Associate Partner (Corporate Finance & Capital Markets) at S.P.A. Ajibade & Co.

Job Summary

• We are seeking a suitably competent, intelligent, detail-oriented, versatile, resourceful Corporate Finance & Capital Markets lawyer with significant commercial knowledge and experience, to join our firm as an Associate Partner. The successful candidate will be able to draw from a highly diversified and multi-cultural team who each have specialized skills to apply to different projects.
• The Associate Partner at S. P. A. Ajibade & Co is a senior-level position designed for an experienced lawyer who will demonstrate exceptional legal expertise, leadership capabilities, high level professionalism, a business style that is entrepreneurial, team oriented, hands-on, collaborative and a strong commitment to the firm's values and goals. He/she should also be able to evaluate and balance the needs and priorities of the business when making strategic decisions. This role involves managing significant client relationships, leading legal teams, and contributing to the firm's business development initiatives.
• We believe this is an exciting opportunity for a senior-career lawyer who is knowledgeable about the application of capital market and finance principles, procedures and law, but who at the same time understands that these principles and procedures must be balanced with sensible commercial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development:

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities to profitably expand the firm’s client base by developing and supporting marketing initiatives.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and review of legal policies and procedures.
• Ensure that standards, systems and processes are developed, maintained and delivered consistently within own area of responsibility.
• Preparation and responsibility for own caseload and application ensuring work is done in accordance with good legal practice and client service specifications.
• Participate in the growth and development of the firm by Developing marketing strategies and contribute to the firm’s thought leadership through articles, seminars, and presentations.
• Act in a supporting and advisory capacity to Management and Clients as assigned, gathering and evaluating relevant facts, researching applicable laws and providing recommendations on legal strategy and consequences, highlighting respective risks. 
• Develop & implement S. P. A. Ajibade & Co’s client service delivery strategy and operational plans for the functional delivery of the strategy.
• Protect the corporate image of S. P. A. Ajibade & Co and act as an ambassador of the Firm to clients, potential clients, other general stakeholders and external agencies.
• Participate in networking events, conferences, and industry associations.

Client Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients.
• Ensure client satisfaction through high-quality legal service and strategic advice.
• Work with and advise business clients directly, as well as provide guidance and practical solutions in relation to commercial disputes.
• Write legal opinions on various aspects of law.

Legal Expertise:

• Provide expert legal advice in specialized areas of law relevant to the firm’s practice relating to Corporate Finance and Capital Markets.
• Oversee complex legal cases and transactions, ensuring thorough preparation and execution.
• Stay updated on legal developments and ensure the firm’s practices comply with current laws and regulations.

Financial Management:

• Contribute to the financial health of the firm by meeting revenue targets.
• Oversee budgeting and billing processes for assigned clients and cases.
• Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to improve profitability.
• Be strategic and commercially aware and be fully familiar with the firm’s current business strategy. 
• Perform fee earning work accurately, reliably and in accordance with the firm’s quality and risk management procedures.

Firm Administration:

• Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
• Contribute to policy development and implementation.
• Ensure compliance with firm policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Perform regulatory compliance audit.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn new areas and assist on a wide variety of projects.
• Keep up to date with changes in the law.
• Periodically benchmark and effectively track legal costs against peer teams in other Firms and implement creative systems, practices and solutions for reducing costs.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor Junior Associates, Paralegals, and Support staff.
• Act in a supervisory and advisory capacity to Senior Associates and Associates on legal matters.
• Delegate tasks effectively and oversee the progress of legal work.
• Foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Supervise and effectively delegate work to other team members and coordinate the output effectively.
• Represent the firm in meetings (including member meetings), case conferences, professional meetings, inquiries, working groups, and in discussions with other legal practitioners as required.
• Treat all information about the firm and its client and their business as wholly confidential.
• 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.

Desired Qualification, Skills & Experience

• LLM, LLB, B.L.
• Have a minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience at a law firm, handling corporate finance and capital market transactions.
• Be commercially aware, and have a mindset that constantly seeks solutions.
• Strategic with extensive knowledge of local, national, and international laws and regulations pertaining to the practice areas of the department. 
• Demonstrate ability to prepare corporate and transactional filings (i.e., SEC, NSE, FMDQ/NASD, FCCPC, NIPC, NOTAP, etc) in line with regulatory requirements, and in handling compliance and legal matters.
• Be a team player with strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Appreciate the different demands of a professional services firm, including being flexible in terms of the place and time of work.
• Experience in using Microsoft Office 365