Wanjiru Mwaniki

Criminal Law Practice

• Obtained instructions to represent a client as a defense counsel in a criminal matter within Nairobi County.
• Prepared the defense and the supporting documents to accompany the defense.
• Presented the documents for assessment of court fees.
• Attended to payment of the assessed court fees and subsequent filing of the documents.
• Attended hearings scheduled on the matter and presented the defense’s case to court.
• Obtained an acquittal for the client upon successful opposition of the charges leveled by the state against the client.
• Represented accused persons in a range of criminal matters before the Magistrates’ and High Courts, including charges related to theft, assault, drug offences, fraud, and traffic violations.
• Handled all stages of criminal proceedings, from taking instructions, bail applications, plea taking, to conducting full trials and mitigation hearings.
• Prepared and filed legal documents including charge sheets, defence statements, submissions, and bail applications in line with the Criminal Procedure Code.
• Cross-examined witnesses, raised legal objections, and made oral and written submissions to support acquittal or favorable sentencing.
• Liaised with clients, police officers, prosecutors, and court staff to coordinate court appearances and manage case progression efficiently.
• Advised clients on their constitutional rights, the criminal justice process, and plea bargaining under the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) guidelines.

Taxation Law Practice

• Advised a corporate client on objecting to a tax assessment issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in relation to the client’s business transactions and tax obligations.
• Conducted a detailed client interview to gather facts, documentation, and key instructions to support the preparation of a tax appeal.
• Drafted and filed a Notice of Appointment to formally notify the Tax Appeals Tribunal of the firm’s representation on behalf of the taxpayer.
• Prepared and lodged a comprehensive Notice of Appeal and Memorandum of Appeal, clearly articulating the grounds upon which the tax assessment was being challenged.
• Facilitated filing of the appeal documents at the Tribunal registry and ensured proper compliance with procedural requirements and timelines.
• Liaised with the Tribunal to secure a hearing date and coordinated all pre-hearing preparations, including document review and case strategy.
• Attended Tribunal hearings, presented oral arguments, and advanced legal and procedural grounds in support of the appeal against the KRA’s assessment.
• Successfully obtained judgment in favour of the client on procedural technicalities, leading to the partial setting aside of the assessment.
• Provided a post-judgment advisory letter to the client, explaining the Tribunal’s decision and the legal obligation to settle the portion of tax liability accepted in the appeal.
• Demonstrated strong understanding of the Tax Procedures Act, the Tax Appeals Tribunal Act, and the relevant subsidiary legislation governing tax dispute resolution in Kenya.

Commercial Litigation Practice

• Represented corporate and institutional clients in complex commercial disputes, including breach of contract, debt recovery, enforcement of securities, and land-related litigation.
• Acted for a regional energy distribution company in a High Court matter involving breach of a dealership agreement, where the counterparty violated exclusive distribution terms. Drafted pleadings, attended case management, and participated in negotiation efforts on behalf of the client.
• Represented a leading commercial bank in Kenya in a debt recovery suit before the Commercial & Tax Division of the High Court. Handled preparation of pleadings, filed a summary judgment application, and appeared in court for mention and hearing of interlocutory applications.
• Acted for the same commercial bank in a suit filed before the Environment and Land Court (ELC) – Kajiado, where a borrower challenged the bank’s exercise of its statutory power of sale. Prepared responses, defended against injunctive relief, and argued in court in defense of the bank’s rights as chargee.
• Drafted and filed a range of litigation documents including plaints, defenses, affidavits, counterclaims, and urgent applications such as injunctions and stays of execution.
• Attended court mentions, case management conferences, and hearings before various courts, ensuring procedural compliance and advancing the client’s strategic position.
• Liaised with clients, expert witnesses (such as valuers and accountants), and court staff to support effective litigation management and outcome delivery.
• Provided legal advice to commercial clients on litigation risks, pre-litigation negotiations, and post-judgment enforcement options.

Taxation – Bill of Costs

• Drafted and prepared Bills of Costs in accordance with the Advocates Remuneration Order, covering party-and-party, advocate–client, and client-and-advocate costs in litigation and arbitration matters.
• Filed and prosecuted taxation proceedings before the Deputy Registrars and taxing officers of the High Court, ensuring strict compliance with procedural timelines and filing requirements.
• Attended taxation hearings, defended or challenged fee items, responded to objections, and prepared written submissions to support the firm’s position on disputed costs.
• Filed references under Paragraph 11 of the Advocates Remuneration Order against rulings of taxing officers, within the prescribed timelines, and drafted supporting chamber summonses and affidavits.
• Attended hearings of references before the High Court, where I presented arguments on issues of principle, quantum, and discretion in cost assessment.
• Advised clients and fellow advocates on cost recovery strategies, including the likelihood of recovering legal fees, implications of partial taxation, and the enforcement of certificates of costs.
• Assisted in the negotiation of fees between parties to avoid prolonged cost litigation and advised on taxation alternatives such as consent bills or mediation on costs.
• Maintained accurate records of taxed costs for purposes of enforcement proceedings and follow-up through warrants of execution or garnishee orders.

