Monica Morenike Umeche
Abuja,Nigeria
Summary
Accomplished legal professional with expertise in legal research and writing, policy analysis, and corporate advisory. Demonstrates proficiency in regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, and data protection and privacy. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, leadership and team management, with a strong foundation in analytical and critical thinking. Adept at mentoring new team members and excelling in conflict resolution and client servicing. Committed to leveraging communication skills and public speaking confidence to drive successful outcomes.
Experienced Associate with exceptional planning and prioritisation abilities for responsive, accurate administration support. Aids positive, productive office teamwork through good communication and collaboration. A lawyer whose Academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of law, technology, gender inclusion, social justice and public policy, particularly in designing regulatory and institutional frameworks that foster innovation and sustainable development.
Founder and Executive Director of the Naeta Initiative for Women Advancement (Naeta_IWA), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the economic empowerment, leadership development, and social advancement of women and girls.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Associate
Matrix-Solicitors LLP
Abuja, Nigeria
2024.10 - Current
Role/Contributions
- Provided regulatory and policy advisory services to about 8 international nonprofits, several technology companies and start-ups.
- Supported transactions and compliance relating to artificial intelligence, digital assets, and emerging technologies.
- Corporate advisory and corporate governance matters to more than 20 clients.
- Dispute resolution: civil and criminal litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.
- Advised clients on labour and employment matters.
- Contract negotiation and documentation.
- Data protection and privacy compliance engagements, registering about 5 entities with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and filing Compliance Audit Returns for over 10 entities with the NDPC.
- Participate in development and policy initiatives concerning innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Collaborated with colleagues on key projects, contributing to overall firm objectives.
- Responded promptly and accurately to client inquiries, improving customer satisfaction.
- Liaised with clients to enhance business relationships.
- Maintained confidentiality with sensitive company information.
- Worked on special projects assigned by management, ensuring timely completion.
- Improved efficiency by streamlining office processes.
- Handled telephonic communications and enhanced external relations.
- Supported senior staff members during busy periods, resulting in efficient workflow.
- Dealt with customer queries and feedback for elevated level of service.
- Fostered positive working environment with clear communication.
- Filed documents and improved data management.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously for increased productivity.
- Coordinated meetings and ensured smooth operation of daily activities.
- Maintained positive and professional demeanour under pressure, handling difficult situations with composure and tact.
- Took initiative by volunteering for additional tasks and projects, showcasing commitment and reliability.
- Company secretarial services to over 25 companies, including scheduling and handling board of directors and annual general meetings of companies, and regulatory filings.
- Updated client database to ensure up-to-date information.
Trainee Associate
The Firma Advisory
Abuja, Nigeria
2024.06 - 2024.09
Roles/Contributions
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Conducted legal research and contract reviews.
- Assisted in corporate and policy advisory engagements for about 5 companies.
- Supported governmental relations and about 2 ICT law projects.
- Documented significant inputs towards the firm’s success.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and clear communications.
Legal Intern
Nagarta Law Chambers / Office of the Special Adviser on Resident Communities and Culture, Sokoto State Government
Sokoto, Nigeria
2021.11 - 2022.11
Role
- Participated in multiple proceedings before the General Court Martial.
- Assisted in about 5 matters involving human trafficking, economic crimes, and human rights protection.
- Drafted legal documents, petitions, and court processes.
Contributions to the Firm
- Drafted and edited contracts to ensure compliance with current legislation.
- Assisted in preparing trial materials and facilitated effective presentation of arguments in representing over 15 indigent soldiers who were pre-trial detainees awaiting trial before the General Court Martial for offences, including capital offences.
- Organised files and maintained comprehensive database of all ongoing cases for easy retrieval.
- Handled confidential materials responsibly, maintaining integrity and trust.
- Participated in about 10 client consultations (particularly in sensitive cases regarding women and child molestation) and provided valuable input based on research findings.
Legal Intern
M. Y. Abdullahi & Co.
Lokoja, Nigeria
2019.11 - 2020.12
Role
- Conducted legal research and drafting.
- Supported advocacy and pro bono legal services.
Contributions to the Firm
- Improved efficiency of legal proceedings with detailed note-taking during client meetings.
- Assisted in preparing trial materials and facilitated effective presentation of arguments before the court.
- Handled confidential materials responsibly, maintaining integrity and trust within the firm.
- Organised files and maintained a comprehensive database of all ongoing cases for easy retrieval.
