Head of Legal - Litigation at Equity Bank Kenya

Job Purpose

The Head of Litigation at Equity Bank Kenya Limited will be responsible for overseeing and managing all litigation matters involving the bank. This includes, but not is limited to disputes with customers, employees, vendors, and external parties. The role involves providing expert legal guidance to ensure efficient and effective dispute resolution, managing the bank's litigation portfolio, and developing case management strategies. 

The position also requires close collaboration with external counsel, the creation of litigation processes and procedures, and monitoring the progress of ongoing cases. Additionally, the Head of Litigation will assess the impact of legal matters on the bank, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and mitigate any legal risks that could affect the bank's operations or reputation.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation Management:

• Oversee all litigation cases involving the Bank, including civil, criminal, and regulatory matters.
• Develop and implement litigation strategies, managing the defense of the bank in lawsuits and regulatory actions.
• Ensure the timely and cost-effective resolution of disputes.

Legal Risk Management:

• Identify and assess legal risks associated with the bank's operations and transactions.
• Advise senior management on potential litigation risks and recommend actions to mitigate them.
• Develop and enforce policies and procedures to minimize legal risks.

Coordination with External Counsel:

• Engage, instruct, and manage external legal counsel for complex litigation cases.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness of external counsel.
• Approve legal fees and disbursements related to litigation matters.

Advisory and Compliance Support:

• Provide expert legal advice on regulatory compliance, contractual disputes, and contentious matters.
• Ensure the bank remains compliant with legal and regulatory requirements affecting its operations.
• Collaborate with the compliance team to address regulatory enforcement issues.

Litigation Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all litigation cases.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior management and the board on the status of litigation cases and potential risks.
• Ensure compliance with the bank’s internal policies and procedures in all litigation matters.

Team Management and Development:

• Lead and manage the litigation team within the legal department.
• Mentor and train junior legal staff, enhancing their skills in dispute and litigation management.
• Allocate resources and manage workloads to ensure the efficient delivery of legal services.
• Conduct performance evaluations, identify skill gaps, and recommend training and development programs.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) from a recognized university. Master’s degree or specialization in Commercial Law, Banking Law, or Corporate Law is preferred.
• Professional Qualifications: Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate and membership in the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). Certification in arbitration or mediation is an asset. Additional qualifications in commercial law, contracts, or financial law are advantageous.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of post-admission experience in litigation and dispute resolution, with significant expertise in banking and financial services litigation.
• Leadership: At least 5 years of experience in a senior management role within a legal or litigation team.