Jobs at Terden Limited

The Junior Litigation Advocate will support the litigation department in managing client cases, appearing in court, conducting legal research, and preparing legal documents. The ideal candidate will be a recently admitted advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a strong grasp of civil and criminal litigation, excellent drafting abilities, and a passion for justice and procedural excellence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, in good standing.
• 1–2 years of post-admission experience, with active involvement in court proceedings.
• Holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized institution and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (KSL).
• Demonstrable experience in litigation (including court appearances, file handling, legal research) and legal drafting (pleadings, contracts, submissions, demand letters, etc.).
• Proficiency in MS Office and legal research tools such as Kenya Law Reports, LexisNexis, or comparable databases.
• Membership with LSK (Law Society of Kenya) and current Practicing Certificate.

Key Responsibilities and Focus Areas:

• Litigation & Court Appearances
• Represent clients in court for mentions, hearings, rulings, and trials under the supervision of a senior advocate.
• Manage litigation files, including drafting pleadings, statements, affidavits, and submissions.
• Attend to court registry matters such as filing, serving court documents, and follow-ups.
• Legal Drafting & Documentation
• Draft high-quality legal documents including contracts, agreements, legal opinions, demand letters, pre-action correspondence, and affidavits.
• Review and analyze legal documents to ensure compliance, correctness, and completeness.
• Prepare well-structured written submissions for court and internal case files.
• Legal Research & Case Strategy
• Conduct in-depth legal research and prepare comprehensive legal briefs and memos.
• Monitor legal precedents, statutes, case law, and regulations that may affect ongoing cases.
• Support in developing litigation strategies in coordination with senior counsel.
• Client Service & Communication
• Maintain regular contact with clients and provide updates on case progress.
• Advise clients on legal rights, obligations, and case strategies under supervision.
• Attend client meetings and participate in negotiations or settlement discussions where applicable.
• Case & File Management
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files, documentation, and tracking logs.
• Ensure deadlines are adhered to, including court timelines, filings, and service requirements.
• Work closely with clerks and support staff to ensure seamless file handling.

Key Behavioral Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking: Applies logic and critical thinking to evaluate facts and draft sound legal arguments.
• Detail-Oriented: Exhibits accuracy in drafting and reviewing legal documents and pleadings.
• Professionalism: Maintains integrity, confidentiality, and ethical practice in all engagements.
• Initiative & Accountability: Proactively manages assigned cases and takes ownership of tasks.
• Courtroom Confidence: Demonstrates calmness and clarity while representing clients in court.
• Communication Skills: Communicates legal ideas clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing.
• Team Player: Collaborates effectively with colleagues and contributes to team success.
• Client Focus: Builds and maintains positive relationships with clients through responsiveness and professionalism.

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• The Junior Advocate – General Law Practice will support the firm in handling a diverse portfolio of legal work, including but not limited to litigation, legal drafting, conveyancing, commercial law, family law, land transactions, and employment law. The ideal candidate will have 2–3 years post-admission experience, be a diligent drafter, and be comfortable with court appearances, with an emphasis on non-criminal matters and expanding the firm’s service offering across broader areas of law.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, in good standing with a valid Practicing Certificate.
• 2–3 years of post-admission experience, preferably in a general practice or boutique law firm.
• Demonstrable strength in legal drafting (contracts, agreements, pleadings, opinions) and moderate litigation experience (court attendance, file management).
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognized university and Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
• Strong knowledge and interest in expanding beyond criminal law to areas such as conveyancing, commercial transactions, employment law, family law, and land and succession matters.
• Proficiency in legal research tools, MS Office, and case management systems.

Key Responsibilities and Focus Areas:

• Legal Drafting (Core Focus Area – ~60%)
• Draft well-structured and accurate legal documents including:
• Contracts and commercial agreements.
• Sale agreements, leases, and conveyancing documents.
• Wills, powers of attorney, affidavits, demand letters, and legal opinions.
• Review client contracts for risks, regulatory compliance, and enforceability.
• Prepare and file pleadings, written submissions, and other litigation documents in various court forums.
• General Litigation Support (20–25%)
• Handle court appearances for civil, family, employment, and succession matters (excluding serious criminal litigation).
• Manage court files from initiation to judgment or settlement.
• Liaise with court registries and clerks to ensure timely filing, service, and tracking of court documents.
• Legal Research & Advisory (10%)
• Conduct legal research and prepare advisory briefs for clients and internal use.
• Stay updated on changes in the law and emerging jurisprudence relevant to client industries.
• Client Relationship Management (5–10%)
• Participate in client interviews, case updates, and reporting under supervision.
• Assist in negotiating contracts, settlements, and alternative dispute resolution efforts.
• Conveyancing & Commercial Transactions (Optional/As Needed)
• Support the preparation and processing of land transactions including conducting due diligence, preparing completion documents, and lodging registration documents.
• Support the execution of commercial transactions including business registration, licensing, and restructuring.

Key Behavioral Competencies:

• Strong Writing & Analytical Skills: Produces high-quality, logical, and persuasive legal documents.
• Detail-Oriented: Approaches drafting and file management with a meticulous eye.
• Adaptability: Able to switch between practice areas efficiently and handle new matters proactively.
• Professionalism & Integrity: Upholds ethical standards in all legal dealings and client interactions.
• Time Management: Manages multiple assignments with minimal supervision and within deadlines.
• Communication: Clear, concise verbal and written communication with clients and colleagues.
•  Initiative & Curiosity: Demonstrates interest in learning and growing into emerging areas of legal practice..