Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Interests
Timeline
References
References
References
Generic

Kelvin MURIITHI

Legal Counsel
Nairobi,Kenya

Summary

Seasoned Legal Consultant with a comprehensive understanding of Commercial Transactions, Intellectual Property, Taxation, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, Compliance, Investments, and Litigation. Proficient in providing strategic advice and solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of clients across various industries. Skilled in navigating complex legal frameworks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and safeguarding client interests. With a track record of delivering results-driven legal services, committed to fostering strong client relationships and contributing to the success of businesses through effective legal counsel.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Legal & Tax Consultant

Lawmark Partners LLP
01.2020 - Current
  • Supporting business growth initiatives by participating in networking events that resulted in over 50 new client acquisitions for the firm's taxation services department.
  • Preparing and Filing accurate tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and non-profit organizations, maximizing deductions and credits and other clients in various industries according to government regulations and requirements.
  • Maintaining complete records of client tax returns and supporting documentation in secured areas.
  • Maintaining detailed records of client interactions and transactions, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and confidentiality.
  • Navigating complex regulatory landscapes by staying abreast of evolving legislation that may impact clients'' operations.
  • Advising non-profit organizations on governance requirements and regulatory compliance best practices to foster long-term stability and growth.
  • Drafting comprehensive legal documents including contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding for diverse clientele.
  • Facilitating smooth real estate transactions by preparing necessary documentation and ensuring adherence to applicable laws.
  • Resolving disputes effectively through mediation, negotiation, or litigation, as appropriate for each situation.
  • Building lasting relationships with clients through effective communication, attentive listening, and proactive problem solving.
  • Evaluating intellectual property portfolios for licensing opportunities or potential infringement issues, offering strategic recommendations accordingly.
  • Developing tailored risk mitigation plans to safeguard clients'' interests and minimize potential liabilities.
  • Contributing towards business development efforts by identifying new opportunities for service expansion or improvement.
  • Spearheading initiatives to implement corporate governance best practices for client organizations.
  • Establishing strong professional relationships with industry peers and key stakeholders through networking events and conferences.
  • Providing expert guidance to clients during audits, minimizing potential penalties and interest charges.
  • Advising clients on best practices for maintaining compliance with changing tax regulations, avoiding costly penalties.
  • Evaluating client financial records to identify opportunities for reducing taxable income through strategic planning.
  • Facilitating smooth communication between clients and taxing authorities during inquiries or disputes, achieving favorable outcomes.
  • Identifying discrepancies in client records that could trigger audits or result in missed deductions or credits.
  • Developing customized tax strategies for individuals and businesses, resulting in significant savings.
  • Implementing effective record-keeping systems for clients, simplifying future tax preparations and improving organization.
  • Furnishing taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to facilitate correct tax form completion.
  • Contacting relevant government organizations on behalf of client to address issues related to tax self-preparation.
  • Training employees on best practices for environmental management, fostering a culture of responsibility towards the environment within the organization.
  • Supporting climate change adaptation planning efforts by providing expert advice on potential impacts related to regional environmental changes on operations or infrastructure vulnerability assessments.
  • Assisting in securing environmental permits, ensuring timely project completion and legal compliance.
  • Facilitating knowledge sharing among colleagues by organizing workshops, seminars, and webinars on current topics in the field of environmental management.
  • Analyzing individual business needs to determine methods of environmentally-friendly and cost-effective waste reduction, recycling and disposal for our clients.
  • Reviewed clients tax filing papers thoroughly to determine eligibility for additional tax credits or deductions
  • Kept abreast of new legislation affecting taxation policies, providing proactive advice to clients accordingly
  • Prepared wide array of returns such as corporate, fiduciary, gift, individual, and private foundation returns

Legal & Tax Consultant

HR Talent Solutions And Management Ltd.
01.2020 - Current
  • Conducted thorough research to stay current on ever-changing tax laws, ensuring compliance for clients.
  • Streamlined tax preparation process for increased efficiency and accuracy.
  • Assisted clients in resolving tax issues by navigating complex regulations and negotiating settlements.
  • Implemented effective record-keeping systems for clients, simplifying future tax preparations and improving organization.
  • Provided legal advice and support to various HR departments on a wide range of employment law issues, including but not limited to discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage and hour compliance, and employee benefits.
  • Conducted legal research and analysis to ensure HR policies, procedures, and practices were compliant with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  • Drafted and reviewed employment contracts, severance agreements, employee handbooks, and other HR-related documents to mitigate legal risks and protect the interests of our clients.

