Judith Anukie Ojovbo
Block 33, Flat 8, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi
Summary
A proactive and results-driven Legal Practitioner with 10 years of post-qualification experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and legal advisory, with a strong ability to collaborate with stakeholders to implement sound legal frameworks that align with organizational objectives. I am equally committed to safeguarding institutional interests while facilitating strategic growth and operational excellence.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Consultant
Shekinah Law Practice
04.2025 - Current
- Contract Drafting & Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements, including joint ventures, shareholder agreements, vendor and supplier contracts, service level agreements, employment contracts, and NDAs.
- Corporate & Regulatory Compliance: Advise clients on corporate governance, regulatory filings, company incorporation, intellectual property protection, and compliance with Nigerian and cross-border business laws.
- Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Represent clients in civil and commercial disputes, managing cases from pre-action advisory through court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
- Risk Management & Advisory: Provide proactive legal risk assessments, ensuring clients mitigate exposure to liability while pursuing business growth.
- Transactional Support: Assist businesses in M&A due diligence, drafting of transaction documents, and securing regulatory approvals.
Legal Officer
Signature Bank Limited
09.2024 - Current
- Transactional Expertise: Proficient in drafting and reviewing APG issuances and performance bonds, facilitating loan agreements, ensuring compliance with laid down conditions, and structuring transactions to minimize legal risks while achieving business objectives.
- Contract Management: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements with clients, vendors, and partners. Ensure that all contracts are legally sound and protect the bank's interests.
- Risk Management: Identify and assess legal risks associated with the bank's operations, products, and services. Develop strategies to mitigate identified risks.
- Highly Skilled Legal Opinion Writer with Expertise in Regulatory Compliance: I recently advised the Bank on critical compliance matters as regards the Bank's social media communications. The Legal Opinion critically examined the following:
a. Nigerian Lottery Act and Regulations: Offered expert legal interpretation and actionable recommendations to align the Bank's operations with statutory requirements, mitigating potential liabilities.
b. CBN Consumer Protection Guidelines: Evaluated the Bank's consumer practices, ensuring adherence to Central Bank of Nigeria's directives and fostering trust with stakeholders.
c. Nigerian Data Protection Act: Provided comprehensive guidance to safeguard sensitive customer data, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to data privacy and protection in line with national standards.
- My proficiency in analyzing complex legal frameworks, coupled with my meticulous attention to detail, positions me as a trusted advisor for high-stakes regulatory matters.
- Company Secretariat/Corporate Governance: Attend meetings, and take minutes of meetings. Draft minutes of meetings in record time.
- Advise on Board compliance in line with the CBN Code of Corporate Governance, 2023, the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance, 2018, and other relevant laws.
- Assist in maintaining corporate governance standards and practices, and ensure that the bank adheres to ethical standards and best practices.
- Litigation Management: Oversee and manage any legal disputes or litigation involving the bank. Collaborate with external legal counsel when necessary.
- Monitor changes in legislation and assess their impact on the bank's operations.
- Regulatory Reporting: Prepare and submit necessary reports to regulatory authorities as required by law.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting of legal issues to senior management.
- Stakeholder Communication: Liaise with regulatory bodies, external counsel, and other stakeholders on legal matters.
- Communicate legal issues effectively to internal stakeholders.
Associate Counsel
George Ikoli & Okagbue (GIO)
07.2023 - 08.2024
- Company Secretariat and Governance: Played a key role in the Company Secretariat Department (GIO Nominees Ltd), where I drafted notices of meetings, hosted Board and Committee meetings, and prepared minutes, committee reports, and Board Books for effective decision-making.
- Ensured adherence to statutory and governance standards in all operations.
- Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Filings: Streamlined statutory and regulatory processes by filing various post-incorporation returns, including Annual Returns and changes to directors or shareholders.
- Acted as a liaison with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
- Litigation Support and Case Analysis: Conducted detailed case analysis for key litigation briefs, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential strategies.
- Attended court sittings to support case management and representation efforts.
- Legal Drafting and Contract Management: Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated a variety of contracts and agreements, ensuring alignment with legal and regulatory frameworks while safeguarding client interests.
- Intellectual Property Support: Actively contributed to the Intellectual Property Department (Bentley Edu. & Co.), providing legal support and addressing client needs in intellectual property-related matters.
