Experience

• Engaging stakeholders and colleagues about all aspects of risk and compliance with emphasis on Anti-money laundering and conflicts of interest. Advising fee earners/secretaries on the documentation required to satisfy AML obligations.
• I provide a high-quality customer service output to ensure all stakeholders and fee earners understand the aspects of risk involved in particular transactions and procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments, including beneficial ownership checks, and identify politically exposed persons and sanctions issues for high-risk jurisdictions.
• Manage the AML database, carry out data verification checks, and process MLRO instructions.
• Conduct conflict searches on new and existing clients/matters to assess the firm's ability to represent a client
• Researching companies including those from high-risk jurisdictions and with complex structures to establish ownership structure and control, as well as conducting screening to identify politically exposed persons, sanctions issues, and other regulatory/reputational risks.
• Responsible for resolving compliance issues fee earners may have regarding clients. This includes issues around client onboarding and understanding the source of funds/wealth of local and foreign clients.

Paralegal | National Law Firm | 2023 - 2024
Before leaving the firm, I completed over 150 of those files to settlement and had over 20 at pre-trial stage. In January 2024, subsequently, I was employed as an Out-of-hours Legal Advisor, wherein I provided legal advice to insured persons based on their insurance coverage.

• Provided immediate legal advice and assistance on a wide range of legal issues including property disputes, employment, breach of contract, family law, etc.
• Effectively communicated with clients and third parties, handling inquiries and providing timely updates within agreed SLA timelines, while ensuring compliance with GDPR data protection regulations.
• Managed over 300 case files from initiation to settlement, ensuring timely resolution and client satisfaction. Drafted and reviewed legal documents including contracts, statements of claim, and affidavits, ensuring compliance with legal procedures.
• Provided legal advice on property disputes, employment issues, and breach of contract matters, effectively resolving 150 cases to settlement.
• Expertly drafted and reviewed a variety of legal documents such as contracts, statements of claims, medical records, and affidavits, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established legal procedures.
• Prepared/filed legal documents, and oversaw the status of court filings and systematically tracked court dates, demonstrating a keen attention to detail and proactive case management.

Legal Intern | Law Firm | 2023 - 2023

• Conducted thorough legal research on diverse topics, encompassing case law, statutes, and regulations, with a focus on ensuring the precision of information presented to supervising attorneys.
• Provided support on client inquiries and interviews, demonstrating professional engagement and upholding confidentiality standards.
• Collaborated with paralegals and fee earners to draft over 10 legal documents weekly, encompassing case summaries.
• Ensured precision and efficiency in delivering legal advisories to both new and existing clients.
• Compiled case bundles and assisted fee earners in organizing cases while ensuring compliance with relevant due diligence regulatory frameworks.

I was responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of cases. I provided comprehensive legal advice to clients and drafted relevant legal documents. I led a team of young lawyers who had just passed the Bar Exams. This experience was challenging and exciting, as I led the team to deliver excellent client service. 

• Led collaborations with in-house legal departments to develop and implement clear compliance guidelines, improving workflow efficiency by 20%.
• Ensured organizational compliance with key regulations, including AML under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's SCMUL, anti-bribery, and GDPR laws, mitigating legal risks.
• Handled complex transactions, including Joint Venture Partnership agreements and SPVs, demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate intricate legal issues and provide practical solutions.
• Spearheaded client initiatives, increasing satisfaction by 25%, and advised multinational companies on legal retainers to ensure full compliance with legislation such as Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill 2022.
• Worked closely with junior lawyers on diverse cases, ensuring the seamless delivery of analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve complex legal issues and deliver effective solutions in commercial transactions.

Associate | Solicitors Firm | 2020 - 2021

As an Associate, I focused on drafting and negotiating contracts, performing due diligence, and managing commercial transactions. My role involved advising clients on regulatory compliance, handling property agreements, and facilitating closings of multiple transactions. 

• Advised clients on property transactions, ensuring regulatory compliance for acquisitions and sales exceeding N200,000,000.00.
• Developed internal compliance policies for startups, ensuring adherence to Money Laundering Act 2011 and other evolving regulations.
• Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated various contracts, including sale and lease agreements, non-disclosure agreements, employment contracts, and service agreements.
• Provided advisory on compliance with tax law, and obtaining government certifications/approvals to meet industry standards.
• Competently managed retainer-ship portfolios with diverse corporate bodies and individuals in varied sectors such as real estate, energy sector, telecommunications, custom jewellery, etc. And effectively handled their compliance obligations.

Education

International Trade and Economic Law - LLM | University | 2023
LLB (Hons) | University