Legal Officer at Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)

Department: People & Change Nigeria
Job type: Permanent
Closing date: 31-Jul-14
Location: Lagos
Reference Number: 130-PEO00146

Key Accountabilities
• Provides legal advisory support services to all departments of the Institute ensuring compliance with extant laws and regulations
• Drafts legal documents and agreements relating to the Institute ‘s operations and ensures identified risks are mitigated
• Acts as secretary to the investigating committee panels, issuing notices, vetting transcribed interviews and preparing Minutes of meetings
• Maintains and updates records of case documents to facilitate access during arbitration or litigation
• Attends court to monitor cases involving the Institute and liaises proactively with the external counsel in determining how such cases should be handled and arranging for appropriate representation in order to protect the interests of the Institute
• Represents the Institute at certain external meetings and liaises with government ministries, department and agencies (EFCC, Lands, CAC, Internal revenue, Police) on behalf of the institute
• Assists the Head of Department (Legal) in acting as Secretary to the Accountants’ disciplinary tribunal and preparing documents as well as liaising with assessor and prosecutors

This position supports the effective provision of legal advisory services to the Institute with a view to minimising legal exposure and ensuring compliance with laws and government regulations; through the review and interpretation of appropriate laws, judicial decisions and legal articles relevant for drafting contracts and managing liaison with regulatory agencies.

Skills/Competencies

• The right person for this role must have good hands-on knowledge of commercial law, arbitration, drafting of legal documents, conducting research and providing legal opinion on diverse legal issues as well as experience responding to invitations/requests from government regulatory or security agencies.
• The role also requires strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, attention to details, confidence, integrity and demonstrated ability to effectively engage diverse groups of people.

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Law ( LLB)
• Master’s degree in Law with specialty in the relevant areas
• Minimum of 4 years relevant post professional qualification working experience