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Not every revolution wears robes and speak legal jargons. Some are ignited by a spark of curiosity and the confidence to create something new. Such a spark spurred April Ernest to envision contemporary legal practice differently, not only as a code of rules but also as a vehicle for mentorship and value-driven leadership.
Since becoming Managing Partner of Novus Law and Advisory Group, April has transformed the once modest one-person practice into one of the most vibrant law and investment advisory firms of Tanzania with presences in both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Beginning with a seminal childhood experience in a courtroom, she was influenced by a family of assertive women, early ambition as a leader accompanied by an extensive immersion in legal education.
From boarding school to St. Augustine University and from volunteering in international legal communities to gaining trust in high-profile law firms, April's career has been defined by discipline and depth.
When she transitioned her previous firm into Novus that means ‘new’ in Latin, April wasn't just launching a brand, rather she was constructing a vision that offers a secure, welcoming and forward-looking environment to young legal professionals.
Today, Novus succeeds not only due to its services, but due to its heart. With awards such as Best Consulting Firm of the Year 2025 and Top 100 Executives to Watch, April's success is plentiful but her greatest victory is still the difference she's making i.e., one future leader at a time.
What key experiences during your education and early career helped shape your path in law?
My educational journey has been fairly traditional. I attended boarding school and later enrolled at St. Augustine University in Mwanza. I met many young, driven law students, some of whom were already initiating projects and activities that sparked my interest and reaffirmed my commitment to the legal field.
During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to explore international law in greater depth and engage with international universities and societies. These experiences expanded my perspective and shaped my ambition for the kind of legal practice I wanted to pursue.
After graduating, it was a natural step to enter law school, followed by joining a professional law firm led by a former president of the law society. At a young age, I was entrusted with significant responsibilities. I learned on the ground while being mentored by experienced professionals who recognized my potential, as well as the dedication I had shown through prior volunteer work and active participation in various initiatives. Those early opportunities played a key role in shaping my legal career.
Don’t confine yourself to the limits you think your business or position should stay within, explore how you can combine different ideas and disciplines, because curiosity is what initiates and sustains growth throughout your journey
What led you to establish Novus Law and Advisory Group?
My inspiration stems from early personal experiences, particularly witnessing a family legal matter that brought me into a courtroom as a child. That moment sparked my interest in law. I was raised in a self-driven family, with strong women and a mother in leadership roles who greatly influenced me.
Leadership came naturally. I took on roles throughout school and university, guided by mentors who helped shape my path. Today, I’m an investment advisor, lawyer, and legal consultant with a corporate commercial background, practicing in Tanzania for several years.
Nearly six years ago, I founded a legal and investment advisory firm, now known as Novus Law and Advisory Group, operating in both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. This journey has been deeply shaped by my legal experience and understanding of global business trends.
What inspired the transition from April Ernest Private Law Office to Novus Law?
Novus Law and Advisory Group began as the April Ernest Private Law Office. “Novus”, meaning “new”, reflects our vision of a fresh, inclusive, and empowering legal practice. As a millennial with a Gen Z mindset, I’ve shaped Novus Law into a space where young professionals thrive.
The name came from a brainstorming session with a friend during my early career. After pausing my original practice, we launched Novus a year later, and in four years, it has grown into a thriving brand. Leading Novus has helped me grow as a legal and business leader, training young lawyers, expanding services, and using KPIs to retain talent for long-term success.
Unlike my earlier desk roles, this journey is dynamic and fulfilling. Novus serves as a launchpad for young talent finding their voice. Clients appreciate my storytelling approach, rooted in my arts and communications background, which strengthens our brand. I’ve also served as a director in private organizations, and Novus has grown entirely through word of mouth—proof of our impact.
What milestones define your journey? What mantra drives your success?
Some key turning points in my journey include early recognition at a major law firm, which gave me foundational tools I still use today. Leading and mentoring young lawyers as they grow into stronger professionals has also been vital. Over the past five years, I transformed a small investment advising setup into Novus Law and Advisory Group, a respected legal practice, showing that women can thrive in this complex field. Recently, we won the Best Consulting Firm of the Year 2025 (Africa), and I’ve been honored as one of the Top 100 Executives to Watch and among Tanzania’s Top 100 Sheroes.
I live by two mantras: “Take it easy. Life is very good”, which helps me stay grounded, and a painting in my office of a warrior woman on an elephant reminding me to “be the elephant in the room”.
What future trends in business law are you most excited about?
I’m optimistic about the future of the business law landscape. Beyond geographical and economic factors, access to education and information today is far more dynamic. Young legal minds can now align themselves with emerging global trends in areas like international relations, trade, and even AI.
I believe sectors such as ICT and data privacy will increasingly shape the way we do business and engage with one another. Looking ahead, industries like construction, infrastructure, agriculture, and mining, especially critical minerals, are set to grow significantly.
April Ernest, Managing Partner, Novus Law Advisory Group
April Ernest is the Managing Partner of Novus Law and Advisory Group, with deep experience in corporate-commercial law, investment advisory and legal leadership. April's expertise lies in developing value-oriented legal solutions and mentoring up-and-coming professionals from Tanzania and beyond.
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