Salma Otunga
Diani Beach,Kenya
Summary
Results-driven professional with 18 years of experience in regulatory frameworks and environmental compliance. Expertise in Kenyan law and sustainable development, effectively integrating legal insights with program management. Proven track record of implementing impactful development initiatives that adhere to legal standards.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Managing Partner
S M Otunga & Company Advocates
Diani Beach, Kwale
01.2009 - 01.2026
- Advise corporate and individual clients on compliance and regulatory aspects of varied business engagements and conveyancing transactions.
- Conduct of legal and governance audits.
- Manage complex projects whilst ensuring quality standards are maintained.
- Conduct of conveyancing transactions, drafting and reviewing of transaction and project contracts.
- Stakeholder engagements, facilitation of public participation processes and strategic partnerships in managing projects for clients.
- Oversee acquisition of requisite approvals and registration process of various relevant legal instruments to ensure legal compliance.
- Formulation of litigation strategies from experience and continuous research by drafting of motions, and client briefs and advisories.
- Engage in complex litigation involving corporate, regulatory compliance, conveyance and proprietary matters.
- Interpret laws and regulations for individuals and organizations, providing timely legal opinions and relevant advice.
- Engage in alternative dispute resolutions, negotiate settlements and drafting of relevant and actionable agreements.
- Work with boards of directors to establish objectives, set strategic plans and decisively lead operations.
- Develop structures within the law firm to enhance service delivery.
- Establish strategic partnerships and expanding business opportunities.
- Develop strategies for business growth and expansion.
- Engage in general legal practice.
- Mentor junior partners, employees for improvement of team performance.
- Cultivate a positive work environment for increased employee morale.
- Implemented innovative solutions, resulting in improved client satisfaction.
Legal & HR Officer
Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf resort
Diani Beach
12.2007 - 11.2008
- Advised executives regarding legal rights, obligations and opportunities.
- Drafted, reviewed and renewed agreements for suppliers and external business partners.
- Drafted and reviewed employment contracts for staff.
- Drafted the staff handbook and internal policies in accordance with all applicable regulations.
- Worked alongside external lawyers on complex cases and legal processes.
- Prepared for trials by conducting legal research and drafting of pleadings and offering support roles to external lawyers.
- Maintained records and tracked court cases involving the company and provided regular and timely updates to the executives.
- Negotiated and settled disputes with the Resort guests to avoid litigation and therefore avert negative publicity to the Resort.
- Developed positive working relationship with other stakeholders in the hospitality industry such as other hotels, law enforcement, local government, the local labour office and the members of the community.
- Prepared case summaries for mediation.
- Organized key evidence exhibits to prepare for trials.
Legal Intern
Birech & Company Advocates
Eldoret
12.2006 - 10.2007
- Assisted with client interviews using questionnaires and oral interviews and took meticulous notes on behalf of partners and associates.
- Prepared written correspondence to clients giving case updates, and issuing hearing notices.
- Performed legal and general research, drafting of pleadings and correspondence to clients, other law firms and court executive officers.
- Worked closely with other associates and partners in the firm as part of learning process.
- Took part in meetings both internal and at clients’ locations and took notes.
- Attended court proceedings and prepared summaries on cases.
- Proof read documents for typographical errors.
- Gained valuable insight into regulations and policies associated with property and labour law.
- Gained valuable case analysis skills.
Education
Professional Certificate - Certified Public Secretary
KASNEB
Kenya 06.2018 - 11.2018
Professional Course - Legal Compliance & Governance Audit
TCA
05.2019 - 05.2019
Professional Course - Arbitration & ADR
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
08.2010 - 08.2010
Post Graduate Diploma - Law
Kenya School of Law
11.2005 - 06.2007
Bachelor of Law - Law
Moi University
Eldoret 08.2000 - 12.2005
KCSE - High School
Moi Girls High School
Eldoret 01.1996 - 11.1999
Skills
- Legal and regulatory expertise
- Excellent analytical and communication skills
- Efficient researcher
- Organizational awareness
- Resilience under pressure
- Global mindset
- Technological proficiency
Languages
English
Fluent
Swahili
Fluent
Contact
- Address: Ukunda, 5100, 80401
- Phone: 072 264 6283
- E-mail: salmaotunga@gmail.com
References
References available upon request.
Affiliations
- Law Society Of Kenya (LSK)
- Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ISPSK)
- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
- East African Law Society
- Mombasa Law Society
- Kwale Lawyers forum
- South Coast Resident’s Association (SCRA)
Timeline
Professional Course - Legal Compliance & Governance Audit
TCA
05.2019 - 05.2019
Professional Certificate - Certified Public Secretary
KASNEB
06.2018 - 11.2018
Professional Course - Arbitration & ADR
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
08.2010 - 08.2010
Managing Partner
S M Otunga & Company Advocates
01.2009 - 01.2026
Legal & HR Officer
Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf resort
12.2007 - 11.2008
Legal Intern
Birech & Company Advocates
12.2006 - 10.2007
Post Graduate Diploma - Law
Kenya School of Law
11.2005 - 06.2007
Bachelor of Law - Law
Moi University
08.2000 - 12.2005
KCSE - High School
Moi Girls High School
01.1996 - 11.1999