Senior Associate (Legal) at a Reputable Company

Job Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will be responsible for but not limited to the following:

Transaction Structuring

• Must have knowledge of transaction structures, term sheets, credit and security agreements and should be able to effectively apply this in client transactions.

Securities & Syndicated Loans

• Must be knowledgeable about the laws, regulations and guidelines related to the issuance and exchange of securities. Must be able to provide advice to clients through the process of structuring, issuance and administration of syndicated loans.

Bond Issuance

• Understands the structure and application of Bonds, Fixed & Mixed Income products. Is knowledgeable about the process for creation and issuance of Bonds and can advise clients through the various steps.

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Should have demonstratable knowledge of M&A transactions, joint ventures and other restructuring and good understanding of the competition law. Must be able to manage the process for an M&A from inception to completion.

Corporate Financing

• Understands the different modes of Debt and Equity Financing and what structures to use in different situations.

Due Diligence

• Must be able to effectively conduct due diligence and other investigations, manage the due diligence process, identify key corporate documents and material transactions, and generate thorough and complete reports that identify and clearly communicates all elements of the investigation.

Contract  Review

• Has significant experience negotiating, drafting, analyzing, reviewing and managing contracts that maximizes benefits to the organization and reduce financial risk while ensuring contractual obligations are met when due, with no oversight.

Company Secretarial & Regulatory Advisory

• Understands industry related regulatory matters for client industries and is able to effectively apply knowledge of the regulatory issues, rules, guidelines, processes and operations to resolve client issues.

Contract & Loan Agreement Drafting

Has capability to draft accurate and thorough corporate resolutions, shareholder agreements, trust deeds, project related agreements. Understands the legal and commercial issues for consideration in negotiating loan agreements (including conditions precedent, repayment and pre-payment, general undertakings, financial covenants, representations and warranties, events of default and loan transfers) and effectively applies this knowledge to advise clients. Must be able to develop effective templates, legal documents and correspondence of various scenarios and transactions, including new and complex situations.

Skills & Competencies

Integrity

• Must be honest and forthright with colleagues and clients. Should have the courage and conviction to speak with honesty and candor regardless of the situation or stakeholders.

Analytical Thinking

• Must be able to tackle business challenges and proffer solutions using logical approach. It is important such candidate can quickly identify the central or underlying issues in complex situations and uses insight to support quick and accurate decision making. Must be able to break down the most complex and complicated transactions, legal

Commercial Acumen

Candidate should understand the commercial nature of business and how law firms operate profitably. Must understand the key industry sectors the Firm supports as well as the relevant stakeholders and should be able to identify opportunities whenever such arises. Must be able to balance multiple client interests ensuring client satisfaction, long term firm profitability and sustainability. Candidate should posses’ ability to engage in business development activities, constantly seeking opportunities for new instructions.

Communication Skills

Should be able to communicate (in writing or orally) clearly, accurately, confidently and concisely in a timely manner. Should be a persuasive presenter who is self-aware and adapts communication style to influence any situation and achieve the desired outcome. Must be able to manage, resolve or diffuse difficult or sensitive situations with tact and professionalism.

Entrepreneurial Orientation

Ability to look for and seize profitable business opportunities. Understands how to leverage the Firm’s competitive advantages and personal network to expand business into new areas and sectors. Leverage existing business and personal relationships and networks to develop new instructions and opportunities. Should also be able to protect or retain any instruction using relationships.

Innovative Thinking

Must be able to develop or support the introduction of new and improved methods, services, procedures or techniques that helps advance the goal of the Firm. Candidate should regularly come up with creative but practical solutions to effectively address any issues arising from complex transactions. Should be able to guide team members through the use of innovative AI’s

Interpersonal Skills

Ability to treat colleagues, clients and vendors as respected and critical partners for success. Should be able to build relationships and relates well with  colleagues. Should be emotionally intelligent and understand how to effectively motivate and get the best out of self and others. Should be able to work well with diverse people and gain

Leadership & Mentoring Skills

Should be able to mentor and train junior team members and encourage/participate in continuing training. Must be able to break down the most complex and complicated transactions, legal issues and scenarios into simple elements for clients and juniors. Able to understand client needs and translate complex legal issues for both clients and work colleagues and explain them in a comprehensible manner.

Client & Stakeholder Management

Candidate must have the ability to manage and build effective relationships with clients. Must be able to manage clients as a first point of call when clients require assistance. Should have consistent demonstrated experience with stakeholder mapping, relationship building and influencing to effectively manage key stakeholders with no oversight.

Time Management

Should understand the critical path for complicated tasks involving multiple internal parties and can effectively manage cross-functional and inter-departmental resources to deliver quality work in a timely manner. Must have good project management skills. Can handle multiple deadlines and deliverables effectively without adversely affecting quality  of work.

Self-Discipline & Growth

Able to take feedback and guidance on areas for improvement from both Partners and subordinates. Can analyze both successes and failures for improvement. Can be counted on when times are tough for the Firm and is unfazed by setbacks.

Key Requirements

• LLB from a recognized university.
• B.L. from the Nigerian Law School.
• Minimum of 7–12 years post-call experience in a reputable law firm.
• Possession of LLM or relevant certifications is an advantage.

Work Conditions

• Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
• Occasional travel for client meetings and firm representation.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience).
• Health insurance, annual leave, and continuous professional development.