Distinguished Senior Legal Officer specializing in legal research, contract drafting, and risk management. Demonstrated success in compliance oversight and strategic negotiation, achieving favorable results in litigation and regulatory affairs.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Legal Officer
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency
Lagos, Nigeria
11.2021 - 08.2025
Assisted in the preparation of court cases by gathering evidence, preparing pleadings, filing motions and appearing before courts or regulatory bodies when necessary.
Coordinated with other departments within the organization to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations and standards.
Prepared reports for executive management regarding potential areas of risk associated with proposed actions.
Conducted research into various legal matters in order to provide accurate guidance to the organization.
Represented the organization in arbitration proceedings when required.
Negotiated settlements with parties involved in disputes or litigations.
Drafted and revised company policies, procedures, regulations and other legal documents.
Analyzed complex data sets related to pending or ongoing litigation cases.
Interacted regularly with clients while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Participated in internal investigations related to alleged violations of applicable laws or regulations.
Reviewed and evaluated legal documents, contracts and agreements to ensure compliance with relevant laws.
Developed strategies to manage potential litigation risks and minimize exposure to liability.
Monitored changes in legislation that may affect the organization's operations or activities.
Conducted legal research and analysis to draft legal opinions, studies and reports.
Supported executive decision-making by offering sound legal advice.
Prepared legal briefs and appeals and filed with state and federal courts as required.
Conducted in-depth research in order to write effective proposals, agreements, and contracts.
Coordinated with investigators and law enforcement agencies to obtain information or evidence used in hearings.
Used in-depth knowledge of legal precedents to analyze probable outcomes of cases.
Presented court cases to jurors and judges.
Leveraged knowledge of precedents and applicable laws to determine probable case outcomes.
Interviewed clients and witnesses to acquire additional insight into case details.
Gathered public records and interviewed witnesses relevant to cases.
Advised clients regarding legal matters, business transactions and claim liability.
Senior Counsel
Ahmed Raji & Co
Abuja, Nigeria
11.2014 - 10.2021
Analyzed case law developments relevant to the company's activities.
Coordinated with government agencies regarding investigations into alleged violations by clients.
Researched and analyzed complex legal issues in areas such as intellectual property, securities law, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance.
Managed all aspects of pre-litigation discovery process including document review.
Represented clients at hearings before administrative agencies or courts of law.
Collaborated with outside counsels in jurisdictions where local expertise was needed.
Tracked legislative changes that could affect client's business operations.
Counseled clients on best practices for avoiding future disputes or litigation scenarios.
Prepared legal memoranda on various topics including contract interpretation and dispute resolution.
Provided strategic direction for litigations based on understanding of facts and applicable laws.
Advised clients on risk management practices related to their business operations.
Assisted in the coordination of multi-jurisdictional transactions involving multiple parties.
Supervised junior attorneys in preparation of pleadings, briefs, motions, opinions and other documents.
Developed strategies for resolving disputes through negotiation or litigation.
Argued clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form.
Monitored legislative and regulatory developments relevant to clients' interests, providing proactive advice and adjustments to legal strategies as necessary.
Represented clients in court proceedings, hearings, and mediation sessions, effectively advocating on their behalf to achieve favorable outcomes.
Provided legal advice, opinions and solutions regarding issues and risks on various transactional and regulatory matters.
Drafted and reviewed legal documents, including contracts, pleadings, briefs, motions, and settlement agreements, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Interpreted laws and regulations in non-complex terminology to educate individuals.
Handled labor and employment law issues, advising on compliance, dispute resolution, and representing clients in related litigation.
Advised clients on intricacies of law, fostering informed understanding of legal rights and obligations.
Facilitated legal compliance audits for corporate clients, identifying potential legal risks and recommending mitigation strategies.
Engaged in continuous professional development to stay abreast of legal trends, court decisions, and best practices in the legal field.
Negotiated settlements in civil disputes, demonstrating strong negotiation skills and a keen understanding of client interests and legal implications.
Collaborated with legal teams, paralegals, and administrative staff to coordinate case preparation and manage workload efficiently.
Prepared and delivered presentations and legal briefings to clients, colleagues, and industry professionals on relevant legal topics and developments.
Developed legal strategies by analyzing case law and statutory requirements, ensuring a comprehensive approach to client representation.
Negotiated resolutions of cases with defense attorneys and judges.
Conducted comprehensive legal research and analysis on various aspects of civil and criminal law to support case preparation and strategy development.
Liaised with government agencies, other attorneys, and parties involved in legal proceedings, maintaining professional relationships to facilitate case progress.
Provided legal advice and consultation to clients on a wide range of issues, ensuring they are informed of their rights, obligations, and legal options.
Provided mentorship and guidance to junior attorneys and law clerks, enhancing team skills and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Administered complex civil or criminal litigation in trial and appellate courts.
Participated in pro bono legal services, providing legal assistance to underserved populations and contributing to the community.
Interpreted recent court opinions and current legal research to remain current with developments.
Performed complex legal research to prepare for cases or arbitration.
Managed case files and documentation, ensuring all relevant information was organized, accessible, and maintained in strict confidentiality.
Prepared persuasive legal memoranda, motions and briefs synthesizing facts, evidence and legal authorities.
Assisted in drafting and negotiating commercial leases, real estate agreements, and facilitating property transactions with attention to legal and financial details.
Spearheaded negotiations to settle cases before trials.
Negotiated and drafted settlement agreements to resolve litigated cases.
Interviewed clients and witnesses to acquire additional insight into case details.
Used in-depth knowledge of legal precedents to analyze probable outcomes of cases.
Gathered public records and interviewed witnesses relevant to cases.
Conducted in-depth research in order to write effective proposals, agreements, and contracts.
Examined legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuits.
Advised clients regarding legal matters, business transactions and claim liability.
Presented court cases to jurors and judges.
Coordinated with investigators and law enforcement agencies to obtain information or evidence used in hearings.
Education
Ph.D. - Law
University of Otago
Dunedin, NZ
12-2025
Master of Laws - Law
University of Oslo
Norway
12-2019
Bachelor of Law - Law
University of Ibadan
Ibadan, Nigeria
08-2013
Skills
Legal research
Contract drafting
Risk management
Case analysis
Legal compliance
Client representation
Timeline
Senior Legal Officer
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency
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