Senior Legal Executive

Job Title

Department

Location

Experience

Immediate joiners preferred

Job Purpose:

The role involves managing and coordinating internal litigation matters, focusing on effective dispute resolution and risk mitigation. The individual will work closely with external legal counsel, internal stakeholders, and regulatory authorities to ensure the efficient handling of disputes and legal compliance. Additionally, the role supports contract management and compliance activities, including regulatory, corporate governance, and statutory compliance, to safeguard the company’s legal and operational interests.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Litigation Coordination:

• Oversee and coordinate all litigation matters across the East African region, ensuring cases are managed efficiently.
• Act as the primary liaison between the company and external legal counsel, ensuring alignment with the company’s legal strategy and objectives.
• Monitor litigation progress, provide status updates to management, and ensure timely follow-up on critical legal actions.

2. Legal Advisory & Risk Mitigation:

• Provide internal legal advice on ongoing and potential litigation matters, identifying legal risks and proposing mitigation strategies.
• Review and analyze court documents, pleadings, legal opinions, and external counsel submissions to ensure legal soundness and strategic alignment.
• Support internal teams with legal risk assessments related to disputes and regulatory matters.

3. External Counsel Management:

• Coordinate with external law firms, monitor their performance, and ensure legal services are cost-effective and aligned with company objectives.
• Assist in selecting and onboarding external counsel for litigation and regulatory matters across the region.
• Review legal fee arrangements, manage litigation budgets, and ensure compliance with legal cost controls.

4. Dispute Resolution Support:

• Support alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration by coordinating with external counsel and internal stakeholders.
• Assist in settlement negotiations, draft settlement frameworks, and ensure proper documentation of resolved matters.

5. Documentation & Compliance:

• Oversee the preparation, review, and management of litigation-related documents, including legal notices, affidavits, and court filings prepared by external counsel.
• Maintain an organized repository of case files, legal correspondence, and court documents for internal records.
• Ensure compliance with local legal requirements, court procedures, and regulatory timelines, particularly in Tanzania and other East African jurisdictions.

6. Contract and Compliance Support:

• Provide assistance in contract management, including contract review and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that contracts align with company policies and mitigate potential legal risks.

7. Reporting & Stakeholder Communication:

• Prepare regular reports on litigation status, legal risks, and case summaries for senior management.
• Provide legal briefings and updates to key internal stakeholders on significant legal developments and case outcomes.
• Track legislative and regulatory changes within East Africa that may impact litigation strategies.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of litigation processes, preferably in East African jurisdictions.

• Excellent legal research, analytical, and case management skills.

• Strong coordination and stakeholder management abilities.

• Proficiency in reviewing legal documents, court filings, and regulatory submissions.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with legal counsel, regulatory authorities, and internal stakeholders.

• Fair knowledge of contract management and compliance

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B). A Master’s degree (LL.M) or additional certifications is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in managing litigation, with at least 3 years focused on internal litigation coordination. Experience in the East African region would be an added advantage.

• Strong background in working with external counsel, handling commercial disputes, regulatory matters, and arbitration cases.

• Experience in cross-border legal matters, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance within East Africa.

Preferred Industry Knowledge:

• Experience in industries such as Oil & Gas, Energy, Infrastructure, or Financial Services is an advantage.

• Familiarity with East African legal frameworks, judicial procedures, and regulatory bodies, particularly in Tanzania.

• Knowledge of contract law, corporate governance, and compliance frameworks in the region.

udita@in-excelsis.com