Job Detail

Job Description

Our client, a reputable law firm in Nairobi, is seeking to appoint an experienced and highly accomplished Head of Litigation to lead its Litigation Department.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the firm's litigation practice, manage complex and high-value disputes, supervise the litigation team, maintain strong client relationships and contribute to the continued growth and development of the firm's dispute resolution practice.

The role requires a commercially astute legal professional with strong courtroom experience, excellent legal judgment and the ability to lead a high-performing team while managing a demanding portfolio of clients and matters.

Key Responsibilities

1. Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Lead and oversee the firm's litigation and dispute resolution practice.
• Handle and provide strategic direction on complex, high-value and sensitive litigation matters.
• Represent clients before the courts, tribunals and other relevant judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.
• Develop effective litigation strategies and provide sound legal advice on contentious matters.
• Prepare, review and oversee pleadings, submissions, affidavits, applications, legal opinions and other court documents.
• Conduct legal research and ensure matters are supported by appropriate legislation, case law and legal authorities.
• Manage cases from initial instructions through trial, judgment and enforcement.
• Advise clients on litigation risks, potential outcomes, costs and alternative dispute resolution options.
• Oversee negotiations, mediation, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution where appropriate.

2. Department Leadership

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Litigation Department.
• Supervise, mentor and develop advocates, associates, pupils, legal assistants and other members of the litigation team.
• Allocate matters and responsibilities appropriately across the team.
• Review the quality and progress of work undertaken by members of the department.
• Establish appropriate standards, procedures and controls for effective case management.
• Monitor deadlines, court appearances, filings and other critical litigation milestones.
• Promote professional standards, teamwork, accountability and continuous development within the department.

3. Client Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients.
• Act as a senior point of contact for major litigation and dispute resolution matters.
• Provide clients with clear, commercially focused and timely legal advice.
• Attend client meetings and provide regular updates on significant matters.
• Understand clients' businesses, objectives and risk exposure and tailor legal strategies accordingly.
• Handle sensitive and confidential client matters with the highest level of professionalism and discretion.

4. Business Development

• Contribute to the growth and expansion of the firm's litigation practice.
• Identify opportunities to develop new client relationships and expand existing client engagements.
• Participate in client pitches, tenders, proposals and business development initiatives.
• Build and maintain a strong professional network within the legal and business communities.
• Promote the firm's litigation and dispute resolution capabilities in a professional and ethical manner.

5. Financial & Practice Management

• Oversee the effective management of the department's portfolio of matters.
• Monitor billing, collections and work-in-progress in collaboration with the firm's management.
• Ensure matters are handled efficiently and within agreed client budgets where applicable.
• Support the Managing Partner/Senior Partners in developing departmental budgets and performance objectives.
• Monitor departmental performance and recommend improvements where necessary.

6. Compliance & Professional Standards

• Ensure compliance with applicable Kenyan laws, regulations, professional requirements and the firm's internal policies.
• Maintain the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity and client confidentiality.
• Ensure proper maintenance and management of client files and litigation records.
• Keep abreast of developments in legislation, judicial decisions, legal practice and dispute resolution.

Qualifications & Professional Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognised university.
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, duly admitted to the Roll of Advocates.
• Valid Practising Certificate.
• Relevant professional membership and compliance with applicable professional requirements.
• Additional qualifications in areas such as LL.M, arbitration, mediation, commercial law or dispute resolution will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 8–12 years' post-admission experience, with substantial experience in litigation and dispute resolution.
• Proven experience managing complex and high-value litigation matters.
• Strong experience appearing before the High Court and subordinate courts, and before relevant tribunals where applicable.
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising a litigation team.
• Experience managing major corporate, commercial, employment, property, constitutional, civil or other complex disputes will be an advantage.
• Strong client relationship management and business development experience.
• Experience in a reputable law firm or a sophisticated legal practice environment is highly desirable.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Exceptional litigation and courtroom advocacy skills.
• Strong legal research, drafting and analytical abilities.
• Excellent knowledge of Kenyan civil and commercial litigation practice.
• Strong strategic thinking and sound legal judgment.
• Excellent negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
• Strong leadership and people-management capabilities.
• Excellent client relationship and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and business development ability.
• Strong organisational and case-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters and competing deadlines.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently while providing effective leadership to the wider team.

Key Performance Indicators

Performance in the role will be assessed based on, among other factors:

• Effective management and resolution of litigation matters.
• Quality and timeliness of legal work and court representation.
• Client satisfaction and retention.
• Growth and performance of the Litigation Department.
• Effective leadership and development of the litigation team.
• Matter profitability, billing and collections.
• Compliance with professional and regulatory requirements.
• Contribution to the firm's overall business development and strategic objectives.