Senior Associate - Dispute Resolution at Clyde & Co

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Associate to join our Dispute Resolution team in Nairobi. The ideal candidate will be a robust litigator with extensive experience navigating complex commercial disputes within the Kenyan court system and through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. This role demands a strategic thinker capable of managing high-stakes mandates with minimal supervision, providing commercially astute legal counsel and leading teams through the full lifecycle of a dispute.

Key Responsibilities

Dispute Strategy and Advocacy

• Formulate comprehensive litigation and settlement strategies that align with clients' broader commercial objectives.
• Represent clients in complex commercial disputes before the Kenyan Courts and local and international arbitrations.
• Draft and review high-quality pleadings, witness statements, applications and legal submissions.
• Handle mentions, applications, and full trials, demonstrating exceptional oral advocacy and technical proficiency.

Client & Matter Management

• Liaise effectively with international law firms and foreign counsel to ensure seamless representation for global clients with interests in the African continent.
• Manage large-scale debt recovery portfolios.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key clients, ensuring the delivery of proactive, high-quality, and cost-effective legal solutions.
• Supervise and mentor junior associates and trainee advocates, overseeing their work product and professional development.
• Manage budgets and timelines for complex matters.

Business Development

• Actively participate in pitching for new mandates.
• Draft legal alerts on emerging trends, legislation and judicial decisions.
• Contribute to the firm’s thought leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Admitted Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practicing certificate and in good standing with the LSK.
• LLB degree (Minimum Second-Class Honors, Upper Division) from a recognized university and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
• Minimum of seven (7) years’ post-admission experience in a busy commercial litigation department, with a proven track record.
• Advanced knowledge of the Civil Procedure Act & Rules, the Arbitration Act and Rules, the Evidence Act and the Appellate Jurisdiction Act.
• Demonstrated experience in managing legal teams and coordinating complex, multi-party disputes.