Legal & Tax Associate

Cytonn Real Estate
01.2017 - 12.2018
  • Prepared numerous commercial real estate contracts and commercial lease agreements, which included reviewing of property titles, resolved property lien issues, and performed closings for commercial real estate transactions
  • For a team of investors, set up an LLP for a mixed-use property, created a partnership the agreement, negotiated a purchase agreement for the property, provided recommendations on obtaining financing, and established a real property trust
  • Worked with clients in support of various business and real estate development activities including forming corporate entities, drafting appropriate operating agreements and other corporate documents, and structuring transactions to comply with Kenya Revenue Authority regulations
  • Ensured the legality of activities engaged in by the firms and companies through the rendering of legal advisory opinions to the management and various departments from the Real Estate department to the Investments and Information technology departments as the need arose
  • Tasked with the responsibility for providing assistance to the management on governance, legal, accounts, and tax implications of any of the companies’ proposed policies
  • Worked closely with business and professional services teams to resolve complex contractual issues and negotiate terms and conditions into final contracts for engineering and consulting services
  • Assisted project teams with various intellectual property issues including directing drafting and prosecution of patent and trademark applications for intellectual property protection and commercial exploitation and developing a license agreement for a sophisticated computer-based financial model
  • Provided daily legal counsel and guidance to executives, management, and staff and basically worked with every faction of the business (Finance, Sales, Compliance, IT, Data Security, Marketing, Development, HR, and Customer Support) in making both legal and business decisions, as well as reviewing contracts, letters and marketing materials
  • Negotiated service level agreements with Internet service and software applications providers
  • Helped the technical staff establish procedures to monitor providers' compliance with contractual obligations.
  • Maintained updated knowledge of relevant legislation changes affecting client industries through continuous learning and attending professional seminars.
  • Contributed to the development of company policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Participated in continuing education courses to maintain professional knowledge and certifications as a Tax Associate.
  • Conducted thorough research on tax regulations, providing valuable insights to clients and team members.
  • Analyzed financial statements to identify potential discrepancies or opportunities for improved tax planning strategies.
  • Contributed to the development of firm-wide tax policies by staying current on industry trends and legislation changes.
  • Supported business growth initiatives by participating in networking events that resulted in new client acquisitions for the firm''s taxation services department.

Claims, Tax, Legal & Compliance Officer

Damco Logistics Kenya Limited
01.2016 - 12.2016
  • Managed legal review, drafting, revision, negotiation, and enforcement of all third-party vendor contracts and agreements, including property management agreements, purchase and sale agreements, broker agreements, and internal affiliate services agreements
  • Created and negotiated contractual agreements and in the process diminished the turnaround time for documents from approximately 27 days to an average of 6 days
  • Overhauled the entire population of existing significant vendor agreements to make them compliant with new regulatory requirements especially with regard to taxation aspects
  • Representation of the company at all levels before the various Revenue Authorities, the Kenya Revenue Authority, The Tanzania Revenue Authority, The Uganda Revenue Authority
  • Preparation of individual tax returns, corporate tax returns, partnership and limited liability company tax returns, trust and estate returns, gift tax returns and payroll tax returns, and ensured all these important documents were filed with the various state agencies before deadlines
  • Initiated innovative, proactive negotiations with the various Revenue Authorities on behalf of the company to resolve procedural and compliance errors, precluding the imposition of penalties and business disruption
  • Managed the Company's relationships as a multi-discipline tax generalist with emphasis on tax planning and resolving tax controversies and compliance issues
  • Counsel on litigation matters including commercial and contract disputes, customer insolvencies, employment issues, and personal injury and workers’ compensation claims
  • Favourably resolved a multiparty dispute involving a $1.2 million claim from a shipment that went missing while on transit
  • Supervised production of electronic data/information pursuant to discovery requests, and participated in developing policies and procedures for streamlining electronic data production
  • Managed all pending and active litigation – representing approximately $20 Million in claims – and directed the company’s outside counsel
  • Auditing and tracking external counsel legal invoices and provided analysis to corporate legal executives
  • Assessment of compliance risk, whereby there would be the identification of the root cause of compliance exceptions, and then develop corrective action plans to ensure effective enterprise-wide internal controls are in place
  • Played significant role in the prevention of future liability to the company by directing all internal investigations, which dealt with various departments, such as contracts, recruiting and vetting, security, and training.
  • Leveraged technology solutions for efficient tracking and reporting of compliance-related activities and metrics.
  • Managed practical action plans to respond to audit discoveries and compliance violations.
  • Evaluated and monitored supplier and partner relationships to support compliance.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing evaluation and refinement of compliance program elements.
  • Streamlined reporting processes for improved efficiency in submitting data to regulatory agencies.
  • Investigated locations to confirm license data, conducted background checked and assessed premises for compliance with licensing requirements.