Education
B.L - Law
Nigerian Law School
Abuja, Nigeria 2023.02 - 2023.11
LL.B - Law
Prince Abubakar Audu University (formerly Kogi State University)
Anyigba, Nigeria 2016.01 - 2021.02
Skills
- Legal writing
- Regulatory Compliance
- Policy Analysis
- Dispute Resolution
- Corporate Advisory
- Data privacy
- Regulatory knowledge
- Critical analysis
- Negotiation skills
- Stakeholder management
- Team leadership
- Team mentoring
- Public speaking confidence
- Communications
- Client servicing
- Microsoft Office Suite
Certification
- Student - Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, Nigeria
- Certificate of Participation, Climate Law & Sustainability Pathway Introductory Bootcamp Program - Electricity Lawyer Academy, Abuja 2025
- Certificate in Leadership, Personal Development and Financial Management - Koinonia School of Ministry, Abuja 2025
- Certificate in Personal Leadership Mindset Mentorship Cohort 2024
- Certificates in Space Law, Entertainment Law, Financial Technology Law and Employability Law and Employability Skills - The Innovative Law Club 2022
- Certificate in Public Speaking - Google 2022
Languages
English – Fluent
Yoruba – Conversational
Ebira – Native
References
- Very Rev. Fr (Dr) Christopher E. Inegbenoghu, fadakris@icloud.com +234 803 588 1534
- Jibril, Osa Uwadaie, ovasabi2021@gmail.com, +234 803 369 1333
- Okpanachi F., Ekpa, ekpalaw@gmail.com, +234 807 398 7575
Research Interests
- Inclusion, social justice, and human rights
- Public Policy and Regulatory Reform
- Climate and environmental sustainability
- ICT, artificial intelligence and law
- Law and finance
- Data protection and privacy
- Corporate governance
Honours and Awards
- Director-General's Prize for First Class Graduates, Nigerian Law School 2024
- Best Graduating Student, Faculty of Law, Prince Abubakar Audu University 2021
- Most Politically Inclined Female Student, Faculty of Law, Kogi State University 2021
- Best Graduating Student, NIOMCO Staff Secondary School 2015
Community Engagement and Public Service
Miss Ebira Nigeria, Miss Ebira Beauty Pageant Nigeria 12/2019 – 12/2020 | Okene, Nigeria
Activities during my reign:
- Sensitisation/campaign against drug abuse to 7 secondary schools across the 3 senatorial districts in Kogi State.
- A medical outreach that featured free medical consultation and free medication for over 150 indigents.
- Online symposiums and campaigns against drug abuse.
Kogi State University Law Clinic, Law Clinician, Nigeria, 2018, 2021,
Participated in:
- NULAI–OSIWA Pre-Trial Detention Project
- Campaigns against gender-based violence
- Prison and court visitation programmes
- Young Persons in Peace and Conflict Transformation Programme, and
- Street law and community legal education initiatives.
Ministry of Justice, Sokoto State, National Youth Service Corps, Nigeria, 2021 - 2022
Member, Legal Aid Corps Community Development Service. I participated in
- Advocacy and sensitisation programmes for vulnerable groups, and
- Supported interventions concerning child rights and sexual violence.
Affiliations
Founder and Executive Director, Naeta Initiative for Women Advancement (Naate_IWA), Nigeria
- Reached over 200 girls through mentorship and capacity-building opportunities for young women.
- Design programmes promoting women's leadership and economic empowerment, including International Day of the Girl Child outreaches and programmes on sanitary health, distributing sanitary materials, teaching beneficiaries on sustainable living and menstrual health.
- Advocate for gender equality and access to opportunities for vulnerable groups.
- Coordinate community-based initiatives focused on education, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.
- Lead organisational strategy, stakeholder engagement, and partnerships.
National President - National Association of Kogi State Law Students of Nigeria, 2021 – 2023
- Led the umbrella body representing Kogi State law students nationwide.
- Coordinated programmes aimed at promoting academic excellence and professional development.
National Senator, Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), Nigeria, 2019 – 2020
- Represented students in national deliberations and policy discussions.
Secretary-General, Law Students Association of Nigeria, Kogi State University Chapter, Nigeria, 2018/2019
- Oversaw the administrative and governance functions of the association.
- Clamoured for students' welfare
- Represented the students at faculty and university fora
Timeline
Associate
Matrix-Solicitors LLP
2024.10 - Current
Trainee Associate
The Firma Advisory
2024.06 - 2024.09
B.L - Law
Nigerian Law School
2023.02 - 2023.11
Legal Intern
Nagarta Law Chambers / Office of the Special Adviser on Resident Communities and Culture, Sokoto State Government
2021.11 - 2022.11
Legal Intern
M. Y. Abdullahi & Co.
2019.11 - 2020.12
LL.B - Law
Prince Abubakar Audu University (formerly Kogi State University)
2016.01 - 2021.02