Senior Legal (Dispute Resolution, Employment & Labour and Advisory)

Role Overview

This is a senior position for a lawyer who can carry a mixed caseload of contentious and advisory work, with a particular emphasis on employment and labour relations and commercial disputes, while also acting as a relationship holder for significant clients. Beyond personal casework, the role exists to raise the technical standard of the wider team through supervision, structured delegation and mentoring of less experienced lawyers. The practice depends on this person to keep complex matters moving without close oversight, protect client relationships built over years, and help convert good work into sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Run a portfolio of complex matters spanning litigation, employment and labour law, and broader commercial and advisory instructions, from first instruction through to conclusion or settlement.
• Personally draft pleadings, written submissions, legal opinions, employment contracts, policies, settlement agreements and other instruments to a standard ready for filing or delivery to the client.
• Appear and advocate before the courts, tribunals and alternative dispute resolution fora, and instruct or work alongside external counsel where required.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for a defined group of clients, responding promptly, managing expectations and safeguarding the relationship through periods of dispute or commercial pressure.
• Supervise associates, pupils and support staff — allocating work appropriately, reviewing drafts, coaching on technique and giving candid feedback on performance.
• Own the financial and risk profile of assigned matters, including deadlines, workflow, conflict and risk checks, time recording, billing, fee collection and recovery of outstanding amounts.
• Contribute to pitches, client retention initiatives and the expansion of the practice, working alongside Partners and colleagues rather than independently of them.
• Keep abreast of statutory, case law and regulatory developments in employment, labour and dispute resolution, and share that knowledge internally.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya in good standing, with a law degree from a recognised university and completion of the Advocates Training Programme or equivalent qualification for admission.
• A minimum of eight years' post-qualification experience, ideally gained within a reputable mid-tier or top-tier law firm.
• Demonstrated depth in either Employment & Labour Law or Dispute Resolution — particularly civil and commercial disputes — supported by substantial advisory, not only litigious, experience.
• A verifiable record of handling complex matters independently and producing consistently high-quality technical work with minimal supervision.
• Strong advocacy, legal drafting, analytical and research skills, combined with clear written and verbal communication and close attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage substantial client relationships, including direct accountability for client care and retention.
• Experience leading, supervising and mentoring legal professionals, with the judgement to delegate effectively and develop others.
• Commercial acumen in billing, fee collection and matter-level financial management, together with involvement in business development, and a demonstrated commitment to professional integrity and accountability.