Assistant Advocate – Litigation & Debt Recovery at Orchid HR Outsourcing

Job Purpose

• Our client is seeking a competent, proactive and results-driven Assistant Advocate with strong litigation and debt recovery experience. The successful candidate will handle assigned matters from initial instructions through resolution, including drafting pleadings, attending court, advising clients and pursuing debt recovery matters.
• The position requires an Advocate who can work independently, manage competing deadlines and maintain a high standard of professional and ethical conduct.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage litigation matters from commencement through hearing, judgment, execution or settlement.
• Draft, review and file pleadings, affidavits, witness statements, written submissions, applications, notices, legal opinions and other court documents.
• Attend court mentions, hearings, tribunals, arbitrations, mediations and other dispute-resolution proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and advise on litigation strategy, legal risks and available remedies.
• Prepare demand letters, statutory notices, settlement agreements and other debt recovery documentation.
• Manage debt recovery files, including engaging debtors, negotiating payment arrangements and following up on agreed settlement plans.
• Institute and follow through appropriate recovery and enforcement proceedings.
• Liaise with clients, witnesses, court registries, auctioneers, process servers, investigators and other relevant parties.
• Maintain accurate case files, court diaries, limitation dates and other critical legal deadlines.
• Provide clients with timely updates on the progress and outcome of their matters.
• Prepare regular litigation and debt recovery status reports.
• Review evidence and supporting documents and prepare witnesses for hearings.
• Support the development of case strategies and settlement recommendations.
• Ensure all assigned matters are handled in accordance with applicable laws, court procedures and professional standards.
• Undertake any other legal duties assigned by the supervising Advocate or Partners.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Laws degree from a recognized university.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
• Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
• Possession of a valid practising certificate.
• At least two years’ post-admission experience, preferably gained in a busy litigation-oriented law firm.
• Demonstrated experience in civil and commercial litigation.
• Practical experience handling debt recovery matters.
• Strong experience drafting pleadings, submissions, applications, legal opinions and professional correspondence.
• Good working knowledge of Kenyan civil procedure, court processes, evidence and debt recovery procedures.
• Experience using court e-filing and case-management systems.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong legal drafting, research and analytical skills.
• Confident courtroom presentation and advocacy skills.
• Effective negotiation and dispute-resolution abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong organisation, file-management and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and work within strict deadlines.
• Sound professional judgment and attention to detail.
• High levels of integrity, confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Client-focused, proactive and results-oriented approach.