Manager, Legal Services at Equity Bank Kenya

Job Purpose:

• The job holder will be responsible for ensuring that the Bank’s interests are safeguarded and secured from legal and contractual liability. They are responsible for the effective and efficient management of potential and ongoing Debt Collection litigations filed by and against the Bank, provision of sound legal advisory and the management of related legal risks. Also assist in conducting legal research and reviewing existing and new statutes as well as advising on the new legal issues arising to ensure statutory and contractual compliance by the Bank.
• The role holder shall primarily be responsible for providing legal advice, guiding legal strategy and limit risk exposure to the department's loan portfolio. Safeguard the Bank’s interests through robust legal case management and representation in all legal disputes. Effective and efficient management of potential and ongoing debt collection litigations filed for and against the Bank.

The role is at Senior Manager/ General Manager

Key Accountabilities:

Legal Case Management:

• Safeguard the bank's interests through robust legal case management and representation in all legal disputes. Defending and managing cases filed by and against defaulting debtors, pursuing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and coordinating with external counsel on resolution of cases and recovery of claims.

Debt Collection Litigation:

• Manage potential and ongoing debt collection litigations filed for and against the bank.
• Managing potential litigations and overseeing cases filed by and against the Bank and coordinating with external counsel and cross functional departments on the resolution of the claims.

Legal Strategy Design:

• Design litigation strategies for effectively representing the bank in disputes and coordinate with external advocates.
• Maintaining & constantly updating a record of the Bank’s Litigations and status thereof                                       
• Developing and implementing effective defense strategies, arguments and testimony in preparation for legal proceedings of cases in liaison with external lawyers and assist in the preparation of the required pleadings and regularly update the litigation report. Constant evaluation and monitoring of the Litigation turnaround time (TAT) and liaising with the Company’s external Lawyers in this regard. Attend the Court hearings of critical cases filed by and against the Bank
• Assist in drafting and reviewing bank-wide legal related documentation for use by the Company including loan securities, leases and contracts, and constant evaluation & monitoring of the agreements that the Bank is party to mitigate legal risk of non-compliance with continuing obligations

Legal Document Preparation:

• Draft pleadings and provide legal opinions to management on the strengths and weaknesses of cases. Preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, collating evidence and facilitating preparation of in-house witnesses for pre-trial and hearing, prepare legal briefs and opinions in liaison with the external counsel.
• Maintaining accurate records of all legal matters and disputes and updating the litigation tracker on ongoing litigations being handled by external counsel on behalf of the Bank and providing reports as may be required.
• Update database of all non-debt recovery litigation to ensure the same is consistently updated and provide reports as may be required.
• Ensuring proper filing of and custody of legal documents, agreements and correspondence.

Administrative Responsibilities                                                     

• Handling & exchanging daily correspondence with Branches & other Departments of the Bank
• Review of all demand letters and Statutory notices before Issuance to customers.
• Training staff on Debt Collection, Securities and other matters of a legal nature in liaison or collaboration with external counsel.
• Representing the Collections Department in Company projects that require legal input.
• Responsible for providing legal counsel to the Credit Collections team, participating in strategic initiatives, providing subject matter expertise (in particular, on credit, insolvency and bankruptcy issues) and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advising business management on legal matters impacting the business
• Provides legal support to DRU & Special Assets in its evaluation of distressed situations, including assisting in overall strategy and review of credit/collateral documentation
• In liaison with Head of Collections, instructing external lawyers to sue for recovery of outstanding debts if unsecured or when appropriate
• Liaising with investigators, valuers, debt collectors & external lawyers on debt collection, and instructing external lawyers to sue for recovery of outstanding debts if unsecured or when appropriate

Alternative Dispute Resolution:

• Pursue arbitration, mediation, or negotiation to resolve legal conflicts and manage cases involving defaulting debtors.

Education and Qualifications 

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and a Diploma in Law (KSL); Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
• Member of the Law Society of Kenya in good standing.
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with at least 5 years’ work experience, with at least 3 years practicing in a busy commercial litigation-oriented law firm or in-house legal department of a financial Institution.
• Practical exposure to the CBK prudential guidelines, Insolvency Act, Land Act, and other relevant statutes.

Key Skills and Competencies: 

• Strong legal drafting, negotiation, and litigation skills.
• Deep understanding of credit contracts, security enforcement, and recovery mechanisms.
• Proven ability to manage multiple legal processes efficiently and within deadlines.
• High attention to detail, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative mindset with a results-driven approach. Working knowledge of the legal environment for Banking and general business/commerce in Kenya
• Working knowledge of the lending practice for financial institutions, particularly lending to the different market segments – corporate, SMEs and retail banking
• Working knowledge of business management and banking is acquired through practical experience in a work environment, seminars and courses on business and banking related subjects
• Participant in Continuous Education programs under both the Law Society of Kenya and ICPSK;
• Working knowledge of banking business acquired through working in a banking institution 
• Participation in facility structure meetings, due diligence exercises and management of nonperforming loan portfolio.
• Proven track record in legal risk management and dispute resolution.
• Demonstrate success in managing and closing a variety of litigation matters.