Solicitor at Human Capacity Development Consultants (HCDC)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Relations: 

• Advise clients on law and legal issues relating to their cases
• Draft documents, letters and contracts tailored to the client's individual needs
• Negotiate with clients and other professionals to secure agreed objectives
• Research and analyse documents and case law to ensure the accuracy of advice and procedure
• Supervise the implementation of agreements
• Develop and maintain good client relationship skills, gaining clients’ confidence and that of other professionals 
• Receive requests for legal advice from current and potential clients and deciding on the most  appropriate responses to make to these requests 
• Correspond with clients and opposing solicitors
• Attend meetings and negotiations with opposing parties
• Act on behalf of clients in disputes and represent them in court, if necessary
• Instruct barristers or specialist advocates to appear in court for the client in complex disputes
• Prepare case notes for court hearings
• Work in a team, sometimes referring cases to the Head of Chamber
• Supervise and delegate work to trainee solicitors, paralegals and legal secretaries as appropriate
• Arrange and attend further client meetings where necessary to progress with the case and finalise documentation 
• Check all documentation prior to signing and implementing
• Carry out administrative duties, e.g. Completing time sheets so that charges for work can be calculated and billing clients for work done on their behalf

Professional Standards: 

• Must work and behave in a professional manner and to the highest standards of the profession
• Comply with office procedures, professional standards and any requirement set by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 
• Carry out duties given by the partners or employees faithfully and diligently and follow all reasonable instructions 
• To participate in the growth and development of the firm
• Treat all information about the firm and its client and their business as wholly confidential
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in the law
• Attract additional business from new and existing clients
• Record all chargeable hours

Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree in Law from a reputable university in the United Kingdom is compulsory; candidates should preferably have obtained a 2:1 or above although all applications will be considered.
• 4 – 5 years relevant experience in Maritime & Shipping, Oil & Gas and Energy, Commercial & Banking, telecommunications and Taxation in a professional services firm would be desirable.
• Excellent communication both written and verbal - the role involves liaison with internal and external people at a senior level
• A self-starter, able to demonstrate high levels of initiative and motivation, but also work closely with other team members, displaying trust and loyalty
• Ability to manage assigned tasks in an assertive, efficient and timely manner
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, demonstrating professionalism in all dealings
• Able to deal sympathetically and appropriately with clients and to show empathy with them
• Excellent attention to detail
• Must be able to multitask and keep calm under pressure
• The flexibility to work outside normal office hours as may be required from time to time