Principal Consultant
Shekinah Law Practice
06.2020 - 06.2023
- Drafting and Reviewing Commercial Agreements: Skillfully drafted, reviewed, and negotiated a variety of commercial agreements, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations while safeguarding the interests of the organization or clients.
- This included preparing contracts across sectors such as employment, service delivery, non-disclosure, and vendor agreements.
- Litigation Support: Developed court processes, including pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs, tailored to suit diverse legal issues.
- Conducted court proceedings effectively, representing clients in litigation and dispute resolution matters with a focus on achieving favorable outcomes.
- Company Secretariat Functions and Corporate Compliance: Facilitated efficient corporate governance practices by performing secretarial duties such as preparing and maintaining statutory books, scheduling and recording minutes of board meetings, and advising directors on governance issues.
- Registered various corporate entities, ensuring their swift and efficient incorporation in compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
- Supervised legal and regulatory compliance, including filing statutory returns, resolutions, and post-incorporation changes (such as share transfers, changes in directorship, and company name amendments) with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Associate Counsel
Philip Ndubuisi Umeh & Co.
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Played a key role in managing over 30 litigation briefs for the firm, representing clients effectively in court
- Recovered debts for various financial institutions through court actions and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
- Drafted and filed comprehensive pleadings, briefs of arguments, and other legal processes tailored to achieve positive outcomes
- Conducted witness examinations, including Examination-in-Chief, Cross-Examinations, and Re-Examinations, with precision and professionalism
- Legal Drafting and Advisory: Prepared and reviewed a wide array of legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and legal opinions, ensuring clarity, compliance, and protection of client interests
- Delivered sound legal advice to clients, addressing complex legal issues with practical solutions
- Client Relations and Case Management: Maintained consistent communication with clients, providing regular updates on their matters and ensuring their concerns were addressed promptly
- Negotiated legal service fees, balancing firm profitability with client satisfaction
- Attended client meetings, representing their interests and facilitating successful negotiations or settlements
- Court and Regulatory Liaison: Maintained proactive engagement with court officials to stay updated on case statuses and procedural developments, ensuring timely filings and compliance with court schedules
- Research and Representation: Conducted thorough legal research, delivering well-grounded opinions and arguments to support litigation and advisory tasks
- Represented clients at meetings, advocating for their best interests and achieving favorable resolutions
Associate Counsel
Habacuc Solicitors
07.2017 - 07.2019
- Legal Advisory for Oil and Gas Sector: Provided legal advisory services to International Oil Companies (IOCs) and service companies, with a focus on compliance with local content requirements and other regulatory frameworks.
- Litigation and Case Management: Drafted and prepared court processes, representing clients effectively in trials and other court proceedings.
- Drafting, Reviewing, and Negotiating Contracts: Prepared, reviewed, and negotiated complex oil and gas contracts as well as other commercial agreements, ensuring alignment with industry standards and client objectives.
- Corporate Secretariat Functions: Drafted minutes of meetings, facilitated board and committee meetings, and performed other corporate secretarial duties to support effective governance.
- Firm Administration and Operations: Ensured the efficient administration of the firm, including procurement of legal resources, filing court processes, liaising with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos branch on behalf of the firm, and documenting minutes of internal meetings.
- Judicial Training and Capacity Building: Played a key role in organizing training programs for Judges of the Federal High Court, contributing to the enhancement of judicial expertise in relevant areas.
Associate Counsel
Kate Obetta & Associates
04.2017 - 06.2017
- Representation in Civil Proceedings: Advocated for clients in various civil litigation matters, ensuring their rights and interests were effectively represented throughout court processes.
- In-Depth Legal Research: Conducted thorough legal research to provide well-reasoned arguments, support case strategies, and deliver accurate legal opinions successful case outcomes.
- In-Depth Legal Research: Conducted thorough legal research to provide well-reasoned arguments, support case strategies, and deliver accurate legal opinions.
- Administrative Leadership: Efficiently managed the administration of the firm, ensuring smooth daily operations and compliance with professional standards.
Associate (NYSC Attachment)
Mbanaso Mbanaso & Co.
01.2016 - 11.2016
- Representation in Civil and Criminal Proceedings: Represented clients effectively in both civil and criminal proceedings, ensuring thorough preparation and strategic case management to achieve favorable outcomes.
