16 Head Of Legal jobs in Nigeria

Our client is a foremost firm in the Marine Transportation Sector of the economy, with local and international repute, situated in Lagos, Nigeria.  The organisation has vast experience managing, enhancing, and improving navigation opportunities for the country's waterways.

We are looking to recruit a Head of the Legal department who will provide strategic legal guidance, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and manage legal risks to protect the organisation. The Head of Legal is a key advisor to senior leadership, ensuring that legal considerations are integrated into business decisions while safeguarding the interests and maintaining ethical standards in the organisation.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Legal Leadership

• Provide expert legal advice and counsel to the executive team and project sponsors on various legal matters.
• Align legal strategies with the overall business goals and objectives to drive growth and protect the interests of the organisation.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks across all business areas.
• Ensure that the organisation complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards (e.g., labour laws, data protection regulations, corporate governance).
• Oversee internal compliance programs and ensure effective implementation of legal policies and procedures.

Contract Management

• Oversee the drafting, reviewing, and negotiation of contracts, ensuring favourable terms and mitigating legal risks.
• Establish systems for managing contracts and ensuring that agreements are aligned with the company's legal and business requirements.

Dispute Resolution and Litigation

• Manage litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution, preventing and defending legal claims.
• Work with external counsel as necessary and develop strategies to minimise litigation costs and risk exposure.

Corporate Governance

• Ensure robust governance frameworks adhere to legal and regulatory requirements for the company's operations and board activities.
• Assist the board of directors in ensuring proper governance practices and ethical standards.

Business Transactions

• Provide legal guidance on M&A activities, joint ventures, and other business transactions to ensure compliance and protect the company's interests.
• Oversee due diligence, contract negotiation, and post-transaction integration from a legal perspective.

Team Management and Development

• Lead and manage the legal department, ensuring the team has the expertise, resources, and support to address all legal issues effectively.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and ethical responsibility within the legal team.

Ethics and Integrity

• Uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, ensuring that the company operates with integrity and transparency.
• Develop and enforce the company's legal and ethical policies, promoting a culture of compliance and corporate responsibility.

External Relations

• Maintain relationships with external legal firms, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.
• Stay informed on changes in legislation, regulations, and industry standards that may impact the business.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor of law degree (LL. B)
• Ten years legal work experience
• Strong relationship & communication skills - they - should be able to liaise with all C-suite and board members at a deeper level
• Solid understanding of risk management in today's business environment
• Legal affairs (institutional)
• Performance-based service contracts
• Experience supporting business objectives internationally across multiple countries.

Competencies Required

• Communication skills
• Comprehensive legal knowledge
• Strategic thinking and Business Acumen
• Dispute Resolution
• Corporate Governance
• Communication and Interpersonal
• Cultural Awareness
• Critical thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Conflict Resolution
• Attention to textual details
• Negotiation Skill
• Analytical Skill

The Head of Legal will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Bank's legal affairs, proactively manage legal risks, oversee dispute resolution, and safeguard the Bank's interests in all transactions. The ideal candidate must have extensive experience in the banking or fintech sector.

Key Responsibilities:

· Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks across the Bank's operations.

· Manage litigation, arbitration, investigations, and enforcement actions, ensuring effective representation.

· Advise the Bank on legal strategy and direction as required.

· Handle court orders (e.g., garnishees) and ensure timely, compliant responses.

· Develop strategies for dispute resolution to minimize financial and reputational impact.

· Draft, review, and negotiate all contracts, agreements, and legal documents to protect the Bank's interests.

· Establish and maintain a centralized contract management system.

· Provide legal input on new and existing products/services, to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.

· Support commercial transactions, and strategic partnerships.

· Drive legal innovation (e.g., automation of legal processes, legal tech adoption).

· Oversee relationships with external counsel and ensure cost-effective legal service delivery.

· Lead, mentor, and develop the Legal Department, ensuring skills, performance, and succession readiness.

· Support the Company secretarial team on corporate governance processes, including Board and shareholder meetings, resolutions, and filings.

