Legal Counsel at Interswitch Group

Interswitch is an Africa-focused integrated digital payments and commerce company that facilitates the electronic circulation of money as well as the exchange of value between individuals and organisations on a timely and consistent basis. We started operations in 2002 as a transaction switching and electronic payments processing, and have progressively evolved into an integrated payment services company, building and managing payment infrastructure as well as delivering innovative payment products and transactional services throughout the African continent. At Interswitch, we offer unique career opportunities for individuals capable of playing key roles and adding value in an innovative and fun environment.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Legal Counsel

Location: Lagos
Job type: Full-time

Job Description

• We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel who will provide day-to-day legal support to the company and its subsidiaries, across a range of business functions, with a particular focus on contract review and drafting, litigation management, intellectual property coordination, and support on transactional matters, including but not limited to mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and market expansion initiatives e.t.c.
• The role requires a proactive and commercially minded legal professional who can collaborate effectively with internal/external stakeholders and manage relationships with external solicitors.

Responsibilities
Contract Management:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements.
• Provide legal advisory support to business units on contract interpretation, rights, obligations, and associated risks.
• Assist internal stakeholders in structuring deals and commercial arrangements in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

Litigation Management:

• Monitor and manage the Group’s litigation and dispute resolution portfolio across all entities.
• Identify, select, and onboard external solicitors for litigation and regulatory matters in Nigeria as well as other jurisdictions.
• Supervise and coordinate with external solicitors to ensure alignment with the agreed legal strategy, timelines, and cost expectations.
• Ensure external solicitors provides regular updates and progress reports on all active matters.
• Review legal processes to ensure consistency with the agreed legal and commercial position.
• Analyze court procedures and complex legal issues to determine and formulate appropriate legal strategies for defending or prosecuting matters effectively.

Intellectual Property (IP):

• Work with external IP solicitors to manage the registration and protection of the company’s trademarks, copyrights, and other IP rights.
• Maintain the IP portfolio and ensure renewals are up to date.
• Advise internal stakeholders on IP issues including usage, licensing, and potential infringements.

Transactional Support:

• Carry out legal due diligence and documentation for the Group’s investments, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
• Participate in the drafting, review, and negotiation of transaction documents.
• Identify, engage, and manage external solicitors, ensuring they align with the Group’s commercial objectives and timelines.
• Coordinate with internal/external stakeholders and professional advisors to support smooth transaction execution.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from a recognized university
• BL (Barrister-at-Law) from the Nigerian Law School; must be called to the Nigerian Bar.
• At least 5 years' experience drawn from a commercial law firm or working as in-house counsel preferably in a reputable Financial Institution, FinTech company or a Central Bank of Nigeria regulated entity.
• Experience in commercial contracts, dispute resolution, IP, litigation and corporate transactions.
• Familiarity with Nigerian regulatory and legal frameworks governing corporate and commercial law.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.

Skills:

• Legal Drafting & Contract Negotiation: Proficiency in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating a variety of commercial agreements under Nigerian law.
• Litigation Management: Experience supporting or managing civil, criminal and commercial litigation matters, including liaising with external solicitors.
• Intellectual Property Management: Understanding of Intellectual Property law and regulatory processes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with Nigerian regulatory frameworks relevant to financial services, technology, and data protection.
• Research & Legal Opinion Writing: Ability to conduct thorough legal research and prepare well-reasoned legal opinions or briefs.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to critically evaluate complex legal issues, interpret laws and regulations (including Nigerian statutes and case law), and provide clear, actionable legal advice.
• Attention to Detail: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness in legal advisory, legal drafting, contract review, and litigation documentation.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders and build trust across departments.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholds very high ethical standards, exercises sound judgment, and handles confidential information with discretion.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with internal/external teams (e.g. commercial, compliance, finance, operations) and manage relationships with external solicitor and regulatory bodies in Nigeria.
• Time Management: Ability to provide legal advisory and support within tight timelines and varying time zones.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note: Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.