Legal Officer Civil

Reports to          : Principal Litigation Officer- Criminal and Civil.

Supervises          : Legal Assistant

No’ of Supervisees: 1

Department       : Legal

Duty Station      : Duty Area

Job Purpose

To assist in the management and resolution of civil cases involving UEDCL including contract disputes, property matters and other civil claims. The Legal Officer – Civil ensures legal compliance, minimizes risks and protects the company’s interests by preparing legal documents, providing legal advice, and supporting litigation processes.

Impact: This role is crucial in safeguarding the company’s assets, reputation and operations by effectively managing civil cases, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and mitigating potential liabilities.

Key Result Areas

1. Assist in managing civil litigation cases, including drafting pleadings, preparing case files, and following up on court proceedings
2. Liaise with internal departments to gather necessary documentation and evidence for cases
3. Support the review, drafting, and negotiation of contracts and agreements to ensure legal protection for the company
4. Advise on contractual obligations and potential risks
5. Provide legal advice on civil law matters to relevant departments to ensure compliance and minimize risks
6. Assist in identifying potential civil claims and mitigating legal exposure
7. Support the Senior Legal Officer in representing the company in civil litigation and negotiations
8. Collaborate with external counsel on complex litigation matters
9. Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in civil matters
10. Maintain organized and comprehensive records of civil cases and legal documents
11. Supervise the Legal Assistant, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in their support tasks
12. Provide mentorship and guidance to develop their professional skills.

Expected Output

1. Comprehensive Case Files: Well-prepared and organized documentation for civil litigation cases.
2. Legally Sound Contracts: Contracts and agreements that minimize risks and protect the company’s interests
3. Accurate Legal Advice: Timely and actionable legal recommendations on civil matters
4. Effective Risk Mitigation: Identified and addressed potential legal risks in civil claims and agreements
5. Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements in managing civil cases
6. Efficient Team Supervision: Legal Assistant supported and guided to perform tasks effectively and develop professionally.

Person Specifications

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) from a recognized institution
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Law School Certification)
• Admission to the Bar as a licensed advocate.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of post-admission legal experience, with a focus on civil litigation, contract law, or property law
• Experience in drafting and reviewing contracts and handling civil disputes
• Familiarity with legal issues in the utilities or energy sector is an advantage.

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of civil law, contract law and litigation processes
• Proficiency in legal drafting and negotiation
• Ability to conduct detailed legal research and provide insights
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership and mentoring skills for supervising the Legal Assistant
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Proficiency in legal research tools and case management systems.