· Advise management on credit structuring, loan recovery, vendor agreements, intellectual property, data protection, and employment law.

· Provide proactive legal support for product development, technology initiatives, and market expansion.

· Ensure customer-facing documentation meets regulatory and consumer protection standards.

Qualifications & Experience

· Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) and Barrister-at-Law (B.L). A master's degree or professional certification in corporate law, compliance, or financial law is an advantage.

· Minimum of 8 years' post-call experience, with at least 3 years in a senior legal role within financial services (preferably banking or microfinance).

· Sound knowledge of commercial, corporate, and financial laws.

· Strong negotiation and communication skills, both verbal and written.

· Detail-oriented with a strategic approach to risk assessment.

· Experience liaising with regulators, LEAs, and managing cross-functional teams.

Job Type: Full-time

Role: Head of Legal

Industry: Real Estate

Salary: 400,000 to 500,000

Benefits: Free Accommodation and Transportation Allowance.

Responsibilities and Key Performance indicators;

1. Ensure the company's compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines

governing the real estate industry in Nigeria. Develop and implement policies and procedures

to mitigate legal risks and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

1. Review, draft, and negotiate complex agreements, contracts, and legal documents related to

property acquisitions, leases, sales, and other transactions. Provide legal guidance on contract

terms and conditions to protect the company's interests and minimize legal exposure.

1. Handle legal disputes and litigation matters involving the company, including property

disputes, contractual disagreements, and other legal conflicts. Work closely with external legal

counsel, when necessary, to resolve disputes effectively and efficiently.

1. Provide strategic legal advice and guidance to the management team on a broad range of

issues, including property development, construction, investment, corporate governance and

regulatory matters. Offer insights on legal implications and risks associated with business

decisions and initiatives.

1. Monitor changes in the legal and regulatory environment affecting the real estate industry in

Nigeria. Keep the company informed about relevant legislative developments, and provide

recommendations for adapting business strategies to align with evolving legal requirements.

1. Ensure the company's compliance with corporate governance principles and best practices.

Advise the board of directors and senior management on corporate governance matters,

including compliance with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

1. Lead and manage the legal department, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to a

team of legal professionals. Foster a collaborative and productive work environment,

Section B (Primary Duties & Responsibilities) and Key Performance Indicators

encouraging professional development and ensuring the team's alignment with the company's

goals and values.

1. Stakeholder Management: Engage with external stakeholders, including government

authorities, regulatory bodies, legal professionals, and industry associations, to foster positive

relationships and represent the company's legal interests effectively.

1. Creating bylaws and management policies providing legal guidance to directors, board

members and chief executives

1. Auditing: Conducting regular, independent legal audits to review and improve the company's

internal and external corporate governance practices.

1. Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessment and reporting to help the Board of Directors

make more informed decisions about the company.

Key Performance Indicators

1. Legal Compliance Rate: Percentage of legal compliance achieved in adherence to Nigerian

real estate laws and regulations.

1. Contract Turnaround Time: Average time taken to review, draft, and finalize contracts and

agreements for property transactions.

1. Litigation Success Rate: Percentage of successful resolution or defense of legal disputes and

litigation matters involving the company.

1. Regulatory Adherence: Assessment of the company's adherence to changing legal and

regulatory requirements in the Nigerian real estate industry.

1. Risk Management Effectiveness: Evaluation of the efficacy of risk management strategies

implemented to mitigate legal risks and protect the company's interests.

1. Team Performance and Development: Assessment of the legal department's performance,

including productivity, efficiency, and professional development of team members.

1. Stakeholder Satisfaction: Feedback and perception of key stakeholders, including internal

teams, external partners, and regulatory authorities, regarding the quality and effectiveness of

legal services and guidance.

1. Cost Management: Monitoring and control of legal expenses, including external legal fees,

to ensure efficient utilization of resources within the legal department's budget.

1. Policy Implementation: Assessment of the successful implementation of legal policies and

procedures designed to enhance corporate governance and ensure ethical business practices.

