Head of Legal at Optiven Limited
Optiven View all jobs
- Kenya
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Leading the development and implementation of legal procedures and policies for compliance.
- Drafting, negotiating, and vetting contracts and agreements.
- Conducting legal training for staff.
- Representing the company in legal proceedings.
- Identifying and mitigating legal risk.
- Ensure full compliance with all statutory obligations.
- Keep management informed of any legal changes that may impact company operations.
- Perform legal research, analysis, and prepare legal opinions on emerging issues.
- Conduct legal reviews and provide advice on key documents, agreements, policies, and procedures.
- Monitor and follow up on all cases involving the company to secure timely and favorable outcomes.
- Draft and develop contract clauses that align with the company's needs and requirements.
- Create templates for new projects and ensure they are uploaded into the ERP system for use.
- Review contracts to ensure the inclusion of essential clauses.
- Approve contracts for signature, both internal and external, ensuring they adhere to negotiated terms and that thorough due diligence has been completed.
- Approve all Sale Agreements before they are forwarded to clients.
- Oversee the effective operation of departmental activities.
- Assign tasks and responsibilities to staff members.
- Serve as a liaison between management and the department.
- Manage the backup of departmental data, ensuring it is safely stored weekly (including customer inquiries and relevant information
- Safeguard the company's seals, stamps, and directors' stamps.
- Ensure accurate and clear data entry to facilitate the generation of detailed reports.
- Respond promptly to all court summons, pleadings, and demand letters received by the company.
- Maintain a schedule of all ongoing court cases, including hearing dates.
- Ensure the company is represented in court by qualified advocates.
- Safeguard and organize all documentary and other evidence, ensuring files are up-to-date and managing the overall litigation process.
- Prepare and submit monthly litigation progress reports to the Directors.
- Uphold and promote the company's rules, vision, and mission.
- Manage employee performance, discipline, conduct, and compliance.
- Ensure that all department members fully utilize systems.
- Assess training needs for the legal department.
- Provide training to staff on the legal requirements relevant to their roles within the company.
- Educate staff on business principles and other company policies
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B).
- Master of Laws (LL.M) or a Master's degree in a related field (e.g., Corporate Law, Real Estate Law) will be added advantage.
- Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
- Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate.
- Minimum of seven (7) years' experience as in-house counsel, preferably in real estate, property development, or construction sectors.
- Strong expertise in conveyancing, including title searches, land transfers, and lease agreements.
- Proven experience in litigation and dispute resolution relating to property, tenancy, or contractual matters.
- Demonstrated ability to provide strategic legal advisory support to senior management and the Board.
- Hands-on experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and drafting or negotiating high-value contracts.
- Strong understanding of Kenyan land laws, planning regulations, and real estate transactions.
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