Legal & Finance Officer

Ison Technologies Kenya Limited
11.2011 - 12.2015
  • Directly involved with a regional company’s corporate formations, including filing incorporation documents and foreign corporation registrations, drafting operating and partnership agreements, creating articles of incorporation and memorandum of association, and obtaining professional licenses
  • Supported a firm's regional expansion plan by filing foreign corporation registrations, and obtaining the various licenses required to operate in those countries and negotiating real estate leases and vendor agreements
  • Drafted and negotiated client, vendor, and subcontractor agreements—domestic and international— covering professional services, the purchase of goods and materials, joint ventures, software licensing, and employment.
  • Successfully negotiated agreements with government agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Kenya Airways Authority, and Kenyatta University; international clients such as International Business Machines (IBM), Eco Bank and CISCO Networks; and Local clients such as Safaricom Limited, Airtel Networks Kenya Limited, Alexander Forbes, Fedha Plaza Limited and Redington Kenya Limited
  • Created and revised corporate policies and procedures to comply with both Country and local law throughout more than thirty (30) jurisdictions within the Africa region
  • Managed the monthly legal review, drafting, revision, negotiation, and enforcement of all third-party vendor contracts and agreements, including property management agreements, purchase and sale agreements, broker agreements, and internal affiliate services agreements
  • Predominantly worked with the business to take full advantage of tax incentives available to them
  • Informed new businesses about whether becoming a limited liability partnership, a Limited Liability Company, or something else entirely would be the best course of action
  • Representation of the Business at all levels before the various Revenue Authorities, the Kenya Revenue Authority, The Tanzania Revenue Authority, The Uganda Revenue Authority, The Rwanda Revenue Authority, The Zambia Revenue authority, and the Malawi Revenue Authority
  • Supervised production of electronic data/information pursuant to discovery requests, and participated in developing policies and procedures for streamlining electronic data production
  • Developed and implemented the company’s compliance program including the planning and designing of risk management processes, and subsequently reviewing and updating policies and procedures to maintain an effective risk control environment
  • Reviewed and analyzed business practices and proposals to ensure compliance with country and county laws and regulations thereby reducing penalties for violations
  • Organized responses for state regulator audits and exams, collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory issues
  • Directed, managed, and steered the company through a vigorous Kenya Revenue Authority audit
  • Researching on the industry best practices, business methodologies, and regulatory changes to sustain the various business unit operations and sustain the business initiatives
  • Ensured clear and open communication on policies and procedures, issues, and other quality indicators related to continuous quality improvement/accreditation standards
  • Assessment of compliance risk, whereby there would be the identification of the root cause of compliance exceptions, and then develop corrective action plans to ensure effective enterprise-wide internal controls are in place
  • Played a significant role in the prevention of future liability to the company by directing all internal investigations, which dealt with various departments, such as contracts, recruiting and vetting, security, and training.
  • Provided legal support in the development and execution of strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and other collaborative arrangements.
  • Advised executive leadership on regulatory changes impacting business operations, enabling proactive adjustments to maintain compliance.
  • Coordinated responses to government inquiries or investigations involving the company's operations or personnel while diligently protecting company interests.
  • Successfully represented the company in administrative hearings before regulatory agencies, securing favorable outcomes in contested proceedings.