Civil Law Practice

• Represented numerous clients, including individuals, SMEs, and corporate entities, in Small Claims Court matters involving debt recovery, contractual disputes, and consumer complaints under the Small Claims Court Act, 2016.
• Filed and argued Preliminary Objections (P.O.s) and other procedural applications in line with the Civil Procedure Code and Small Claims Court Rules to challenge jurisdiction, pleadings, or procedural defects, helping streamline litigation and protect clients’ interests.
• Advised a major commercial bank on the application of the Induplum Rule in loan recovery matters, ensuring compliance with Kenyan legal principles while enforcing repayment and minimising litigation risks.
• Acted for various Insurance firms in a material damage claim, drafting pleadings and presenting the firm’s case before relevant courts and insurance dispute resolution forums.
• Represented individual and corporate clients in commercial and civil claims falling within the Small Claims Court's monetary jurisdiction (currently KES 1 million), including debt recovery, contract enforcement, and consumer disputes.
• Drafted and filed Statements of Claim, Witness Statements, and supporting documents in accordance with the Small Claims Court (Procedure) Rules, 2021, ensuring compliance with the simplified and expedited procedural framework.
• Appeared before the Adjudicator to conduct oral hearings, make submissions, and cross-examine witnesses, resulting in favorable judgments for clients.
• Acted for a client in a debt recovery matter involving a breach of a supply contract, where I filed suit, defended a counterclaim, and obtained judgment with costs.
• Filed applications for review and enforcement proceedings under Sections 26 and 28 of the Act, including extraction of decrees and initiating execution through warrants of attachment.

• Developed lasting professional relationships with opposing counsel through respectful communication and cooperation during discovery processes and settlement negotiations.
• Collaborated with colleagues to develop creative legal arguments, leading to successful settlements or verdicts.
• Enhanced client relationships by providing timely updates on case progress, addressing concerns, and explaining complex legal concepts in layman''s terms.
• Assessed the strengths and weaknesses of each case early on, devising tailored litigation strategies that optimized the chances of success.
• Streamlined litigation processes by implementing efficient case management strategies and utilizing technology.
• Drafted motions, briefs, and other pleadings, persuasively presenting the client''s position while adhering to court rules and deadlines.
• Monitored legislative developments relevant to the practice area, staying informed about changes that could impact clients or influence case strategy.
• Negotiated advantageous settlements for clients through skillful mediation techniques and persuasive communication.
• Reduced client exposure to risk by effectively identifying potential issues and providing sound legal advice.
• Efficiently managed legal assistants and paralegals, delegating tasks appropriately to ensure case preparation was thorough and wellorganized.
• Managed large caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance while maintaining attention to detail in all aspects of litigation work.
• Achieved favorable outcomes for clients by drafting persuasive legal documents and conducting thorough research.
• Participated in continuing education opportunities such as seminars or workshops to stay current on industry trends and best practices in litigation advocacy.
• Conducted comprehensive client interviews, gathering essential information to build strong cases and formulate effective defense strategies.
• Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
• Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
• Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
• Maintained a high level of professional ethics while zealously advocating for clients'' best interests in all stages of litigation proceedings.
• Prepared witnesses for deposition and trial testimony, ensuring their credibility was upheld throughout proceedings.
• Contributed to the firm''s reputation for excellence by upholding high standards of professionalism, integrity, and dedication in all aspects of litigation work.
• Conducted post-settlement follow-up with clients to ensure their satisfaction, addressing any lingering concerns or questions they may have had.

Conveyancing and Property Law Practice

• Prepared Agreements for Sale for purchase of three parcels of land located along Mombasa Road, Kajiado County and Nairobi County.
• Guided the clients on the requisite information for purposes of effecting the sale and subsequent Transfer of the properties.
• Prepared the relevant documentation for execution and subsequent presentation to the relevant Land Registries.
• Attended to declaration of Capital Gains Tax and payment of Stamp duty to effect the Transfers.
• Obtained the resultant Title Deeds for the new proprietors.
• Received instructions to register a Caution on a parcel of land located in Thika, Kiambu County.
• Provided the client with information concerning Cautions on land, who can and the consequences of placing of Cautions.
• Prepared the requisite Discharge of Charge Forms and attended to registration of the same at the registry.
• Conducted a search to confirm the registration of the Caution.
• Forwarded the search results to the Client for record keeping.

