Legal Officer Commercial at Equity Bank Kenya

Position Overview:

The Commercial Legal Officer, reporting to the General Manager Commercial Legal, serves as a vital member of the wider Group Legal Function. The role focuses on providing expert legal support to the Group Commercial Legal Department, managing intricate legal matters, facilitating contract negotiations, overseeing legal projects, and contributing significantly to Equity Group's overall legal risk management.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary liaison for internal business teams and subsidiary legal units, addressing their legal queries and concerns promptly and efficiently.
• Offer high-level legal assistance to the Commercial Legal department and various business units, ensuring legal compliance and strategic guidance.
• Manage intricate legal affairs, including but not limited to contract negotiations and dispute resolution, employing sharp legal acumen and negotiation skills.
• Spearhead legal projects, ensuring seamless execution, timely follow-ups, and transactional momentum, thereby contributing to the company’s strategic objectives.
• Contribute significantly to the development and implementation of robust legal risk management strategies and processes, safeguarding the company's interests and compliance requirements.
• Assist in creating and maintaining legal precedents, standard forms, and templates, ensuring consistency and accuracy in legal documentation.
• Support legal due diligence activities related to counterparties and undertake in-depth research, preparing comprehensive legal opinions that aid informed decision-making.
• Actively participate in knowledge management initiatives within the Group Legal Function, including organizing training sessions, creating legal precedents, researching, and implementing cutting-edge legal technology tools for enhanced operational efficiency.
• Stay updated with the latest changes in laws and regulations, disseminating pertinent information to the Group Legal Commercial team, ensuring the company's ongoing compliance.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsels and service providers, ensuring efficient collaboration and adherence to the company's standards.
• Assist in preparing detailed reports and status updates on various legal matters, ensuring transparency and clarity in communication.
• Administer the operational efficiency of the Group Legal team, streamlining processes, implementing best practices, and fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Undertake additional assignments as required by the General Manager Commercial Legal, demonstrating adaptability and a proactive approach to fulfilling the company's legal requirements.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Exceptional legal research and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency in legal project management and multitasking.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy in legal documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently when required.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum Five (5) years’ experience in a busy Corporate Organization or Commercial Law Firm
• Bachelor of Laws Degree from any recognized University
• Post Graduate Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law
• Must be admitted to the Bar in Kenya for minimum Five (5) years.
• Master’s degree in Commercial or Corporate Law will be an added advantage.
• Previous experience in a Group set up will be an added advantage.