Senior Associate II – Litigation & Dispute Resolution(Legal Sector)

Role Overview

This role sits within a busy litigation and dispute resolution practice, where you will take ownership of complex, high-stakes matters from strategy through to advocacy. You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy while still collaborating closely with partners, and to balance the dual demands of winning cases and nurturing the next generation of legal talent. Your work will directly shape client outcomes and contribute to the firm’s reputation in the Kenyan legal market.

Key Responsibilities

• Take the lead on litigation and dispute resolution files, developing case strategy, preparing pleadings, and guiding clients through each procedural stage with clear, practical advice.
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients on assigned matters, anticipating their commercial and legal needs and ensuring they receive responsive, solution-oriented support.
• Appear before courts, tribunals, and arbitral forums, presenting oral arguments and examining witnesses with confidence and precision.
• Supervise and mentor associates, pupils, and paralegals, reviewing their work product, providing constructive feedback, and helping them develop strong drafting and advocacy skills.
• Work with partners to identify business development opportunities, draft proposals, and participate in pitches for new work while deepening existing client relationships.
• Manage the financial health of your matters, including budgeting, time recording, billing, and collection, so that engagements run efficiently and profitably.
• Stay current on Kenyan case law, legislative changes, and dispute resolution trends, and apply that knowledge to improve case strategies and internal knowledge-sharing.
• Ensure every matter is handled in line with the firm’s ethical standards, professional conduct rules, and risk management protocols, protecting both client interests and the firm’s integrity.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a recognized university and admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
• At least five years of post-qualification experience, ideally within a reputable law firm or a well-established in-house legal department; candidates with greater experience are welcome.
• Proven ability to manage complex litigation and dispute resolution matters independently, with minimal supervision and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising junior legal professionals, including delegating work, reviewing output, and providing mentorship.
• Strong legal research, drafting, and oral advocacy skills, with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to construct persuasive arguments.
• Excellent client relationship management capabilities, including the confidence to advise senior clients and the tact to manage difficult conversations.
• Commercial awareness and an interest in contributing to business development, including pitching for new work and meeting departmental targets.
• Strong organizational skills, with a track record of managing multiple deadlines, budgets, and billing requirements simultaneously.