Job Detail

Job Description

Our client, a reputable law firm in Nairobi, is seeking to recruit an experienced Conveyancing Advocate to join its Property and Conveyancing Department.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and advising on a broad range of conveyancing and property transactions, from initial client instructions and due diligence through documentation, completion, stamping and registration.

The role requires a commercially astute and detail-oriented Advocate with strong knowledge of Kenyan property and land law, excellent drafting skills and proven experience managing transactions independently.

Key Responsibilities

1. Conveyancing & Property Transactions

• Independently manage residential, commercial and other property transactions from inception to completion.
• Advise clients on the legal, commercial and regulatory aspects of property transactions.
• Draft, review and negotiate sale and purchase agreements, leases, licences, transfers, charges, discharges and other property-related instruments.
• Conduct and oversee property due diligence, including official searches, title verification and review of encumbrances.
• Advise on property ownership, title, easements, restrictions, cautions, charges and other interests affecting land.
• Manage property acquisitions, disposals, transfers and developments.
• Handle landlord and tenant matters, including preparation and review of leases and related documentation.
• Advise clients on completion requirements and coordinate the completion process.
• Prepare and review completion documents and ensure transactions progress within agreed timelines.
• Handle stamping and registration of conveyancing instruments and follow up with relevant authorities.
• Liaise with clients, financial institutions, valuers, surveyors, estate agents, developers, government agencies and other stakeholders.
• Provide legal opinions and advice on complex property and land matters.

2. Due Diligence & Compliance

• Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence on properties and advise clients on identified risks.
• Review title documents, searches, survey plans, rates and rent records, consents and other relevant property documentation.
• Identify and advise on legal and transactional risks associated with property transactions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable land, property, tax, registration and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor changes in Kenyan property and land legislation and relevant judicial decisions.

3. Legal Drafting & Documentation

• Prepare and review conveyancing documentation to a high professional standard.
• Draft correspondence, legal opinions, undertakings, completion documents and other transaction-related documents.
• Negotiate contractual terms and documentation on behalf of clients.
• Ensure all legal documentation accurately reflects client instructions and protects the client's interests.

4. Client Management

• Manage a portfolio of conveyancing clients and provide timely and commercially practical legal advice.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with clients and other transaction stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates on transaction progress, outstanding requirements and anticipated completion timelines.
• Attend client meetings and negotiations as required.
• Handle confidential and sensitive client information with the highest level of professionalism.

5. Transaction & File Management

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive client and transaction files.
• Monitor critical dates, outstanding documentation, completion requirements and registration processes.
• Ensure timely follow-up of pending matters with clients, government offices and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with legal assistants, clerks and other members of the conveyancing team.
• Ensure proper closure and archiving of completed transactions.

6. Business Development

• Contribute to the growth of the firm's conveyancing and property practice.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Identify opportunities for new business and expansion of the firm's property practice.
• Participate in client presentations, proposals and business development initiatives where required.

Qualifications & Professional Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognised university.
• Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, duly admitted to the Roll of Advocates.
• Valid Practising Certificate.
• Good standing with the Law Society of Kenya and compliance with applicable professional requirements.
• Strong knowledge of Kenyan land, property and conveyancing laws and procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant legal/document management systems.
• Knowledge of Ardhisasa and other relevant land/property platforms will be an advantage.

Additional Qualifications

An LL.M or relevant professional training in property law, conveyancing, real estate, commercial law or related areas will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' post-admission experience, with substantial experience in conveyancing and property law.
• Proven experience independently handling conveyancing transactions from instruction through completion and registration.
• Strong experience in drafting, reviewing and negotiating sale agreements, leases, transfers, charges, discharges and other property documentation.
• Demonstrated experience conducting property due diligence and title investigations.
• Practical experience with Land Registry processes, stamping, registration, consents, valuations, land rates and land rent matters.
• Experience acting for buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, developers, financial institutions or corporate clients will be an advantage.
• Experience in a reputable law firm or established property/conveyancing practice is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Kenyan conveyancing and property law.
• Excellent legal drafting and contract negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong client management and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and sound legal judgment.
• Excellent transaction and deadline management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple property transactions simultaneously.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the wider legal team.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
• Proactive approach to managing transactions and resolving issues.

Key Performance Indicators

Performance will be assessed based on:

• Effective and timely management of conveyancing transactions.
• Quality and accuracy of legal advice and documentation.
• Successful completion and registration of transactions.
• Client satisfaction and retention.
• Effective management of transaction timelines and outstanding requirements.
• Compliance with professional, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Contribution to the growth of the firm's conveyancing and property practice.