web4 projects; she is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the on-chain ecosystem.
ai and technology expert
Leanne Maroun
Leanne stands as a legal ally, with a razor-sharp legal mind and an intimate understanding of cutting-edge technologies, she deftly navigates the intricate web of AI governance and technology law. Leanne's commercial acumen empowers clients to turn legal challenges into strategic advantages in the digital age. An admitted attorney and Notary Public of the High Court of South Africa, holding an LLB and LLM with a certificate in Cyber Law. Her expertise encompasses AI governance, data, consumer protection and privacy law; cyber law; music, broadcasting and media law; as well as conducting legal training and workshops.
Leanne started her career at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc, progressing from Candidate Attorney to Associate; She then progressed to Econet Media Limited for broadcast licensing and technology agreements and subsequently served as a legal advisor at Sasfin Bank Limited.
Whether crafting AI governance strategies, ensuring data privacy compliance, or negotiating cutting-edge technology agreements, Leanne brings a forward-thinking approach that anticipates legal challenges.
Correspondent Counsel in Nigeria
Adachukwu Miracle Obodo
Adachukwu Miracle Obodo is a Nigerian-qualified Advocate practising exclusively at the intersection of digital asset regulation, blockchain law, and cross-border compliance. Her practice focuses on advising Web3 founders, token projects, DAOs, exchanges, and international law firms navigating complex regulatory frameworks across Nigeria and key global jurisdictions including the EU, UAE, UK, and US.
Her expertise spans VASP licensing, token classification, AML/KYC compliance frameworks, smart contract advisory, whitepaper reviews, entity structuring, and cross-border digital asset legal opinions. Known for delivering commercially focused legal guidance within accelerated turnaround times, she supports innovative businesses operating within rapidly evolving regulatory environments.
Adachukwu holds an LLB, B.L, and a certificate in Arbitration and ADR. As Correspondent Counsel at TLA, she plays a key role in strengthening the firm’s cross-border digital asset and Web3 legal capabilities across Africa and international markets.
Fintech and Policy expert based in Kenya
Hilda Ritah Mugasia
Hilda Ritah Mugasia is our fintech and policy expert with a strong Kenyan prescence. Her practice spans traditional finance, decentralized finance, AI-era intellectual property management and risk frameworks, and emerging data-as-an-asset models. Dedicated to transforming insights into actionable strategies, she empowers organisations to maximize value in both tangible and intangible assets. As an adept Web3 policy strategist, Ms. Mugasia guides clients through market entry into nascent DeFi ecosystems and designs commercially sound legal strategies that convert regulatory challenges into catalysts for innovation.
Executive administrator
Jessica Dala
With a strong background in law, Jessica serves as a reliable anchor supporting the executive team with meticulous follow-through, swift responses; all while maintaining clear, effective communication across all levels. Jessica's support is essential under our accounts and legal administration.
OUR TRUSTED CLIENTS
"It was an absolute pleasure working with Charné. The level of understanding new concepts, her love of Web 3 and passion for start-ups has no equal. She is an absolute professional and we are proud to have her onboard as fractional CLO."
"Charné serves as CloudSmiths' CLO, bringing sharp, practical legal support to the business. She built out our core commercial framework, including our MSAs and order forms, and handles external contract reviews with speed and precision. What sets her apart is her ability to grasp highly technical concepts and deployment options, asking the right clarifying questions to make sure our contracts actually reflect the complexity of what we build. She’s also been instrumental in protecting our IP, and she gets things back to us faster than any lawyer we’ve worked with."
“TLA provided exceptional service in drafting our partnership agreement—professional, prompt, highly knowledgeable, and incredibly insightful throughout the entire process.”
"It was an absolute pleasure working with Charné. The level of understanding new concepts, her love of Web 3 and passion for start-ups has no equal. She is an absolute professional and we are proud to have her onboard as fractional CLO."
"Charné serves as CloudSmiths' CLO, bringing sharp, practical legal support to the business. She built out our core commercial framework, including our MSAs and order forms, and handles external contract reviews with speed and precision. What sets her apart is her ability to grasp highly technical concepts and deployment options, asking the right clarifying questions to make sure our contracts actually reflect the complexity of what we build. She’s also been instrumental in protecting our IP, and she gets things back to us faster than any lawyer we’ve worked with."
“TLA provided exceptional service in drafting our partnership agreement—professional, prompt, highly knowledgeable, and incredibly insightful throughout the entire process.”
