Legal Counsel at Interswitch

• We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel who will provide day-to-day legal support to the company and its subsidiaries, across a range of business functions, with a particular focus on contract review and drafting, litigation management, intellectual property coordination, and support on transactional matters, including but not limited to mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and market expansion initiatives e.t.c.
• The role requires a proactive and commercially minded legal professional who can collaborate effectively with internal/external stakeholders and manage relationships with external solicitors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Contract Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements.
• Provide legal advisory support to business units on contract interpretation, rights, obligations, and associated risks.
• Assist internal stakeholders in structuring deals and commercial arrangements in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

Litigation Management

• Monitor and manage the Group’s litigation and dispute resolution portfolio across all entities.
• Identify, select, and onboard external solicitors for litigation and regulatory matters in Nigeria as well as other jurisdictions.
• Supervise and coordinate with external solicitors to ensure alignment with the agreed legal strategy, timelines, and cost expectations.
• Ensure external solicitors provides regular updates and progress reports on all active matters.
• Review legal processes to ensure consistency with the agreed legal and commercial position.
• Analyze court procedures and complex legal issues to determine and formulate appropriate legal strategies for defending or prosecuting matters effectively.

Intellectual Property (IP)

• Work with external IP solicitors to manage the registration and protection of the company’s trademarks, copyrights, and other IP rights.
• Maintain the IP portfolio and ensure renewals are up to date.
• Advise internal stakeholders on IP issues including usage, licensing, and potential infringements.

Transactional Support

• Carry out legal due diligence and documentation for the Group’s investments, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
• Participate in the drafting, review, and negotiation of transaction documents.
• Identify, engage, and manage external solicitors, ensuring they align with the Group’s commercial objectives and timelines.
• Coordinate with internal/external stakeholders and professional advisors to support smooth transaction execution.

SKILLS

• Legal Drafting & Contract Negotiation: Proficiency in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating a variety of commercial agreements under Nigerian law.
• Litigation Management: Experience supporting or managing civil, criminal and commercial litigation matters, including liaising with external solicitors.
• Intellectual Property Management: Understanding of Intellectual Property law and regulatory processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with Nigerian regulatory frameworks relevant to financial services, technology, and data protection.
• Research & Legal Opinion Writing: Ability to conduct thorough legal research and prepare well-reasoned legal opinions or briefs.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to critically evaluate complex legal issues, interpret laws and regulations (including Nigerian statutes and case law), and provide clear, actionable legal advice.
• Attention to Detail: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness in legal advisory, legal drafting, contract review, and litigation documentation.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders and build trust across departments.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholds very high ethical standards, exercises sound judgment, and handles confidential information with discretion.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with internal/external teams (e.g. commercial, compliance, finance, operations) and manage relationships with external solicitor and regulatory bodies in Nigeria.
• Time Management: Ability to provide legal advisory and support within tight timelines and varying time zones.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from a recognized university
• BL (Barrister-at-Law) from the Nigerian Law School; must be called to the Nigerian Bar.
• At least 5 years' experience drawn from a commercial law firm or working as in-house counsel preferably in a reputable Financial Institution, FinTech company or a Central Bank of Nigeria regulated entity.
• Experience in commercial contracts, dispute resolution, IP, litigation and corporate transactions.
• Familiarity with Nigerian regulatory and legal frameworks governing corporate and commercial law.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.