WORYI KENNEDY ONUKWUHOR
SOUTHAMPTON,Hampshire
Summary
Accomplished Legal Practitioner with 21 years of post-call experience in oil and gas, banking, insurance, power, and litigation. Expertise includes contract documentation, alternative dispute resolution, and regulatory engagement. Proven ability to foster collaboration in multicultural settings and lead teams to achieve organisational goals.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Solicitor
Chimere Chambers
10.2007 - 08.2023
- Provided comprehensive legal advice and meticulously drafted documents to protect clients' business interests.
- Drafting, reviewing, and Interpreting Contracts/Agreements and Sub-contracts.
- Drafted, reviewed, and amended various legal documents, including contracts and wills, to protect client interests.
- Handled general litigation in various courts across Nigeria, advocating for clients' interests.
- Facilitated negotiation and mediation sessions, achieving amicable dispute resolutions without court intervention.
- Managed caseload efficiently, prioritising tasks to meet strict deadlines and client expectations.
- Advised clients on legal matters, ensuring comprehension of their rights and obligations.
- Liaised with other legal professionals, experts, and stakeholders to facilitate comprehensive case management.
- Compiled and presented legal documents in line with standard procedures.
- Developed strong argument strategies based on evidence findings.
- Fostered strong client relationships through exceptional service and communication, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Interfaced on behalf of Clients with various Governmental Agencies.
- Consulted with barristers to determine the best representation for clients in court. and specialised advocates to represent clients in court.
- Recovery of debts for my Client's company.
- Drafting Deed of Assignment and Deed of Conveyance for different Property Developers.
- Provision of legal advice to the Property Developer in its acquisition of land in communities.
- Reviewed and analysed litigation files to brief colleagues and clients.
- Maintained meticulous records of all client interactions, documents, and case developments for accuracy and compliance.
- Gave advice to clients at the conclusion of matters regarding the firm's policies, including retention and destruction of papers.
- Read law journals and reports and attended seminars to stay updated on new developments.
- Provided expert guidance during training sessions for legal professionals on environmental law. (with the Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria, with the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Rivers State Branch).
- Collaborated with legal professionals to share insights and strategies on case management. engaged in similar legal matters to maximise cases and avoid conflicts of interest.
Counsel
Fatai Aremu Osho (SAN) & CO. (Legal Practitioners)
PORT HARCOURT
01.2004 - 09.2006
- Advised, prepared and conducted legal proceedings, representing clients in court.
- Engaged in general litigation at lower courts and courts of record, advocating for clients' interests.
- Provided first-class legal advice to clients for optimum outcomes.
- Provided timely and relevant legal advice on various matters, ensuring clients received comprehensive support.
- Consulted with clients to inform legal decision-making.
- Negotiated settlements in contentious disputes, achieving resolutions that met clients' objectives while minimising costs.
- Facilitated arbitration proceedings, ensuring all parties adhered to legal protocols.
- Conducted mediation sessions to assist parties in reaching agreements during disputes.
- Drafted, reviewed, and amended a wide range of legal documents, including contracts, wills, and trusts, to protect client interests.
- Drafted legal documents, letters and contracts tailored to clients' needs, ensuring complete accuracy.
- Reviewed evidence and case documents meticulously, identifying key information crucial to client representation.
- General Advice, Drafting and Review of Contracts and Other Legal Documents and Negotiations for Clients.
- Drafting of Leases, Conveyances and & Assignments.
- Company Secretarial duties for various Companies: Taking Minutes at Board Meetings, Advising the Board and Management on Regulatory, Statutory and other Legal Matters, Attending Courts sessions/Hearings on behalf of the Company and also interfacing with External Solicitors, Acting on behalf of the Company on matters and issues with the Government and Governmental Agencies, Drafting and Review of Contracts and other Legal documents, Preparation of Company Resolutions as passed by the Board of Directors.
- Legal Research and General Office Administration.
- Compiled and presented legal documents in line with standard procedures.
- Supervised junior lawyers and legal assistants, fostering professional development through mentorship and training.
- Employed correct procedures and systems to manage cases in line with firm's standards and legal requirements.
Counsel
S.C DIKE & CO.
01.2003 - 09.2005
- Advised and represented clients in court, preparing and conducting legal proceedings to ensure effective advocacy.
- Drafted, reviewed, and amended a wide range of legal documents, including contracts, wills, and trusts, to protect client interests.
- Drafted legal documents, letters and contracts tailored to clients' needs, ensuring complete accuracy.
- Supported clients' business interests with sound legal advice and documents.
- Protected clients' interests during legal proceedings.
- Negotiated settlements in contentious disputes, securing resolutions aligned with clients' objectives.
- Participated in arbitration proceedings, facilitating resolution of disputes between parties.
- Communicated clearly in high-pressure situations, always acting with confidence.
- Developed strong argument strategies based on evidence findings.
- Crafted strong legal cases using a thorough understanding of case law.
- Formulated solid cases through research and assessment.
- Monitored changes in law and practice to inform client departments of changes with direct impact on business activities.
- Consulted with clients to inform legal decision-making.
- Interviewed clients and witnesses to gather data and evidence.
- Arranged initial meetings with potential clients to establish suitability.
- Supervised junior lawyers and legal assistants, fostering professional development through mentorship and training.
- Legal Research and General Office Administration.
- Drafting of Leases, Conveyances and & Assignments.
- Supervised junior lawyers and legal assistants, fostering professional development through mentorship and training.
Education
Barrister at Law (B.L) -
Nigerian Law School
Abuja01-2002
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) -
Rivers State University
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria01-2000
Skills
- Litigation
- Legal drafting
- Contracts / Agreements
- Contract negotiation
- Legal Advisory
- Legal Due Diligence
- Document interpretation
- Property
- Payment Securities
- Legal research
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Mediation support
- Litigation planning
- Compliance guidance
- Legal research
- Client management
- Evidence evaluation
- Team management
- Verbal communication
- Advocacy skills
- Evidence evaluation
- Team management
- Legal research
Custom
- Professor S.C. DIKE, S.C DIKE & CO., 19 Chief Ehule Street, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, eme.olive@yahoo.co.uk, +234 8143310952
- Adolphus Douglas, Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc., Adolphus_, 08037059093
Timeline
Managing Solicitor
Chimere Chambers
10.2007 - 08.2023
Counsel
Fatai Aremu Osho (SAN) & CO. (Legal Practitioners)
01.2004 - 09.2006
Counsel
S.C DIKE & CO.
01.2003 - 09.2005
Barrister at Law (B.L) -
Nigerian Law School
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) -
Rivers State University