Legal Officer at Sidian Bank

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

Litigation and Complaints Management

• Assist in management of the Bank’s court cases by working with external counsels to ensure proper documentation is filed in Court, appropriate witnesses are called and the Bank’s interests are protected at all stages of litigation through adequate legal representation;
• Negotiating out of court settlements to reduce Bank’s litigation thereby reducing the Bank’s exposure;
• Responding to demand letters and customer enquiries to minimize the chances of escalation to court and to maintain relationships with the customers;
• Processing payment of Advocate’s fees for litigation services offered and negotiating the same;
• Respond to demand letters and complaints as received;
• Updating the Litigation tracker and records;
• Proper filing of all correspondences;
• Review of existing securities in NPL and recommend remedial action as necessary; and
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time

Legal Advisory and Monitoring changes/reviews in Law and Case law.

• Undertaking legal research and writing legal opinions on existing and emerging legal issues that may have an impact on its business;
• Monitoring changes/reviews in Law and Case law to ensure that the Bank’s security documents are up to date and comply with those changes/reviews;
• Review of existing and new laws to ensure that the bank’s security documents are up to date and comply with the changes/reviews; and
• Monitor changes or reviews in law and ensure implementation/application where necessary.

Reports 

• Assist to provide periodical reports and ensure maintenance of reports with respect to all litigation matters and demand letters received e.g ALCO and MANCOM Reports; and
• Keep updated trackers for bank’s litigation and conveyancing matters.

Leases

• Periodic review of Bank Branch leases;
• Timely identification of leases due to expire within six months and make necessary arrangement at commencing the renewal or termination process (whichever is applicable);
• Monitor the negotiation process and ensure timely correspondence with respective Landlords to effect renewal or termination (whichever is applicable); and
• Updating the Leases tracker to ensure up to date detail.

Other duties: 

• Review contracts assigned or any other documentation where the Bank has committed itself and assess legal implications that need to be brought to the executive management’s attention.

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY

• Decision on management of conveyance and litigation matters are to be made by the job holder in consultation with the supervisor.

Decision making – 

• Appointing an Advocate to handle a court matter- Position holder to select an advocate based on general handling and management of previous instructions issued to them and professional indemnity cover. Recommend selection to the supervisor for confirmation.
• Position holder reviews conveyance completion documents and gives recommendations for actioning by the respective business and branch units.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

• Bachelor of Laws Degree;
• Post-graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least one- year post admission experience in provision of legal services specifically litigation and conveyancing

SKILLS & COMPETNCIES

• Knowledge and expertise in legal and banking sector;
• Proficient in legal issues relating to financial services; 
• Ability to work consistently with others to achieve goals through teamwork.  
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills in a collaborative context;
• Able to work in alliance with people at various levels and from diverse backgrounds; and Innovative, resourceful flexible, result-oriented and optimistic.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

• Bachelor of Laws from a recognized University;
• Post graduate Diploma from Kenya School of Law.