Senior Lawyer - Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Reporting Line

Reports directly to the Head of Litigation/Practice Group Lead and works closely with Partners within the Dispute Resolution Practice.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, commercially astute, and highly competent Senior Litigation Lawyer with a minimum of ten (10) years post-call experience to join our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing complex litigation matters, representing clients before superior courts and tribunals, advising clients on contentious legal issues, and supporting the growth and strategic objectives of the practice group. The role requires excellent advocacy skills, sound legal judgment, strong drafting abilities, and the capacity to independently manage high-value and sensitive disputes from inception to conclusion.

The ideal candidate must possess substantial courtroom experience, strong client management capabilities, excellent research and analytical skills, and the ability to supervise junior lawyers while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation & Courtroom Advocacy

• Handle and manage complex litigation matters before trial and appellate courts, tribunals, and regulatory bodies.
• Represent clients in court proceedings, arbitrations, mediations, and other dispute resolution forums.
• Develop litigation strategies and provide sound legal opinions on contentious matters.
• Conduct court appearances, oral arguments, cross-examinations, and advocacy on behalf of clients.
• Manage litigation matters from initiation through trial, judgment, and enforcement processes.

Legal Drafting & Documentation

• Draft and review originating processes, pleadings, motions, affidavits, written addresses, briefs of argument, appellate processes, settlement agreements, and other legal documents.
• Prepare legal opinions, case analyses, and advisory memoranda for clients and management.
• Ensure accuracy, technical soundness, and compliance with applicable laws, procedural rules, and court requirements.

Client Advisory & Relationship Management

• Provide strategic legal advice to clients on dispute prevention, risk exposure, and litigation management.
• Maintain strong client relationships through effective communication and timely updates on case progress.
• Attend client meetings, strategy sessions, and negotiations.
• Participate in business development initiatives and support client retention efforts.

Case Management & Strategy

• Conduct legal research and case law analysis to support litigation strategies.
• Manage case timelines, court filings, deadlines, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with external counsel, regulators, consultants, law enforcement agencies, and court officials where necessary.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments relevant to litigation practice.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise, mentor, and support junior associates and litigation support staff.
• Review work prepared by junior lawyers to ensure quality and consistency.
• Support training and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the practice group.
• Assist in allocating work and monitoring performance within the team.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

• Participate in mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and settlement negotiations.
• Advise clients on dispute resolution alternatives and settlement strategies.
• Draft settlement terms and negotiated resolutions where applicable.

Practice Development & Firm Contribution

• Contribute to the development and expansion of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice.
• Support legal publications, thought leadership initiatives, seminars, and professional presentations.
• Assist with the preparation of pitches, proposals, and business development materials.
• Build and maintain professional networks relevant to litigation practice.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized institution.
• Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) qualification and admission to the Nigerian Bar.
• Minimum of ten (10) years post-call litigation experience.
• Proven experience handling complex litigation matters before superior courts of record.
• Demonstrable experience in commercial litigation, civil litigation, regulatory disputes, corporate disputes, and/or arbitration.
• Membership of relevant professional associations is an added advantage.
• Postgraduate qualification(s) and ADR certifications will be an added advantage.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Strong advocacy and courtroom litigation skills.
• Excellent legal drafting and documentation skills.
• Strong legal research and analytical abilities.
• Sound understanding of Nigerian procedural and substantive laws.
• Knowledge of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Strong case strategy and risk assessment capabilities.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and Microsoft Office applications.

Behavioral Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion abilities.
• High level of professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple high-pressure matters simultaneously.
• Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent stakeholder and client management skills.
• High level of confidentiality and discretion.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be assessed based on, but not limited to, the following:

Litigation Performance

• Quality and effectiveness of litigation strategy and case management.
• Success rate and outcomes of assigned matters.
• Timeliness and accuracy of court filings and legal documentation.
• Compliance with procedural timelines and court requirements.
• Client Service Delivery
• Client satisfaction and retention levels.
• Responsiveness and quality of legal advisory services.
• Ability to maintain and grow client relationships.

Financial & Practice Development

• Contribution to practice group revenue and profitability.
• Achievement of billable hours and recovery targets.
• Contribution to client acquisition and business development initiatives.
• Participation in proposal preparation and pitches.

Team Leadership & Development

• Quality of supervision and mentorship provided to junior lawyers.
• Contribution to team development and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Effective collaboration with colleagues and cross-functional teams.

Professional Standards

• Compliance with ethical and professional standards.
• Quality, accuracy, and professionalism of legal work.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.

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