England: Fake firm rests case on awards glut after winning legal prize

FLF Abiola & Co, which used a photo of actor Danny Glover as its managing partner, was awarded the accolades by Finance Monthly and Corporate INTL in recognition of its “work” on Nollywood films including Yes I Don’t, Tempting Fate and Hunting 4 Hubbies.

However, managing partner “Dennis Abiola” did not actually exist, with “FLF” being a clue to the fact it was a fake law firm.

The fake firm was created last year by Jamie Hamilton, a writer for the Roll on Friday website and included a logo based on male genitalia.

His colleagues nominated him for an award in a category he himself devised: “film financing law firm of the year in Nigeria”.

Mr Hamilton claimed he had structured finances for the films.

Finance Monthly’s award manager said the awards process meant “examining and verifying all documentation and supporting text provided”.

After bestowing the awards, both Finance Monthly and Corporate INTL attempted to sell FLF Abiola & Co advertising space in their magazines.

Mr Hamilton said: “Lawyers don’t have to pay to win an award, but they are strongly encouraged to buy space in the award winners’ magazines. Some lawyers go along with it to burnish their ego. Others want to look successful to clients. The problem is that anyone seeing the award might think it reflected genuine excellence, when my experience suggests that may not be the case.”