Senior Legal Counsel at People Capacity Management

We are seeking a highly experienced, strategic, and results-driven Senior Legal Counsel to lead and oversee the legal operations of our mortgage bank. This senior-level role is critical to ensuring the bank operates within legal and regulatory frameworks while achieving its business objectives. The ideal candidate will bring extensive expertise in property law, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance, specifically within the mortgage banking or financial services sector.

As the Senior Legal Counsel, you will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, providing strategic legal direction to support the bank’s growth, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. You will also lead the development and implementation of legal strategies, oversee complex transactions, and manage high-value legal and regulatory matters. This role requires not only technical legal expertise but also strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex and evolving regulatory landscapes.

Land Title Documentation

• Lead the perfection, registration, and management of all property and mortgage title documents, ensuring that each step is executed in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Develop and implement efficient systems for property due diligence to verify ownership, assess risks, and ensure clear title for all mortgage-related transactions.
• Provide strategic legal advice on complex land title matters, advising management on the most effective ways to mitigate risks and meet regulatory requirements. Ensure all title-related processes comply with relevant real estate and financial regulations, reducing the risk of legal disputes.
• Monitor and ensure the timely and accurate completion of all title verification and registration processes, liaising with land registries, surveyors, and other professionals involved in title perfection.

Corporate Secretarial Management

• Ensure strict adherence to corporate governance frameworks, guaranteeing compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and other relevant laws.
• Oversee the maintenance of statutory registers and filings, ensuring that all documents are accurate, up to date, and filed in a timely manner to meet regulatory requirements.
• Actively support the development and implementation of governance policies that align with best practices, driving a culture of transparency and accountability within the organization.

Regulatory Compliance and Strategy

• Oversee the preparation, filing, and tracking of all statutory returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other regulatory bodies, ensuring that the bank meets all compliance deadlines.
• Continuously monitor regulatory developments in the mortgage and financial services sectors, proactively identifying any changes that may impact the bank’s operations. Provide senior management with timely updates and strategic recommendations to ensure the bank remains compliant with the evolving regulatory landscape.
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive policies and procedures designed to mitigate compliance risks, ensuring that the bank adheres to all relevant legal, regulatory, and industry standards. Provide leadership in managing compliance-related audits and inspections.

Legal Advisory and Documentation

• Lead the review, drafting, and negotiation of complex legal documents, including loan agreements, mortgages, security documents, and other contracts related to the bank’s mortgage operations. Ensure that all documents align with legal standards and the bank\'s strategic goals.
• Provide expert legal advice on high-value transactions, dispute resolutions, and strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and other business decisions. Offer clear and concise recommendations to senior leadership on critical legal matters.
• Take charge of managing and resolving legal disputes, providing guidance on litigation processes and representing the bank in settlements and court proceedings when necessary. Work closely with external legal counsel to ensure the bank’s interests are well-represented and protected.

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Supervise, mentor, and develop junior legal team members, providing guidance and leadership to build a high-performing legal department. Foster an environment of continuous learning and professional growth.
• Represent the bank at high-level stakeholder engagements, industry forums, and regulatory meetings, ensuring that the bank’s legal position is clearly communicated and aligned with business objectives.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including compliance, risk management, and business development, to align legal strategies with broader business goals, ensuring a cohesive approach to legal matters across the organization. Work closely with external partners, including regulatory bodies, industry groups, and other stakeholders, to maintain strong relationships and ensure the bank’s legal interests are safeguarded.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B) and a Call to the Nigerian Bar (B.L), Masters degree in Law (LL.M) is an added advantage.
• 10–15 years of post-call legal experience, with a significant portion in a financial institution or similar environment.
• In-depth knowledge of property law, company secretarial practices, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Proven experience in handling complex legal transactions and compliance matters.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• High ethical standards, discretion, and professionalism.
• Advanced understanding of corporate governance and financial services regulations.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.
• Strategic mindset and ability to influence organizational decision-making