Head of Legal at Somanda Consulting

Job Description:

One of our client is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Head of Legal to oversee and manage all legal matters within our organization. The ideal candidate will provide sound legal advice, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and manage legal risks. As the Head of Legal, you will work closely with senior leadership to guide legal strategy, oversee contracts, handle litigation, and manage external legal relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Strategy:

• Develop and implement the company’s legal strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives while mitigating legal risks.

Corporate Governance:

• Ensure compliance with corporate governance standards and legal obligations, providing advice to the board of directors and senior leadership.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Oversee the company’s compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including employment law, data protection, and industry-specific regulations.

Contract Management:

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to protect the company’s interests.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution:

• Manage litigation, arbitration, and other legal disputes. Liaise with external counsel as necessary to handle complex legal matters.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential legal risks and develop mitigation strategies, ensuring that the company is protected from financial or reputational damage.

Policy Development:

• Develop and implement internal legal policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance across the organization.

Team Management:

• Lead and manage the in-house legal team, providing guidance and support in all areas of legal practice. Coordinate with external law firms as needed.

Training & Awareness:

• Educate and advise senior management and employees on legal matters, promoting awareness and understanding of legal risks and compliance issues.

Mergers & Acquisitions:

• Provide legal support for mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions, conducting due diligence and negotiating deal terms.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as Head of Legal, General Counsel, or a similar senior legal role.
• Strong knowledge of corporate law, regulatory compliance, contract law, and litigation.
• Experience with risk management, governance, and policy development.
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and communication abilities, with experience managing legal teams and working with senior executives.
• Licensed to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB); Master’s degree or additional legal certifications are a plus.
• Must reside in Abuja