Overview
Senior Associate Jobs in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria at Olalekan Ojo & Co
Title: Senior Associate
Company: Olalekan Ojo & Co
Location: Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
JOB DESCRIPTION — SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Firm: Olalekan Ojo SAN & Co.
Position: Senior Associate
Minimum Experience: 7 Years Post-Call
Practice Area: Litigation & Advocacy
Location: Lagos
Role Overview
Olalekan Ojo SAN & Co. is seeking a highly competent, experienced and result-oriented Senior Associate to join its litigation and advocacy team.
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong expertise in civil and criminal litigation, excellent courtroom advocacy,excellent legal drafting skills and the ability to independently manage matters from commencement through trial and, where applicable, appeal.
The Senior Associate will also provide leadership and supervision to junior lawyers and support the Firm’s strategic management of its litigation portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
* Independently handle and manage litigation matters with minimal supervision.
* Conduct legal research and provide well-reasoned legal opinions and advice.
* Draft high-quality court processes, including originating processes, pleadings, motions, affidavits, written addresses, notices, briefs and appellate processes.
* Attend court regularly and effectively represent clients in proceedings.
* Demonstrate sound courtroom practice, advocacy and litigation strategy.
* Prepare matters thoroughly for trial, including witnesses, exhibits, cross-examination and legal arguments.
* Conduct effective examination-in-chief and cross-examination of witnesses.
* Handle interlocutory applications and other procedural aspects of litigation.
* Prepare and argue applications, written addresses and other processes before the Courts.
* Assist in handling appeals, including drafting Notices and Grounds of Appeal, Appellant/Respondent Briefs and other appellate processes.
* Review and analyse pleadings, evidence, judgments, rulings and other legal documents.
* Maintain effective communication with clients and provide regular updates on the progress of matters.
* Manage deadlines, court dates and case files efficiently.
* Supervise, mentor and review the work of junior associates, interns and other members of the litigation team.
* Allocate work and provide appropriate guidance to junior lawyers.
* Participate in strategy meetings and contribute to the development of the Firm’s litigation practice.
* Maintain high professional and ethical standards in all dealings with clients, colleagues and the Courts.
* Perform other duties reasonably assigned by the Managing Partner or Head of Litigation.
Required Qualifications
The candidate must possess:
* A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from a recognised university.
* A Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) certificate from the Nigerian Law School.
* An active practising status as a legal practitioner in Nigeria.
* A minimum of 7 years post-call experience.
Essential Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate must:
* Be highly proficient in litigation and advocacy.
* Have substantial practical knowledge and experience of courtroom practice and procedure.
* Be an excellent and confident advocate with the ability to present arguments clearly and persuasively.
* Possess excellent legal drafting skills, particularly in drafting pleadings, motions, affidavits, written addresses and appellate processes.
* Be eloquent, articulate and persuasive, both orally and in writing.
* Demonstrate strong analytical and legal research abilities.
* Be capable of independently managing complex litigation matters without constant supervision.
* Possess excellent organisational and time-management skills.
* Have strong leadership and people-management skills.
* Be capable of supervising, mentoring and developing junior lawyers.
* Demonstrate sound judgment, attention to detail and commercial awareness.
* Be confident in dealing with clients, opposing counsel and other stakeholders.
* Be proactive, diligent, disciplined and solution-oriented.
* Be able to work effectively under pressure and meet strict court and professional deadlines.
* Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, integrity and commitment to the Firm’s standards.
Leadership & Management Expectations
As a Senior Associate, the successful candidate will be expected to function not merely as a fee earner but as a leader within the litigation team.
The candidate should be capable of:
1. Taking ownership of assigned matters.
2. Supervising junior associates and reviewing their work.
3. Delegating tasks appropriately and ensuring timely completion.
4. Providing strategic direction on litigation matters.
5. Identifying risks and proposing practical solutions.
6. Maintaining high standards of legal work within the team.
7. Mentoring and developing younger lawyers.
8. Managing client relationships professionally.
9. Assisting the Firm’s Partners in the effective management of the litigation department.
Key Performance Indicators
Performance will be assessed based on:
* Quality and accuracy of legal drafting.
* Courtroom performance and advocacy skills.
* Ability to independently manage litigation matters.
* Quality of legal research and analysis.
* Successful preparation and prosecution/defence of cases.
* Effective management of deadlines and case files.
* Client satisfaction and communication.
* Leadership and supervision of junior lawyers.
* Professionalism, diligence and reliability.
* Contribution to the growth and development of the Firm’s litigation practice.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate should be:
Articulate | Eloquent | Analytical | Confident | Diligent | Proactive | Strategic | Organised | Professional | Leadership-oriented | Detail-conscious | Results-driven
Application Profile
Applicants should have a demonstrable track record of practical litigation experience, rather than merely academic knowledge of litigation. Candidates with strong courtroom exposure, substantial drafting experience and proven ability to independently conduct matters will be particularly suitable for the role.
