Legal Assistant

Express Shipping & Logistics (EA) Ltd (ESL) is a logistics and supply chain company founded in 2001 and based in Mombasa, Kenya. They provide comprehensive shipping and logistics services across Eastern Africa.

The Legal Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the company's legal, compliance, and corporate governance functions. Key responsibilities include assisting with legal research, preparing and reviewing various documents, maintaining legal and statutory records, and monitoring regulatory obligations. The role also involves coordinating with external counsel and ensuring timely follow-up on licenses, permits, insurance claims, and other legal matters.

1. Maintain comprehensive registers and filing systems for legal, insurance, statutory, license, permit, contract, litigation, and governance documents.
2. Assist in drafting, reviewing, and proofreading legal documents such as contracts, leases, licenses, correspondence, board papers, and resolutions.
3. Track contractual obligations, renewal dates, statutory deadlines, and regulatory requirements, ensuring timely escalation of upcoming actions.
4. Support the timely filing of statutory returns and ensure current shareholder and director records, including CR12 documentation, are maintained.
5. Assist in preparing and filing board and committee records, including reference-numbered minutes and a board resolutions register.
6. Conduct legal research, monitor changes in relevant laws and regulations, and prepare concise briefs for management.
7. Provide support for litigation, arbitration, mediation, and conveyancing matters by preparing case files, tracking deadlines, and liaising with external counsel.
8. Coordinate periodic updates from external counsel and assist in compiling bi-annual performance evaluation reports.
9. Monitor the timely renewal of company licenses, permits, work permits, and other regulatory approvals.
10. Support company-wide insurance administration, including updating asset schedules, following up on claims, and maintaining an insurance tracking schedule.
11. Assist in monitoring legal expenditure, external counsel fees, land rates, and other legal costs against the approved budget.
12. Support debt collection efforts and the implementation of the credit control policy by maintaining documentation and following up on assigned matters.
13. Assist with legal and compliance training for staff and support the review of internal policies for legal conformity.
14. Maintain strict confidentiality and handle all legal records and communications with accuracy and integrity.
15. Perform other duties as assigned by management.

1. Hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized institution.
2. A Post-graduate Diploma in Law or relevant paralegal/legal practice training is an advantageous qualification.
3. Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate is an added advantage.
4. Possess at least one year of relevant experience within a legal department, law firm, or corporate environment.
5. Be proficient in computer application packages and electronic document management systems.
6. Knowledge of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and ISO standards is an added advantage.
7. Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
8. Exhibit strong legal research, drafting, and proofreading abilities.
9. Possess high attention to detail and excellent record-management skills.
10. Have good planning, organization, and time-management skills.
11. Be able to manage changing priorities, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.
12. Show sound judgment, discretion, and a high level of integrity.
13. Possess good interpersonal, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
14. Be a team player with initiative, drive, and a service-oriented approach.