Legal Officer – First Assurance Kenya

Absa Bank Kenya PLC is a prominent financial institution in Kenya, offering a comprehensive range of banking and financial services. Founded in 1916, it operates within the banking and financial services industry.

The Legal Officer will be responsible for comprehensive legal management within the company, encompassing litigation, policy development, regulatory compliance, and operational oversight. This includes managing all aspects of legal claims, from assessing liability and appointing external advocates to negotiating settlements and pursuing recoveries. The role also involves providing strategic legal guidance by reviewing internal policies for compliance, interpreting laws, conducting research on pertinent legal issues, and advising management on regulatory changes. Furthermore, the officer will support the proactive identification and mitigation of legal and business risks, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements. Operational duties include leading and developing legal department staff, maintaining legal documentation, and conducting regular reviews of outstanding liability claims.

1. Assess liability for incoming summons and appoint service providers as per company policy.
2. Review legal claims against insured parties, negotiate out-of-court settlements, and ensure adequate reserves.
3. Provide instructions to external lawyers and review their correspondence and opinions.
4. Participate in pre-trial briefings and prepare witnesses for court appearances.
5. Respond to advocate correspondence and maintain up-to-date file information.
6. Review judgments and recommend settlements or appeals, ensuring proper reserves.
7. Distribute summons and plaints to external advocates.
8. Conduct out-of-court negotiations and maintain relevant registers.
9. Periodically review legal files to ensure accuracy of reserves and up-to-date status.
10. Handle company recoveries from third parties and other insurance companies through litigation or negotiation.
11. Ensure timely authorization and processing of payments to the Finance Department and follow up on judgment payments.
12. Prepare legal reports and opinions.
13. Pursue third-party recoveries for the company.
14. Distribute incoming work within the claims legal department to ensure all mails are actioned.
15. Approve discharge vouchers and judgments within set limits.
16. Review external advocate fees to ensure compliance with remuneration orders.
17. Provide legal advice, opinions, and assistance on all legal claims matters to management.
18. Attend court hearings on behalf of the organization when required.
19. Ensure status reports are received from service providers as per guidelines.
20. Prepare monthly and other requested reports.
21. Review internal policies, procedures, and documentation for statutory and regulatory compliance.
22. Assist management with the interpretation and application of laws and regulations.
23. Conduct proactive research on legal issues and provide strategic legal guidance.
24. Monitor and communicate relevant changes in regulatory, corporate, and other applicable laws.
25. Support management in identifying and mitigating legal, regulatory, and business risks.
26. Liaise with departments to ensure appropriate action is taken on identified legal risks.
27. Provide support on day-to-day regulatory insurance compliance issues.
28. Assist in preparing monthly and quarterly reports for executive management and Board meetings.
29. Respond to IRA matters promptly and attend meetings as required.
30. Provide continuous leadership, supervision, training, and development for legal department staff.
31. Ensure maintenance of documentation and legal databases.
32. Ensure biannual review of all outstanding liability claims.

1. Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from a recognized institution.
2. Certified Public Secretary (CPS) with a valid and current Practicing Certificate issued under the Certified Public Secretaries Act.
3. Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid and current practicing certificate.
4. Registered member of the Law Society of Kenya in good standing.
5. At least 3 years of legal practice experience in an Insurance/financial institution, with expertise in Commercial Law, Litigation, and Conveyance.