Legal Counsel & Company Secretary (Real Estate) at Edgewood Consulting

Job Summary

• We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Legal Counsel & Company Secretary with strong expertise in real estate law and corporate governance.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all legal matters—primarily real estate transactions—and serving as Company Secretary, ensuring effective board administration, regulatory compliance, and adherence to corporate governance standards.
• The role also provides legal oversight across other business units.

Key Responsibilities
Real Estate Legal Advisory (Primary Focus):

• Provide legal guidance on land acquisition, property transactions, and development projects
• Conduct comprehensive title due diligence (ownership verification, encumbrances, zoning, excision, C of O, Governor’s Consent)
• Draft, review, and negotiate Deeds of Assignment, Sale Agreements, Joint Ventures, Leases, and MoUs
• Oversee title perfection and documentation processes
• Liaise with Land Registry, Surveyor-General’s Office, and relevant government authorities
• Manage real estate disputes, claims, and litigation

Company Secretarial & Corporate Governance (Board Role):

• Act as Company Secretary, advising the Board on corporate governance and statutory obligations
• Organize and coordinate Board Meetings, Committee Meetings, and Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
• Prepare and circulate board packs, meeting agendas, and notices
• Record accurate minutes of meetings and resolutions
• Maintain statutory registers and records in compliance with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) requirements
• Ensure timely filing of annual returns and statutory documents

Corporate & Commercial Legal Support:

• Provide legal services across business units
• Draft and review commercial contracts, partnership agreements, and service-level agreements
• Advise management on legal implications of business strategies and transactions
• Ensure contracts align with business objectives and regulatory requirements

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with relevant Nigerian laws and industry regulations across all business units
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting real estate, finance, and agriculture sectors
• Identify and mitigate legal and operational risks
• Support internal compliance frameworks and corporate governance policies

Litigation & Dispute Resolution:

• Manage and coordinate litigation and dispute resolution processes
• Liaise with external solicitors, regulators, and enforcement agencies
• Represent the company in negotiations, mediation, and legal proceedings
• Develop strategies to minimize legal exposure and liabilities

Documentation & Records Management:

• Maintain custody of legal documents, title deeds, and corporate records
• Ensure proper documentation of all transactions and board decisions
• Develop and standardize legal and governance templates

Stakeholder & Regulatory Liaison:

• Interface with regulators, government agencies, and industry bodies
• Facilitate acquisition of licenses, permits, and approvals
• Support regulatory audits and compliance inspections

Requirements & Qualifications

• LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) and B.L (Nigerian Law School)
• Minimum of 5–8 years post-call experience
• Strong expertise in real estate law and property transactions (mandatory)
• Proven experience as a Company Secretary or in corporate governance roles
• Sound knowledge of Nigerian corporate law, real estate law, and regulatory frameworks
• Membership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is required
• Certification in Corporate Governance or Company Secretarial Practice is an added advantage

Key Competencies:

• Strong legal drafting and analytical skills
• Excellent knowledge of corporate governance practices
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to engage effectively with senior executives and board members
• Strategic thinking with strong attention to detail.