Legal Officer

Job title : Legal Officer

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will (but is not limited to):

• Provide legal advice and guidance to the organization and clients on corporate, commercial, regulatory, and litigation matters. 
• Draft, review, negotiate, and vet contracts, agreements, memoranda, legal opinions, policies, and other legal documents.
• Represent clients in courts, tribunals, arbitration, mediation, and other dispute resolution proceedings.
• Prepare and file court processes, including pleadings, motions, affidavits, written addresses, appeals, and other legal documents.
• Conduct comprehensive legal research and provide sound legal opinions and recommendations on complex legal issues.
• Manage litigation matters from commencement through judgment and enforcement while ensuring compliance with court rules and timelines.
• Attend court sittings, client meetings, negotiations, and case conferences as required.
• Advise clients on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, company secretarial matters, and commercial transactions.
• Conduct legal due diligence and support corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and business restructuring where applicable.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, government agencies, external counsel, and other stakeholders on legal and compliance matters.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies while identifying and mitigating legal risks.
• Maintain accurate records of legal documents, contracts, case files, and statutory filings.
• Monitor developments in legislation, case law, and regulatory requirements and provide timely updates to clients or management.
• Participate in contract negotiations and assist in resolving contractual disputes.
• Support debt recovery, employment matters, and other legal proceedings as required.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients while ensuring excellent service delivery.
• Assist in developing legal strategies to protect the interests of clients and the organization.
• Prepare periodic legal reports, case status updates, and management reports.
• Perform any other legal duties as may be assigned by the Head of Legal or Managing Partner.

Requirement

• LL.B and B.L. qualifications with a valid Call to the Nigerian Bar.
• 2–3 years post-call experience with hands-on experience in both Corporate and Litigation Practice.
• Strong knowledge of Nigerian corporate and litigation laws.
• Excellent legal drafting, research, advocacy, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Required Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of Corporate and Commercial Law.
• Sound understanding of Civil and Criminal Litigation procedures.
• Excellent legal drafting, advocacy, and negotiation skills.
• Strong legal research and analytical abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and meet court deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.