Alternative Dispute Resolution & Litigation Associate at CR Advocates LLP

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.