Chioma Henrietta Okoli

DUTIES

• To provide draft documents on matter requiring civil action in the law court
• To assist in litigation of civil cases on human rights
• To draft and make recommendations to the Executive Secretary through the Head of the Unit and Head of Department such Awards, Damages and Compensation to victims of human rights violations that may be recommended to the Governing Council for approval
• To carry out enforcement of awards, claims and decisions of the Commission as may be directed by the Governing Council
• To participate in the defence of the Commission against legal action
• To provide legal services, drafting agreement(s), MOUs and other legal documentation
• Observe proceedings as amicus curiae on human rights matters on behalf of the Commission
• Recommend for referral for matter/complaints requiring criminal prosecution to the Federal or State Attorneys General or to obtain fiat to prosecute such cases
• Participate in the review of legislations, bye laws and other administrative provisions by Federal, States and Local Government that will be forwarded to the Executive Secretary for approval
• Participate in the drafting of memos to be forwarded to the National or State Assemblies and to participate in public hearing on bills before the Federal and State Assemblies to ensure that human rights norms are mainstreamed on the bills
• To participate in the legislative advocacy programme to all State Assemblies, National Assembly and other stakeholders
• Coordinate the Commission's program on Pro Bono services
• Perform other functions as maybe directed by the Management

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Drafted an abridged version of the Nasarawa State HIV/Aids Anti-Stigmatization Law 2012
• Resolved various domestic and gender based disputes through mediation and conciliation.
• Reviewed Sexual Harassment of Student in Tertiary Education Institution and for Matters Connected therewith, 2019 Bill which was passed into law
• Reviewed Law to Eliminate Violence in Private, Domestic and Public life, Prohibit all forms of Gender–based violence, Harmful traditional practices, discrimination against persons, and to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders, and other related matters which was passed into law
• Reviewed the Act to make provisions for the protection from internet falsehood and manipulation and for related matters. We vehemently opposed this bill at the National Assembly for gagging freedom of speech and the bill was not passed
• Successfully defended the Commission against legal actions
• Referred two cases of rape to the Attorney General of the Federation

• Worked alongside Panel members, fellow legal assistants and administrative assistants on the public hearing
• In charge of all the datas and tables for the public hearing
• Conducted interview and counseling with some of the petitioners
• In charge of day to day report writing of the public hearing and update of all the petitions
• Involved in transcription of the public hearing into record of proceedings
• Involved in legal analysis of the petitions
• Managed communications and correspondences with all the Petitioners
• Acted as Interpreter from English language to Igbo language and vice versa
• Conducted researches and case analysis
• Developed positive working relationship with courts, clients, law enforcement members and attorneys.
• Handled panel scheduling and made notes for deadlines and other important dates.

• Represented clients in courts including Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) in debt recovery
• Successfully obtained a judgment at the Court of Appeal in favour of our client
• Drafted readable and enforceable agreements, contracts and other legal documents to protect client's full legal rights.
• Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
• Negotiated with opposing groups or individuals to reach resolutions, avoid litigation and accomplish goals of clients.
• Represented interests of clients in negotiations with external parties and stakeholders, including regulators, external counsel and public authorities.
• Reviewed cases and made recommendations on various areas of law.
• Prepared correspondence, legal memoranda and analytical reports.
• Conducted in-depth legal research related to agency practice.
• Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
• Advocated for clients before court in oral argument by presenting facts and evidence in most favorable light.
• Handled corporate legal matters through deep knowledge of laws and regulations applicable to company law
• Researched related literature regarding issues at hand.
• Coordinated and collaborated with Associate General Counsel by working together on important legal issues.
• Tracked and researched developing precedent and legislation in various aspect of laws to maintain expertise and best advise and advocate for clients.

• Represented clients in court within the bounds of law
• Drafted readable and enforceable agreements, contracts and other legal documents to protect client's full legal rights.
• Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
• Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
• Drafted agreements, contracts and other legal documents for clients
• Analyzed and applied legal principles and performed legal research to support litigation strategy.
• Monitored state and federal legislations to keep up to date with changing laws.
• Reviewed cases and made recommendations on various areas of law.
• Prepared correspondence, legal memoranda and analytical reports.
• Conducted interview and counseling of clients and witnesses

• Gained valuable insight into regulations and policies associated with various aspects of law.
• Reviewed legal information and proofed documentation for errors.
• Organized legal filing system to maximize efficiency.
• Attended court proceedings and prepared summaries on cases.
• Drafted correspondence and various legal documentation and disseminated materials to appropriate parties.
• Reviewed, drafted and revised agreements and contracts to protect client interests.
• Performed legal and general research, drafting pleadings and correspondence
• Worked closely with multiple departments including criminal, civil, law reporting, international law and solicitor general's
• Assisted with client interviews and took meticulous notes for inclusion in reports.

• Monitored patients' progress and adjusted treatments accordingly.
• Organized street law programmes
• Organised workshops on the Freedom of Information Act
• Conducted Prison visits and counseling of inmates
• Prepared bail applications for and facilitated the release of awaiting trial detainees
• drafted reports
• Promoted access to justice and fundamental human rights protection