Commercial/ Corporate Law Practice

• Obtained instructions to incorporate a company to engage in mining activities.
• Obtained the requisite information to assist me prepare the registration documents.
• Proceeded to prepare the requisite documentation for the registration of the company.
• Presented the registration documents to the company registry for registration and subsequent filing.
• Made the requisite registry payments.
• Obtained a Certificate of Incorporation on behalf of the Client.
• Delivered the Certificate of Incorporation to the clients.
• Obtained instruction to effect the reorganization of the board of directors of a client company.
• Obtained requisite details to assist in preparation of removal and transfer of shares of one of the directors of the client company.
• Prepared the resignation letter, affidavit of no claim, requisite notice, minutes and interim returns.
• Presented the prepared documentation for registration and filing at the company registry.
• Made follow up with the registry on effecting of the changes to the company’s records with the registry.
• Obtained confirmation of the successful registration of the documents.
• Conducted a search to assure the client of the registration of the changes.
• Obtained a search (Form CR 12) showcasing the exit of the director and the transfer of shares.
• Forwarded the search results to the client company for their information and records.

Family Law Practice/Probate and Administration

• Application for grant of Letters of Administration Intestate.
• Conducted a client interview to obtain the requisite information e.g. names of beneficiaries and properties held by the deceased, in preparation of the Application.
• Prepared the petition for presentation to the Family registry of the High Court at Milimani for registration;
• Presented the Application for assessment of Court fees payable.
• Paid the Court fees, registered the Application and obtained a hearing date; Attended the Application hearing to represent the client.
• Made payments for gazettement of the probate matter; and
• Obtained the Confirmation of the Grant on behalf of the client upon lapse of the requisite six (6) months before confirmation.

Civil Law Practice

• Obtained instructions for the collection of debt owed to the client by a third party.
• Obtained information on the occurrences from which the brief originated and the details as to the debtor and amount owed.
• Prepared Demand Letter and caused it to be served upon the debtor.
• Upon the completion of the demand period stipulated in the Demand Letter, I followed up on the settlement of the debt.
• Received the debt owed to the client and forwarded the amount to the client.
• Actively engaged in employment law matters, including representing clients in disputes involving unfair termination, redundancy, and breach of contract.
• Filed and managed claims before the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) in Kenya, including drafting pleadings such as Statements of Claim, Witness Statements, and Submissions.
• Attended court hearings, mentions, and directions, and liaised with court officials, opposing counsel, and clients to ensure timely and efficient progression of matters.
• Assisted in negotiation and settlement of employment disputes through out-of-court mediation and conciliation, ensuring client interests were protected while promoting amicable resolutions.
• Provided advisory services on employment contracts, compliance with the Employment Act, workplace policies, and disciplinary procedures.

• Researched and drafted legal documents: Produced well-researched legal briefs, pleadings, and statements.
• Collaborated across departments: Worked effectively with legal staff, support staff, and management.
• Met deadlines: Drafted submissions and pleadings in time for upcoming court dates.
• Maintained litigation docket and calendar for Senior advocate noting deadlines for pleadings, filing of submissions and other important deadlines.

• Oversaw and managed the entire electoral process at the polling station during national and local elections, ensuring strict compliance with the Electoral and IEBC guidelines.
• Led a team of polling clerks and security personnel, delegating tasks, coordinating activities, and maintaining order to facilitate smooth and transparent voting operations.
• Supervised the verification and authentication of voter identification, issuance of ballot papers, and casting of votes to safeguard electoral integrity and prevent malpractice.
• Ensured timely opening and closing of the polling station, managing all logistical and administrative aspects, including setup, documentation, and secure handling of election materials.
• Addressed and resolved disputes, complaints, or irregularities raised by voters or party agents promptly and impartially within the polling station.
• Maintained accurate and detailed records of voter turnout, spoiled ballots, and election results, and ensured secure transmission of results to the Constituency Tallying Center.
• Collaborated with security agencies to uphold a peaceful and safe environment for voters and staff throughout the election period.
• Demonstrated leadership, integrity, impartiality, and strong decision-making skills under pressure, contributing to free, fair, and credible elections.

• Analyzed legal information: Reviewed and assessed legal documents for accuracy.
• Proofread legal materials: Ensured all legal documents were free of errors.
• Provided legal advice: Offered legal guidance on various topics including family law, employment law, domestic violence, and criminal law.