Senior Advocate -Conveyancing, Real Estate & Banking

Role Overview

This is a senior leadership position within a well-established commercial and real estate law practice in Nairobi, where you will take charge of the Conveyancing and Commercial Law department. Your day-to-day work will involve steering complex property and corporate transactions from initial client instruction through to registration, while also supervising a team of advocates and support staff to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery. Beyond transactional work, you will act as a trusted strategic adviser to corporate clients, contribute to the firm's business development efforts, and help shape the operational and risk management framework of the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative legal opinions and practical guidance on property, real estate, corporate, and commercial matters, keeping corporate clients informed with regular, clear progress reports throughout each transaction.
• Take full ownership of conveyancing files from start to finish, including conducting due diligence, reviewing institutional lender instructions, preparing transfer documents, and ensuring timely lodging, execution, and registration of all instruments.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, security documentation, and transfer instruments for both residential and commercial property developments, identifying and mitigating legal risks for clients.
• Manage all interactions and filings with statutory bodies such as the Land Registries, Companies Registry, Survey of Kenya, National Land Commission, and local authorities, ensuring compliance with current regulations and procedures.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key external stakeholders, including clients, real estate agents, land valuers, surveyors, and mortgage lenders, to facilitate smooth transactions and repeat business.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise team members within the department, monitoring performance, allocating work effectively, and promoting a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Drive the department's growth by identifying business development opportunities, preparing legal updates and sector insights, and collaborating with other practice areas to enhance overall client experience and cross-selling.
• Contribute to strategic planning, operational efficiency, and risk management initiatives within the firm, and undertake additional duties as required to support the firm's objectives.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognised university, with admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a current Practising Certificate.
• At least five years of post-admission experience in a busy law firm environment, with demonstrated exposure to complex property, commercial, corporate, and banking transactions.
• Proven hands-on experience in conveyancing matters, including title due diligence, perfection of banking securities, and the preparation and registration of transfer and charge documents.
• Strong understanding of Kenyan land law, company law, and commercial contracts, along with familiarity of procedures at the Lands Registry, Companies Registry, and related government agencies.
• Superior legal drafting, negotiation, and legal research skills, with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate work under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including experience supervising or mentoring junior advocates and support staff; formal management or leadership training will be an added advantage.
• Excellent client relationship management, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities, adopting a results-oriented approach to managing multiple transactions and competing priorities simultaneously.