Key Duties & Responsibilities
Practice Management
Formulating litigation and ADR strategies, dispensing legal counsel on diverse matters, and harmonizing legal tactics with firm's goals.
Overseeing and effectively monitoring all stages of litigation, from pre-litigation settlement discussions to trial and post-trial activities in adherence to the internal process and the law.
Allocate effective strategies to meet the demands of all active cases and ensure optimal team performance.
Establish performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the litigation team.
Prepare and present regular reports to senior management on the status of ongoing litigation, significant legal developments and departmental achievements.
Case Management
Litigation
Establish and maintain a strong professional relationship with clients, serving as a trusted legal advisor by providing timely and accurate updates on the status of their cases, as well as developments in the law that may affect their legal interests.
Draft and review litigation documents, including but not limited to pleadings, notices, affidavits, and legal correspondences, ensuring clarity, precision, and compliance with legal standards.
Ensure effective case management by overseeing the timely filing of legal documents and strict adherence to court-mandated deadlines.
Conduct negotiations with opposing parties, aiming to settle potentially contentious matters in the best interest of the client, while safeguarding their legal rights and strategic objectives.
Represent clients before courts at all levels, as well as before tribunals and other adjudicatory bodies throughout the country.
Provide comprehensive legal opinions and advisory services on matters arising in litigation matters addressing both procedural and substantive aspects of the law.
Advise clients competently on all legal matters, with a particular focus on corporate and commercial disputes, ensuring that legal strategies are tailored to their specific needs.
Conduct in-depth legal research on a broad range of assigned issues, reviewing relevant documents and case histories to ensure the accuracy and reliability of legal advice and procedural recommendations.
Conduct a thorough assessment of the nature and circumstances of disputes to determine the appropriateness of ADR methods, such as mediation, arbitration, or negotiation, and advise accordingly.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Serve as a mediator when applicable, assisting parties in identifying their underlying interests and working towards a mutually acceptable resolution.
If appointed as an arbitrator, conduct hearings, evaluate evidence, and render a binding decision (award) based on the merits of the case, in accordance with applicable legal frameworks and principles.
Possess deep knowledge of ADR mechanisms, relevant laws, and procedural rules governing the dispute, ensuring that the process is conducted efficiently and in accordance with legal standards.
Assist in drafting legally binding settlement agreements when parties reach a resolution, ensuring that the terms are clear, enforceable, and meet the needs of all involved.
Monitor compliance with the terms of the settlement or arbitration award, and where necessary, facilitate enforcement or offer further assistance in the event of non-compliance or a breach of the agreement.
Educate parties on the benefits and limitations of ADR, promoting the use of alternative mechanisms for dispute resolution as a means of reducing the burden on traditional legal systems.
Minimum Requirements
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya;
Have at least five (5) years of post-admission commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolution experience in a busy law firm;
Have current year (2024) Practicing Certificate;
Certification in Mediation and Arbitration is an added advantage;
Leadership and management experience, with the ability to mentor and develop team members;
Have good communication, presentation and analytical skills;
Ability to manage client expectations and great client interview skills;
High quality research skills and drafting skills;
High level of accuracy and attention to detail;
Problem solving skills and strong team player; and
Client interview skills.