Legal Assistant at Old Mutual Kenya

Job Description

• The Legal Assistant provides essential support to the Legal and Compliance Department of the insurance company by assisting in legal documentation, regulatory compliance, litigation support, risk management, and stakeholder coordination. The role ensures the company operates within the framework of applicable Kenyan laws, insurance regulations, and internal policies.
• The Legal Assistant will work closely with internal departments (such as claims, underwriting, and finance), external legal counsel, and regulatory bodies such as the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA). Key duties include legal research, contract review, compliance monitoring, document management, and supporting internal legal awareness.
• This position requires a detail-oriented, organized, and proactive individual with foundational legal knowledge and an understanding of the Kenyan insurance and regulatory environment.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Claims Management:

• Review, evaluate and give legal opinions on liability claims including personal injury, property damage, and third-party recoveries
• Assess merits of claims and advise on appropriate strategies including settlement, litigation, or repudiation
• Draft legal letters, settlement agreements, and legal notices relating to claims resolution
• Conduct all initial research and provide information to the Lawyer
• Draft the first copy of legal documents
• Manage all administrative responsibilities in the legal office
• Raising payments and assisted inputting client data into client online files and reached out to clients on updates and handling queries

  Litigation Oversight:

• Following up on court cases involving the company including defense and recovery suits
• Responsible for ensuring that the court diary is well maintained and always up to date
• Liaise with external advocates and monitor progress of claims-related litigation to ensure effective representation and timely reporting
• Visiting the registry to get updates on the company matters pending in court and judgments and rulings
• Assisting in the preparation of court pleadings, affidavits, and other litigation documents
• Liaising with external advocates handling cases for the company
• Coordinating court attendances, hearings, and filing deadlines
• Maintaining and updating litigation trackers

Risk & Compliance:

• Handle claims in compliance with relevant insurance laws, regulations, policy terms, and industry practices
• Maintain updated records and reports of ongoing and concluded matters
• Maintain an up-to-date compliance calendar and track deadlines
• Ensure timely escalation of compliance issues to the Legal Counsel, Risk & Compliance Manager

Internal Support & Training:

• Respond to internal queries on legal procedures, policy compliance, or documentation
• Conduct internal legal training and sensitization on claims processes, court procedures, and compliance requirements
• Booking appointed and coordinated appointments and meeting be it virtual or physical

  Stakeholder Engagement:

• Provide legal documentation on large or complex claims as required
• Assisting in reaching out to clients when they are required before court as witnesses in good time
• Collaborating and reaching out to service providers i.e. investigators, advocates, brokers and other claims professionals to support defensible claims
• Respond to legal queries from external shareholders regarding claims issues and updates
• Communicate with clients, gathering necessary documents and information to begin building a case
• Track deliverables such as court dates, pleadings, legal opinions, and timelines

 SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• In-depth knowledge of insurance law, civil procedure, and claims handling
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• High integrity and strong professional ethics
• Proficiency in legal research and drafting
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple matters simultaneously
• Familiarity with the Advocates Remuneration Order and Civil Procedure Act

KEY PERFORMANCE INIDCATORS (KPIs)

• Compliance with regulatory/legal reporting requirements
• Turnaround time in claims litigation processes
• Timeliness and quality of support in preparing legal opinions on claims
• Accuracy and completeness of litigation documentation
• Turnaround time in supporting claims litigation processes
• Efficiency in legal cost tracking and administrative support for budget management

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Diploma in Law from a recognized university
• At least 5–7 years of post-school experience in legal practice, preferably with focus on insurance litigation, claims, or corporate law
• Experience in an insurance company or legal practice handling insurance matters is highly desirable
• Additional training in insurance law, compliance, or risk management
• Strong understanding of Kenyan Insurance Law and relevant legislation (Insurance Act, IRA Regulations), Legal drafting and document review procedures and Court processes and litigation support