Sheila Lumumba
Legal
Nairobi, Nairobi Province
Summary
A motivated, detail-oriented and focused advocate and Arbitrator with a profound commitment to promoting justice, safeguarding children's rights, and advancing human rights through the legal system. Adept at alternative dispute resolution techniques, and brings a unique blend of legal expertise and unwavering passion to every case. Dully admitted to the roll of advocates on the 1st July 2024.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Legal Associate
Kiti Kariuki and Ngugi LLP
1 2019 - Current
- Assisted senior advocates in preparing for trial, contributing to successful outcomes in numerous cases.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate legal research on various topics.
- Analyzed complex legal issues using critical thinking skills, leading to innovative solutions for client challenges.
- Reviewed contracts thoroughly to identify potential areas of risk or non-compliance before execution by clients.
- Negotiated favorable settlements in various disputes, saving clients from costly litigation expenses.
- Streamlined internal processes by creating templates for standard legal documents and correspondence.
- Conducted comprehensive due diligence investigations for corporate transactions, mitigating risks for clients.
- Improved client communication by developing clear and concise status reports on ongoing legal matters.
- Managed complex litigation matters, coordinating with multiple parties to achieve favorable results.
- Developed strong working relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Participated actively in pro bono activities, providing valuable legal assistance to underserved communities.
- Drafted persuasive briefs and submissions that resulted in positive rulings for clients at both trial court levels and appellate courts.
- Reduced case resolution time with efficient document drafting, review, and negotiation.
- Advised clients on regulatory requirements related to their businesses, helping them avoid potential liabilities.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to address contractual issues in a timely manner.
- Developed compliance best practices for company.
- Directed and supported staff with business registrations and other legal requirements.
- Collaborated with human resources and outside counsel to protect the company from legal claims.
- Supported intellectual property management efforts by conducting patent searches and analyzing prior art.
- Drafted persuasive briefs and motions that resulted in positive rulings for clients at both trial court levels and appellate courts.
- 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.
- Enhanced team productivity by conducting training sessions on legal research techniques and tools.
- Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
- Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
- Developed strategies for court proceedings and negotiations.
- Communicated with clients and collected information to research cases and prepare settlement offers.
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case.
- Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.
Pupil
Prof. Tom Ojienda & Associates
05.2023 - 11.2023
- Maintained strict confidentiality, protecting sensitive client information as required by legal ethics and regulations.
- Improved communication between advocates and clients by scheduling meetings, providing status updates, and relaying critical information promptly.
- Enhanced office productivity by implementing efficient document management systems for easy retrieval and storage.
- Drafted accurate and persuasive legal correspondence, contributing to successful negotiations and settlements.
- Responded to client inquiries, providing accurate legal advice and offering assistance.
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality, and extreme discretion.
- Gathered key information during initial client intake interviews that contributed significantly to the formulation of effective legal arguments.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Facilitated timely resolution of legal matters by preparing and organizing essential documents.
- Assisted with trial preparation, including creation of exhibits, compilation of witness lists, and organization of evidence materials.
- Streamlined administrative processes for better efficiency in handling caseloads, reducing paperwork backlog, and ensuring timely completion of tasks.
- Reduced errors in court filings by meticulously proofreading documents for accuracy before submission.
- Increased client satisfaction by efficiently managing case files and promptly addressing inquiries.
- Delivered exceptional service to clients by assisting them with routine needs like obtaining copies of pertinent records or directing them to appropriate resources when needed.
- Conducted comprehensive legal research using various resources such as online databases, law libraries, or government agencies to support case strategies effectively.
- Handled billing tasks efficiently and accurately, ensuring smooth financial operations for the legal team.
- Facilitated client meetings and consultations, ensuring all necessary documentation was prepared and available for advocate review.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of legal developments and changes in law, ensuring firm's practices remained compliant and effective.
- Streamlined office operations and reduced retrieval time by implementing efficient filing system for both physical and digital records.
- Optimized document management processes, leading to quicker access to critical information during case preparation.
- Supported case strategy development with detailed research on legal precedents and relevant laws.
- Assisted in negotiation and drafting of settlement agreements, facilitating amicable resolutions in numerous cases.
- Improved client satisfaction with prompt and effective communication regarding case updates and inquiries.
- Managed correspondence with clients, courts, and opposing counsel, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
Legal Intern
Elizabeth Agutu and Company Advocates
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Successfully handled a criminal case from inception to completion.
- Recorded witness statements of the victims of the 2017 Post-Election Violence.
- Attended court hearings, developing a deeper understanding of trial procedures and advocacy strategies.
- Performed legal and general research, drafting memoranda, and correspondence.
- Managed case files efficiently, ensuring easy accessibility for attorneys when needed.
