Principal Legal Associate (Property) at Britam

Job Purpose and Key responsibilities

The purpose of this role is to assist the Head of Legal in the provision of property legal support to the Business and the effective management of litigation and contractual risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft contractual documents including Leases for Real Estate transactions by the Company.
• Provide Legal Advisory specific to Real Estate and Conveyancing transactions undertaken by the Company.
• Provide Legal Advisory on other requested/assigned matters through the provision of Legal Opinions, Presentations and participation in internal/external meetings.
• Provide pro-active and/or strategic legal solutions to business problems
• Keep abreast on upcoming laws and regulations and advise the business on implications thereof.
• Adhere to and Update the Legal Process Manuals.
• Draft, Negotiate and Review contracts or any other documentation assigned and assess legal implications that need to be brought to the executive management’s attention
• Manage external Advocates handling active briefs through pro-active correspondence
• Instruct Advocates to take up matters on behalf of the Company
• Review advocates legal costs to ensure that the same are within the Advocates Remuneration Order 2014 as well as attempt other cost saving measures
• Prepare and submit status reports within reporting timelines.
• Effective Management of disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, case management, review of pleadings, preparation of witnesses and attendance of court hearings 
• Manage Legal documents and records and facilitate execution of legal documents in line with the Contract Management Policy
• Facilitate and participate in training programmes initiated by the Legal Department
• Attend and Participate in Departmental and Business Unit meetings.
• Assist in taking minutes as requested from time to time.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Knowledge, experience and qualifications required

1. Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B) from a recognized University;
2. Post graduate Diploma from Kenya School of Law
3. An advocate of the High Court of Kenya holding a valid practicing certificate with at least 4 years post admission experience;
4. At least 4 years relevant experience in the conveyancing and/or commercial department of a busy law firm or legal corporate environment.
5. Knowledge and understanding of conveyancing, Real Estate, commercial law and the respective Laws and regulations.

Technical/Functional Competences

•  Knowledge, appreciation and application of legal concepts
• Report-writing ability
• High moral and ethical standing
• Highly motivated and team-player
• Innovative, problem-solver and solution oriented
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)