1. Strategic Advisory Impact: Evaluation of the impact of legal advice and guidance provided

to the management team on strategic business decisions and initiatives within the real estate

industry.

Note: There will be added responsibilities as the need arises.

Section C (Qualifications, Experience, Skills &Competencies)

Education and Work Experience

• Required: A Bachelor's degree in Law. A Master's degree or certification in ICSAN or other relevant

professional certification will be an added advantage.

• Proven experience in corporate legal practice, preferably within the real estate industry, with a strong

understanding of Nigerian laws and regulations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with

internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to

handle complex legal issues.

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.

• High ethical standards and a commitment to upholding the values and integrity of the organization.

Our client, a company in the financial industry sector is seeking to hire an Head of legal/Company Secretary who will serve as the principal advisor to the Board of Directors on governance and compliance matters. The role ensures legal and regulatory compliance across the Group, provides legal advisory on business transactions, and supports contract management, litigation oversight, and corporate governance. The role also involves working collaboratively with stakeholders across subsidiaries to uphold the Group's legal integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions on commercial, operational, and regulatory matters.

• Draft, review, and interpret legal documents, including contracts, service-level agreements, and transaction documents.

• Provide timely and practical legal advice to business units and leadership on day-to-day matters and strategic initiatives.

• Monitor applicable laws and regulations, ensuring the company operates in compliance.

• Support regulatory filings, license renewals, and regulatory correspondence.

• Assist in implementing compliance frameworks across the group.

• Support litigation case management, liaising with external counsel, and ensuring timely updates and filings.

• Maintain a litigation tracker and assist in monitoring ongoing cases to protect the company's interests.

• Monitor applicable laws and regulations, ensuring the company operates in compliance.

• Support regulatory filings, license renewals, and regulatory correspondence.

• Assist in implementing compliance frameworks across the group.

• Identify and assess legal risks, recommending appropriate mitigation strategies.

• Participate in risk reviews and contribute to audit processes where legal input is required.

• Collaborate with internal departments, external counsel, and regulators to resolve legal and compliance issues.

• Assist with responding to legal and regulatory inquiries across the group.

• Support the development of legal staff through mentoring and oversight.

• Contribute to building a strong legal and compliance culture across the organization.

Proven experience in a senior legal role within the financial services sector, including experience with financial holding companies and their subsidiaries.

REQUIREMENT

• 8 years post-call experience in legal within the financial services sector or related areas.

• Strong knowledge of financial services regulations, corporate governance, and legal compliance.

• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic legal counsel to senior executives.

Benefits

Job Type: Full-time

Competitive Salary: ₦ 800,000 -1,000, Gross)

Apply to:

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₦00, 000,000.00 per month

Role: Head of Legal

Industry: Real Estate

Salary: 400,000 to 500,000

Benefits:

-Accommodation and official vehicle

• HMO

• Discounted learning and development

• bonus on business sales

• some percentage discount on land ownership

Responsibilities and Key Performance indicators;

1. Ensure the company's compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines

governing the real estate industry in Nigeria. Develop and implement policies and procedures

to mitigate legal risks and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

1. Review, draft, and negotiate complex agreements, contracts, and legal documents related to

property acquisitions, leases, sales, and other transactions. Provide legal guidance on contract

terms and conditions to protect the company's interests and minimize legal exposure.

1. Handle legal disputes and litigation matters involving the company, including property

disputes, contractual disagreements, and other legal conflicts. Work closely with external legal

counsel, when necessary, to resolve disputes effectively and efficiently.

1. Provide strategic legal advice and guidance to the management team on a broad range of

issues, including property development, construction, investment, corporate governance and

regulatory matters. Offer insights on legal implications and risks associated with business

decisions and initiatives.

1. Monitor changes in the legal and regulatory environment affecting the real estate industry in

Nigeria. Keep the company informed about relevant legislative developments, and provide

recommendations for adapting business strategies to align with evolving legal requirements.