- Sorted legal documents, filing and case materials in clear, orderly systems.
- Supported the legal team in document review processes, identifying critical information pertinent to ongoing cases.
- Collaborated with fellow interns on group projects, fostering a positive team environment and enhancing productivity.
- Conducted extensive legal research for complex cases, resulting in favorable settlements.
- Reviewed legal information and proofed documentation for errors.
- Organized legal filing system to maximize efficiency.
- Shadowed experienced advocates during client meetings, gaining valuable insight into attorney-client relationships and effective communication techniques.
- Attended preliminary meetings and court proceedings, and prepared summaries on cases.
- Proofread legal documents before submission to courts or opposing counsel, reducing errors that could potentially harm our clients' interests.
- Updated clients regularly on case progress through written correspondence or phone calls, under advocate supervision, maintaining excellent communications that resulted in satisfied clients.
- Maintained strict confidentiality with sensitive information related to client matters, preserving trust between the firm and its clients.
- Prepared detailed case summaries for supervising attorneys'' review, enabling them to make informed decisions about litigation strategy quickly.
- Organized discovery materials for efficient review by attorneys, saving time and resources during case preparation.
- Assisted advocates in preparing for trials, contributing to successful case outcomes.
Judicial Attachment- Intern
Kibera Law Courts
01.2021 - 01.2021
- Assisted Hon. Philip Mutua draft rulings and judgments
- Developed organizational skills through managing multiple tasks simultaneously, while adhering to strict deadlines.
- Worked alongside advocates, administrative assistants, and fellow legal assistants on complex cases and legal processes.
- Prepared for trials and conducted legal research.
- Handled office scheduling and made notes for deadlines, motions, and other important dates.
- Typed proceedings as instructed by court clerks.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
- Enhanced project visibility by maintaining up-to-date project status reports.
Internship Position
HAKI YETU ORGANIZATION (CBO)
01.2021 - 01.2021
- Facilitated workshops touching on the different themes in human rights.
- Generated reports post workshops and meetings.
- Assisted in the editing and production of both electronic and print media.
- Reviewed research documents.
- Conducted research for publications and assisted in the preparation of the same.
- Recorded workshop proceedings for future review and assessment.
- Drafted and negotiated settlement agreements.
- Attended public participation in governance forums, pushing the County government to utilize funds allocated for specific functions touching on human rights.
- Conducted civic and voter education in various parts of the Coastal region, pushing for the operationalization of public participation frameworks.
- Attended peaceful protests, agitating for human rights.
Education
Masters of Laws -
University of Nairobi
Nairobi 01.2023 - Current
Pass -
Kenya School of Law
Nairobi 01.2022 - 04.2023
Bachelors of Laws L.L.B (HONS) -
African Nazarene University, Nairobi
Nairobi 01.2017 - 04.2021
IB DP Diploma -
RBK International School, Mumbai
Mumbai 01.2015 - 04.2017
Skills
Legal Research, Writing, and Drafting
Conflict resolution and Negotiation skills
Litigation Support
Document Review
Corporate Law
Legal Advisory
Legal Analysis
Employment law
Intellectual Property Law
Alternative dispute resolution
Corporate transactions
Estate Planning
Real Estate Law
Intellectual property
Legal Document Preparation
Problem-solving abilities
Effective Communication
Accomplishments
- Successfully handled a criminal case from institution to completion
- Recorded witness statements of the Victims of the 2017 Post Election Violence
- Assisted Hon. Philip Mutua draft rulings and judgments
- Attended public participation in governance forums pushing the County government to utilize allocated funds for specific purposes
- Conducted civic and voter education in various parts of the Coastal region pushing for operationalization of public participation frameworks
- Attended peaceful protests agitating for human rights
Certifications and trainings
- Certificate in Mediation - Training Institute of East Africa
- Certificate in Arbitration- Nairobi International Centre for Arbitration
Timeline
Pupil
Prof. Tom Ojienda & Associates
05.2023 - 11.2023
Masters of Laws -
University of Nairobi
01.2023 - Current
Pass -
Kenya School of Law
01.2022 - 04.2023
Legal Intern
Elizabeth Agutu and Company Advocates
01.2021 - 01.2022
Judicial Attachment- Intern
Kibera Law Courts
01.2021 - 01.2021
Internship Position
HAKI YETU ORGANIZATION (CBO)
01.2021 - 01.2021
Bachelors of Laws L.L.B (HONS) -
African Nazarene University, Nairobi
01.2017 - 04.2021
IB DP Diploma -
RBK International School, Mumbai
01.2015 - 04.2017
Legal Associate
Kiti Kariuki and Ngugi LLP
1 2019 - Current
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