Team Lead (Due Diligence) at Westfield Consulting

Role Summary

• This role will play a pivotal role in managing and overseeing commercial contract matters within the due diligence unit of the Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions (CM&A) Practice Area.
• Your expertise will be critical in supporting our clients throughout the merger and acquisition process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and mitigating risks associated with commercial contracts.
• This position requires exceptional legal acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment

Job Duties / Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• Due Diligence Management: Lead and manage due diligence processes related to commercial contracts/transactions, ensuring thorough review, analysis, and drafting of contractual agreements and associated documents.
• Contractual Compliance: Ensure compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations, as well as international legal standards, by conducting comprehensive legal research and analysis. Also, guide Clients on regulatory and compliance issues to ensure compliance with legal regulations.
• Strategic Advice: Provide strategic advice and recommendations on a wide spectrum of corporate and commercial transactions including private equity, franchising, mergers, and acquisitions, amongst others to clients on commercial contract matters, highlighting potential risks and opportunities to support their business objectives.
• Contract Drafting and Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including sale and purchase agreements, distribution agreements, licensing agreements, and service agreements, to protect the interests of our clients.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with other practice areas and departments within the firm to ensure seamless delivery of services to clients and support cross-functional initiatives.
• Client Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients by offering proactive legal guidance, fostering trust, and providing exceptional client service as well as protecting the Clients against legal risks and violations. Provision of proper and regular updates to Clients. Prompt response to clients' emails as well as responding to general inquiries.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Supervise junior associates, provide mentorship and guidance, and contribute to their professional development within the firm.
• Legal Research and Knowledge Sharing: Stay updated on legal developments, trends, and best practices in commercial contract law, and share knowledge with colleagues through training sessions and workshops.
• Business Development: Assist in business development activities, including participating in client pitches, networking events, and industry conferences. Ensure invoices are promptly prepared and forwarded to clients.
• Reports Preparation: Preparation of reports within the agreed timelines to the Head, CM&A, HOD, Partners, and Managing Partner on the progress of matters and general performance of the legal team.
• Others: Write-ups on relevant issues in the corporate commercial world. Carry out any other function assigned or delegated by the Head, CM&A, or the HOD/Partners.

Key Performance Indicators/ Performance Goals

• Completion of Due Diligence Projects: Timely and accurate completion of due diligence projects within agreed-upon deadlines.
• Contractual Compliance Assurance: Ensuring all commercial contracts reviewed and negotiated comply with Nigerian laws and regulations, with minimal legal risks identified.
• Client Satisfaction: Positive feedback from clients regarding the quality of legal advice, responsiveness, and overall service delivery.
• Effective Contract Negotiation: Successful negotiation of favorable terms and conditions in commercial contracts, resulting in advantageous outcomes for clients.
• Team Collaboration and Leadership: Effective collaboration with colleagues across different practice areas and successful mentorship of junior associates

Educational Qualification and Experience

• A minimum of 2:1 from an accredited University and the Nigerian Law School
• Membership of Nigerian Bar Association
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in commercial contract law, with a focus on due diligence practices; experience in a reputable law firm is highly desirable
• Company secretarial experience will be an added advantage
• Experience in dealing with a wide range of corporate and commercial contracts/transactions.
• Good commercial judgment.
• Must possess excellent legal drafting and document review skills.
• Must possess excellent advocacy skills.
• Excellent analytical and observation skills.
• Must possess excellent supervisory skills.

Salary
N700,000 / Month.