1. Ensure the company's compliance with corporate governance principles and best practices.

Advise the board of directors and senior management on corporate governance matters,

including compliance with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

1. Lead and manage the legal department, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to a

team of legal professionals. Foster a collaborative and productive work environment,

Section B (Primary Duties & Responsibilities) and Key Performance Indicators

encouraging professional development and ensuring the team's alignment with the company's

goals and values.

1. Stakeholder Management: Engage with external stakeholders, including government

authorities, regulatory bodies, legal professionals, and industry associations, to foster positive

relationships and represent the company's legal interests effectively.

1. Creating bylaws and management policies providing legal guidance to directors, board

members and chief executives

1. Auditing: Conducting regular, independent legal audits to review and improve the company's

internal and external corporate governance practices.

1. Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessment and reporting to help the Board of Directors

make more informed decisions about the company.

Key Performance Indicators

1. Legal Compliance Rate: Percentage of legal compliance achieved in adherence to Nigerian

real estate laws and regulations.

1. Contract Turnaround Time: Average time taken to review, draft, and finalize contracts and

agreements for property transactions.

1. Litigation Success Rate: Percentage of successful resolution or defense of legal disputes and

litigation matters involving the company.

1. Regulatory Adherence: Assessment of the company's adherence to changing legal and

regulatory requirements in the Nigerian real estate industry.

1. Risk Management Effectiveness: Evaluation of the efficacy of risk management strategies

implemented to mitigate legal risks and protect the company's interests.

1. Team Performance and Development: Assessment of the legal department's performance,

including productivity, efficiency, and professional development of team members.

1. Stakeholder Satisfaction: Feedback and perception of key stakeholders, including internal

teams, external partners, and regulatory authorities, regarding the quality and effectiveness of

legal services and guidance.

1. Cost Management: Monitoring and control of legal expenses, including external legal fees,

to ensure efficient utilization of resources within the legal department's budget.

1. Policy Implementation: Assessment of the successful implementation of legal policies and

procedures designed to enhance corporate governance and ensure ethical business practices.

1. Strategic Advisory Impact: Evaluation of the impact of legal advice and guidance provided

to the management team on strategic business decisions and initiatives within the real estate

industry.

Note: There will be added responsibilities as the need arises.

Section C (Qualifications, Experience, Skills &Competencies)

Education and Work Experience

• Required: A Bachelor's degree in Law. A Master's degree or certification in ICSAN or other relevant

professional certification will be an added advantage.

• Proven experience in corporate legal practice, preferably within the real estate industry, with a strong

understanding of Nigerian laws and regulations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with

internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to

handle complex legal issues.

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.

• High ethical standards and a commitment to upholding the values and integrity of the organization.

Responsibilities

1. Ensure the company's compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines

governing the real estate industry in Nigeria. Develop and implement policies and procedures

to mitigate legal risks and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

1. Review, draft, and negotiate complex agreements, contracts, and legal documents related to

property acquisitions, leases, sales, and other transactions. Provide legal guidance on contract

terms and conditions to protect the company's interests and minimize legal exposure.

1. Handle legal disputes and litigation matters involving the company, including property

disputes, contractual disagreements, and other legal conflicts. Work closely with external legal

counsel, when necessary, to resolve disputes effectively and efficiently.

1. Provide strategic legal advice and guidance to the management team on a broad range of

issues, including property development, construction, investment, corporate governance and

regulatory matters. Offer insights on legal implications and risks associated with business

decisions and initiatives.

1. Monitor changes in the legal and regulatory environment affecting the real estate industry in

Nigeria. Keep the company informed about relevant legislative developments, and provide

recommendations for adapting business strategies to align with evolving legal requirements.

1. Ensure the company's compliance with corporate governance principles and best practices.

Advise the board of directors and senior management on corporate governance matters,

including compliance with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

1. Lead and manage the legal department, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to a

team of legal professionals. Foster a collaborative and productive work environment,

2Section B (Primary Duties & Responsibilities) and Key Performance Indicators

encouraging professional development and ensuring the team's alignment with the company's

goals and values.

1. Stakeholder Management: Engage with external stakeholders, including government

authorities, regulatory bodies, legal professionals, and industry associations, to foster positive

relationships and represent the company's legal interests effectively.

