Associate, Dispute Resolution

Job title : Associate, Dispute Resolution

The position requires sound judgment, strong advocacy, and practical problem-solving to mitigate legal risk and protect the interests of the Group. It also involves working closely with business units and portfolio companies to identify and address potential disputes early, fostering proactive issue management and resolution

Responsibilities

• Ensure the effective management of all litigation, arbitration, and ADR cases involving the
• Group and its portfolio companies, providing strategic direction to achieve efficient and favourable outcomes.
• Represent and protect the Group’s position in all contentious matters, ensuring associated risks are identified and mitigated.
• Review pleadings, court documents, and legal opinions prepared by external counsel to ensure accuracy, quality, and alignment with the Group’s objectives.
• Advise internal stakeholders on potential dispute risks, contract interpretation issues, and strategies for risk mitigation.
• Manage relationships with external solicitors, ensuring compliance with agreed service levels, effective cost control, and regular reporting on case progress and risk exposure.
• Work with portfolio company legal and management teams to identify, monitor, and manage issues that could escalate into disputes, providing early legal intervention and practical advice.
• Support the development and implementation of case strategies, settlement approaches, and negotiation positions in line with business objectives.
• Act as liaison with regulatory, enforcement, and investigative agencies on matters requiring legal intervention, supporting the management of inquiries and investigations involving the Group or its portfolio companies.
• Provide legal guidance to ensure adherence to proper legal processes in handling regulatory or quasi-judicial proceedings.
• Keep abreast of relevant legal developments, court pronouncements, and industry trends including labour and employment matters that may affect ongoing or potential disputes.
• Share insights and lessons learned from past cases to strengthen institutional knowledge and improve future risk management.
• Provide legal support on contentious operational issues across business functions such as HR, finance, and operations, offering practical and commercially sound guidance.
• Prepare and present periodic reports on active cases, key risks, and emerging dispute trends for review by the General Counsel and senior management.
• Serve on project teams and participate in cross-functional initiatives requiring legal input or dispute-related expertise.

Must have skills

• Strong understanding of dispute resolution processes, litigation procedure, and ADR mechanisms.
• Excellent written and verbal advocacy, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Commercial awareness and ability to balance legal risk with business objectives.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience working with external counsel and regulators.
• Proven integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive matters.

Qualifications

• First degree in Law (LL.B).
• Admission to the Nigerian Bar with valid registration at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
• Minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years’ post-call experience, with substantial exposure to dispute resolution, litigation, and regulatory matters.
• Experience managing external counsel and handling disputes within or on behalf of corporate organisations.
• Strong understanding of Nigerian procedural law and familiarity with arbitration and mediation practices.
• In-house counsel experience or prior work with a reputable law firm will be an advantage.