Legal Assistant and Pupil

Singh Gitau Advocates
01.2008 - 11.2011
  • Reduced errors in court filings by meticulously proofreading documents for accuracy before submission.
  • Assisted advocates with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
  • Supported attorneys in achieving favorable outcomes through thorough research and analysis of complex legal issues.
  • Enhanced office productivity by implementing efficient document management systems for easy retrieval and storage.
  • Conducted witness interviews and assisted advocates during witness examinations
  • Supported attorneys during case work, hearings and trials
  • Appropriately answered letters of complaint for and on behalf of clients
  • Attended pretrial conferences with attorneys
  • Drafted settlement and dismissal documents
  • Liaising with a wide range variety of clients and involved parties (such as solicitors and insurers) on a daily basis
  • Briefing counsel and preparing court documentation
  • Assisting claimants with their claims from start to finish of a claims process
  • Explaining complex legal matters clearly to people who have little or no knowledge of legal matters.
  • Handled billing tasks efficiently and accurately, ensuring smooth financial operations for the legal team.
  • Collaborated effectively with multi-disciplinary teams to tackle complex cases, fostering a positive work environment that promoted success.
  • Contributed to the development of winning litigation strategies through careful review of relevant statutes, case law, regulations, and other authoritative sources.
  • Assisted with trial preparation, including creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials.
  • Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
  • Managed high-volume workload while maintaining strict attention to detail on every task such as drafting pleadings or summarizing depositions accurately.
  • Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
  • Worked alongside attorneys, administrative assistants, and fellow legal assistants on complex cases and legal processes.
  • Gathered key information during initial client intake interviews that contributed significantly to the formulation of effective legal arguments.

Intern

KPMG KENYA
01.2006 - 05.2007
  • Gained valuable insights into various industries through diverse client engagements, broadening overall knowledge base as an auditor.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with both clients and team members to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and resolution of any concerns that arose during audits.
  • Assisted in office administration and client communication to help manage auditors' workload.
  • Efficiently managed multiple tasks and deadlines by prioritizing assignments and maintaining a high level of focus throughout each engagement.
  • Contributed to the successful execution of multiple projects by effectively coordinating tasks and resources.
  • Created detailed reports on program performance, identifying areas for improvement and recommending appropriate actions.
  • Provided essential support to team members, enabling them to focus on achieving their objectives more effectively.

Education

Certificate - Data Protection

Strathmore University
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2024 - Current

Certificate - Intellectual Property

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Geneva, Switzerland
10.2019 - 12.2019

Diploma in Law - Law

Kenya School of Law
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2009 - 12.2009

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law

University of Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2004 - 09.2008

Chartered Certified Accountant - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Strathmore University
Nairobi, Kenya
01.2003 - 12.2005

Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education - KCSE

Alliance High School
Kikuyu, Kenya
01.1999 - 12.2002

Skills

  • Environmental Law

    • undefined

    Affiliations

    • Rotary International
    • Lions Club
    • Law Society of Kenya
    • Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK)

    Interests

    I run a small book club

    Timeline

    Certificate - Data Protection

    Strathmore University
    01.2024 - Current

    Legal & Tax Consultant

    Lawmark Partners LLP
    01.2020 - Current

    Legal & Tax Consultant

    HR Talent Solutions And Management Ltd.
    01.2020 - Current

    Certificate - Intellectual Property

    World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
    10.2019 - 12.2019

    Legal & Tax Associate

    Cytonn Real Estate
    01.2017 - 12.2018

    Claims, Tax, Legal & Compliance Officer

    Damco Logistics Kenya Limited
    01.2016 - 12.2016

    Legal & Finance Officer

    Ison Technologies Kenya Limited
    11.2011 - 12.2015

    Diploma in Law - Law

    Kenya School of Law
    01.2009 - 12.2009

    Legal Assistant and Pupil

    Singh Gitau Advocates
    01.2008 - 11.2011

    Intern

    KPMG KENYA
    01.2006 - 05.2007

    Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - Law

    University of Nairobi
    01.2004 - 09.2008

    Chartered Certified Accountant - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

    Strathmore University
    01.2003 - 12.2005

    Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education - KCSE

    Alliance High School
    01.1999 - 12.2002

    References

    Available on request.

    References

    Available on request.

    References

    Available on request.

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