Group Litigation Counsel at Nestoil Plc

Nestoil is Nigeria’s largest indigenous Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) Company in the Oil and Gas sector and has been a significant contributor to local content in the industry since its inception about 30 years ago. With about 2,000 direct employees, Nestoil continues to redefine industry standards in Pipeline Construction, Repairs and Maintenance with associated facilities for Dredging, River Crossing and Shoreline Protection.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Group Litigation Counsel

Location: Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-time

Summary

• We are on an evolutionary journey where we’re changing our story. We are looking to hire an experienced Group Litigation Counsel to join our diverse team in our Company.
• Providing strategic legal advice on litigation and dispute resolution.
• Managing external counsel and litigation.
• Minimizing legal risk exposure through proactive legal support and early dispute resolution.
• Representing the company in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and court proceedings as needed.

Responsibilities
Representing the Group:

• Attending courts and tribunals at all levels (magistrate, federal, state, and appellate courts) to advocate for the Group. 

Legal Research and Analysis:

• Conducting in-depth research, analyzing legal precedents, and identifying implications for cases. 

Case Strategy and Development:

• Strategizing with external counsel for the prosecution and defence of litigation and other dispute resolution.
• Supporting the business in reviewing pre-litigation and arbitration claims.  
• Case Evaluation and findings, developing arguments, and formulating strategies for litigation and all other dispute resolutions. 

Legal Advice and Guidance:

• Provision of legal opinion to the business as the need arises
• Providing counsel on legal matters, compliance, and litigation and dispute risk mitigation. 
• Post Judgment/Orders Management.
• In-house training of identified frontline staff on Anti-Bribery & Corruption and Anti-Trust Compliance requirements. 

Document Review and Negotiation:

• Reviewing and revising the draft court processes and submissions from external counsel in all matters involving the Group. 
• In this role you will be responsible for managing and overseeing all litigation and dispute resolution matters involving the Group.
• This role ensures that the company’s legal interests are protected in all contentious matters, including commercial disputes, regulatory investigations, employment claims, and contractual disagreements.
• The Litigation Counsel works closely with internal stakeholders and external counsel to develop and execute effective legal strategies, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Requirements
What are we looking for?

• First Degree in Law (LLB, BL) Possession of a Postgraduate degree in Corporate Law will be an advantage 
• Qualified to Practice as a Barrister and Solicitor in Nigeria.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a litigation/dispute resolution associate within a top-tier law firm. Additional experience as litigation counsel within a corporate organization will be a plus.
• Expertise in litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution under Nigerian law (particularly, civil and criminal procedure, arbitration, mediation).
• Strong knowledge of contract law. Regulatory compliance (local and international regulations in relation to varying subjects including energy, labor, aviation, maritime etc., environmental law, health and safety standards).
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and assess litigation risks.
• Strategic thinking and litigation planning to align legal strategy with business objectives.
• Proficiency in legal research and interpretation of statutes, case law, and regulations.
• Risk assessment and mitigation in contractual, environmental, and operational disputes.
• Ability to manage multi-party disputes, including joint ventures and community-related claims
• Understanding of technical reports and operational data relevant to litigation

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.