- Court Process Drafting and Filing: Drafted, prepared, and filed court processes, including pleadings, motions, and affidavits, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and providing clear, compelling arguments in court.
- Land Agreement Drafting and Review: Drafted and reviewed various land agreements, ensuring they were legally sound, precise, and aligned with client objectives while adhering to property laws.
- Successful Defense in Property Transfer Case: Successfully defended a client in a complex transfer of property matter, securing a favorable judgment and demonstrating effective legal advocacy and case strategy.
Law School Extern
Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors
05.2015 - 07.2015
- Extern Team Leadership: Served as the team leader for a group of externs attached to the firm, guiding and mentoring peers while ensuring smooth coordination of tasks and providing valuable support to senior attorneys.
- Court Proceedings and Legal Support: Attended court proceedings with lawyers, assisting in case management, taking notes, and supporting trial preparation.
- Legal Research for Broadcast Purposes: Conducted legal research for broadcast purposes, gathering and analyzing legal information to ensure accuracy and clarity in the presentation of complex legal topics.
- Meeting Participation and Minute Preparation: Actively participated in meetings and was responsible for preparing detailed minutes, capturing key discussions and action points for follow-up.
- Document Management and Organization: Processed and organized legal documents, ensuring they were properly filed and accessible, supporting the efficient functioning of the firm.
Undergraduate Intern
07.2013 - 09.2013
- Enhanced research skills by assisting in data collection and analysis for various projects.
- Cultivated lasting professional relationships with mentors and colleagues, fostering a valuable network for future career opportunities.
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research, providing crucial information for project development.
- Developed professional communication skills through regular interactions with supervisors and colleagues.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Explored new technologies and approaches to streamline processes.
Design Executive
Olquine's Creations
07.2012 - 09.2012
Undergraduate Intern
Festus Keyamo Chambers
05.2012 - 07.2012
Education
B.L. - Second Class Honours, Upper Division
The Nigerian Law School
12-2015
LL. B - Second Class Honours, Lower Division
University of Ilorin
National Examination Council (NECO) -
Falomo High School
Senior Secondary School Leaving Certificate -
Falomo High School
First School Leaving Certificate -
Police Children School
Skills
- Highly Dedicated and Dependable
- Exceptional Communication Skills
- Advanced Research and Analytical Abilities
- Meticulous and Organized
- Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
- Adaptable and Dynamic
- Strong Interpersonal Skills
- Effective Time Management
- Confidentiality and Integrity
- Team-Oriented and Self-Sufficient
- Proficient in Information Technology
Affiliations
- The Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), December, 2015
- Member, Business Recovery & Insolvency Practitioner's Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN), December, 2024
Personal Information
Title: Legal Practitioner
Certifications
12-2024
Certification
Associate (ABR), Business Recovery & Insolvency Practitioners of Nigeria
ACIS, Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators (in view)
Professionaltrainingsattended
- Oil & Gas Training, Habacuc Solicitors, 12/17
- Intellectual Property Rights, Media and Technology Law Practice Training, NBA/ICLE, 04/23
- Financial Basics of AML/CTF/CPF, Pattison Consulting Limited, 11/24
Timeline
Lead Consultant
Shekinah Law Practice
04.2025 - Current
Legal Officer
Signature Bank Limited
09.2024 - Current
Associate Counsel
George Ikoli & Okagbue (GIO)
07.2023 - 08.2024
Principal Consultant
Shekinah Law Practice
06.2020 - 06.2023
Associate Counsel
Philip Ndubuisi Umeh & Co.
08.2019 - 05.2020
Associate Counsel
Habacuc Solicitors
07.2017 - 07.2019
Associate Counsel
Kate Obetta & Associates
04.2017 - 06.2017
Associate (NYSC Attachment)
Mbanaso Mbanaso & Co.
01.2016 - 11.2016
Law School Extern
Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors
05.2015 - 07.2015
Undergraduate Intern
07.2013 - 09.2013
Design Executive
Olquine's Creations
07.2012 - 09.2012
Undergraduate Intern
Festus Keyamo Chambers
05.2012 - 07.2012
LL. B - Second Class Honours, Lower Division
University of Ilorin
National Examination Council (NECO) -
Falomo High School
Senior Secondary School Leaving Certificate -
Falomo High School
First School Leaving Certificate -
Police Children School
B.L. - Second Class Honours, Upper Division
The Nigerian Law School
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