1. Creating bylaws and management policies providing legal guidance to directors, board

members and chief executives

1. Auditing: Conducting regular, independent legal audits to review and improve the company's

internal and external corporate governance practices.

1. Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessment and reporting to help the Board of Directors

make more informed decisions about the company.

Key Performance Indicators

1. Legal Compliance Rate: Percentage of legal compliance achieved in adherence to Nigerian

real estate laws and regulations.

1. Contract Turnaround Time: Average time taken to review, draft, and finalize contracts and

agreements for property transactions.

1. Litigation Success Rate: Percentage of successful resolution or defense of legal disputes and

litigation matters involving the company.

1. Regulatory Adherence: Assessment of the company's adherence to changing legal and

regulatory requirements in the Nigerian real estate industry.

1. Risk Management Effectiveness: Evaluation of the efficacy of risk management strategies

implemented to mitigate legal risks and protect the company's interests.

1. Team Performance and Development: Assessment of the legal department's performance,

including productivity, efficiency, and professional development of team members.

1. Stakeholder Satisfaction: Feedback and perception of key stakeholders, including internal

teams, external partners, and regulatory authorities, regarding the quality and effectiveness of

legal services and guidance.

1. Cost Management: Monitoring and control of legal expenses, including external legal fees,

to ensure efficient utilization of resources within the legal department's budget.

1. Policy Implementation: Assessment of the successful implementation of legal policies and

procedures designed to enhance corporate governance and ensure ethical business practices.

1. Strategic Advisory Impact: Evaluation of the impact of legal advice and guidance provided

to the management team on strategic business decisions and initiatives within the real estate

industry.

Note: There will be added responsibilities as the need arises.

3Section C (Qualifications, Experience, Skills &Competencies)

Education and Work Experience

• Required: A Bachelor's degree in Law. A Master's degree or certification in ICSAN or other relevant

professional certification will be an added advantage.

• Proven experience in corporate legal practice, preferably within the real estate industry, with a strong

understanding of Nigerian laws and regulations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with

internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to

handle complex legal issues.

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to upholding the values and integrity of the organization.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₦400, ₦500,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience in the real estate sector?
• Are you available to relocate to Lagos provided there's free accommodation and transportation allowance?

Our client is a manufacturer and distributor of high-integrity machine tools and other engineering products and spares designed to serve the project, operation, and maintenance needs of a range of industries. Due to Expansion, they are currently in need of a Group Head - Audit, Legal and Compliance.

Job Location: Ikoyi, Lagos

•Manage all corporate litigations and legal risks across the group. •Draft review and negotiate commercial agreements and all legal documents. •Review the work of colleagues when necessary to identify compliance issues and provide advice or training. •Develop and oversee control systems to prevent or deal with violations of legal guidelines and internal policies. •Evaluate the efficiency of controls and improve them continuously. •Manage the performance of internal audits and external audits of suppliers •Revise procedures, reports etc. periodically to identify hidden risks or non-conformity issues. •Draft, modify and implement company policies. •Collaborate with corporate counsels and HR department to monitor enforcement of standards and regulations •Assess the business’s future ventures to identify possible compliance risks. •Monitor compliance, licensing, and company secretarial requirements of the group. •Perform detailed research on legal matters and bring up recommendations for improved performance. •Liaise with Regulators as well as internal business divisions to ensure a sound understanding of compliance requirements, and governance issues and advise management of emerging compliance issues thus guiding the group in the establishment of controls to mitigate risks.

•Bachelor's Degree in Law or related discipline with 15 years of hands-on experience as head of legal/regulatory compliance in a significant manufacturing concern. •Work experience in an internal audit environment •Admission into Bar and the ability to think outside the box and demonstrate commercial application of legal knowledge are necessary. •In-depth knowledge of the industry’s standards and regulations. •Excellent knowledge of reporting procedures and record keeping. •A business acumen partnered with a dedication to legality. •An analytical mind able to "see" the complexities of procedures and regulations. •Excellent communication skills.