Senior Associate (Litigation and Dispute Resolution) at S.P.A. Ajibade & Co.

S.P.A. Ajibade & Co. is a leading Corporate and Commercial Law firm based in Nigeria. Established in 1967, it has been at the forefront of developments in commercial practice in Nigeria and has continuously rendered sound technical advice and tailored customer solutions to its local and international partners. To our clients, S.P.A. Ajibade & Co. is a reliable partner and trusted counsel in various transactions and dispute resolution processes. We see our duty to our client as that of not just providing excellent technical advice, but also providing solutions that address and enhance a client’s purpose and business objective.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Associate (Litigation and Dispute Resolution)

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full Time

Job Summary

• We are seeking a competent, dedicated, versatile, detail-oriented and resourceful Senior Associate who will be responsible for handling litigation, mediation and arbitration as well as advisory services.
• The successful candidate will be able to draw from a highly diversified and multi-cultural team who each have specialized skills to apply to each project.
• A qualified candidate for this position will be able to write briefs and conduct cases at the High Court/Appellate courts with little or no supervision.
• The person will exhibit a high-level of professionalism, leadership skills and a business style that is entrepreneurial, team-oriented, hands-on, and collaborative.
• The person will be able to evaluate and balance the needs and priorities of the business when making strategic decisions.
• The candidate will provide transactional and operational support and practical advice, geared towards the effective and efficient management of the risks and legal needs of each transaction/assignment handled.

Responsibilities 

• Draft court processes including but not limited to motions, affidavits, written addresses, writs of summons, statements of claim and defense and appellate briefs.
• Conduct mostly civil (and occasionally criminal) litigation in cases before all levels of courts and specialized tribunals in Nigeria.
• Conduct trials and argue contentious and non-contentious motions and addresses.
• Conduct arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings for clients, in both domestic and international settings.
• Work with and advise business clients directly, as well as provide guidance and practical solutions in relation to commercial disputes.
• Advise clients and write legal opinions on various aspects of law.
• Perform a regulatory compliance audit in relation to dispute resolution issues.
• Supervise and effectively delegate work to other team members and coordinate the output effectively.
• Develop new work from existing clients and seek new clients for themselves and others including the development and support of marketing initiatives.
• Ensure that standards, systems and processes are developed, maintained and delivered consistently within own area of responsibility.
• Represent the firm in meetings (including member meetings), case conferences, professional meetings, inquiries, working groups, and in discussions with other legal practitioners as required.
• Participate in the growth and development of the firm.
• Write or participate in the writing of case reviews and thought leadership articles and updates in relation to any of the firm’s practice areas with particular emphasis on commercial dispute resolution.

Desired Qualification, Skills & Experience

•  A good first degree in Law; B.L.
•  Masters degree in Law will be an added advantage.
• 8-10 years post call experience in litigation/arbitration gained at a reputable and structured law firm.
• Very good Knowledge of the Nigerian legal industry and its dynamics. 
• Extensive knowledge of local, national and international laws and regulations pertaining to the various industries in which the firm operates.
• Ability to provide and perform sophisticated legal advice/analysis.
• Strong & effective business communication skills (verbal and writing skills).
• Strong leadership skills
• The flexibility to work outside normal office hours may be required from time-to-time.
• Excellent research, legal drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to comprehend complex matters and identify the laws that are applicable to them.
• Able to demonstrate exceptional organization and time management skills.
• Have a keen eye for details coupled with good research ability.
• Experience in using Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: hr@spaajibade.com using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.