Lecturing and impacting knowlege
SADAT ATSEKEGBE UMAKHIHE
LEGAL PRACTITIONER (PRINCIPAL SOLICITOR)
LAGOS,LAGOS
Summary
Experienced legal practitioner with 15+ years in legal analysis, research, drafting, and contract review. Known for precise legal documents, strong client counseling, and effective negotiation that protects interests and supports favorable outcomes. Focused on clear advice, confidentiality, and favorable settlements.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
17
17
years of post-secondary education
Work History
LEGAL PRACTITIONER
SADAT UMAKHIHE & CO
10.2018 - Current
- Represented clients in court proceedings, negotiations, and settlement discussions.
- Drafted pleadings, motions, agreements, and legal opinions with precision.
- Reviewed case files, evidence, and witness statements to strengthen legal arguments.
- Advised clients on litigation strategy, contract disputes, and regulatory compliance.
- Managed client matters independently while maintaining strict confidentiality and professional standards.
- Coordinated with courts, opposing counsel, and regulatory bodies to advance case progress.
- Mentored junior staff on legal research, drafting, and case preparation.
- Ensured timely filing, document control, and adherence to procedural requirements.
- Negotiated favorable settlements with opposing counsel, avoiding costly litigation.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing timely and accurate legal advice.
- Assessed potential risks and provided risk mitigation strategies to protect clients from future liabilities or disputes.
- Drafted comprehensive legal documents such as contracts, wills, trusts, pleadings, motions, and briefs for successful outcomes in various matters.
- Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
- Used knowledge of legal precedents to analyze probable outcome of cases.
- Advised clients on a variety of legal matters, including corporate governance, intellectual property, labor law and taxation.
- Directed and supported staff with business registrations and other legal requirements.
HEAD OF CHAMBER
S.K LAWAL & CO
02.2013 - 09.2018
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
LEGAL COUNSEL
AFOLABI AFOLABI & ASSOCIATES
08.2011 - 10.2013
- Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated commercial agreements to protect organizational interests and reduce exposure.
- Advised management on contract terms, regulatory compliance, and litigation risk across corporate matters.
- Represented client interests in negotiations, hearings, and dispute resolution proceedings.
- Managed legal documentation, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and alignment with applicable laws and policies.
- Streamlined contract review process, resulting in reduced turnaround times and increased efficiency.
- Drafted clear and concise contracts that protected the company''s interests while facilitating successful business transactions.
- Provided expert legal advice on complex matters for informed decision-making and risk mitigation.
- Drafted readable and enforceable agreements, contracts, and other legal documents to protect client's full legal rights.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
- Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
- Prepared and filed pleadings, motions and other legal documents in court proceedings.
- Researched, wrote and filed motions, writs and briefs for each case.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
PUPILAGE COUNSEL
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
06.2011 - 07.2012
- Represented interests in litigation, hearings, mediations, and administrative proceedings.
- Advised executives on statutory interpretation, regulatory risk, and legal compliance.
- Drafted legislation, regulations, contracts, and ministerial correspondence with precision.
- Prepared legal opinions, briefing notes, and decision materials for senior leadership.
- Reviewed policy proposals to identify legal issues and support defensible decisions.
- Managed case files, deadlines, and evidence to maintain accurate, timely proceedings.
- Assisted colleagues in preparing for trial by reviewing evidence, identifying key witnesses, and formulating strategic approaches.
- Drafted persuasive legal documents, such as motions, briefs, and memorandums, contributing to successful court outcomes.
Education
LAW
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
EDO STATE 04.2001 -
BARRISTER AT LAW (BL) SECOND CLASS UPPER DIVISION CALL TO BAR CERTIFICATE - LAW
NIGERIA LAW SCHOOL
Lagos, Nigeria 03.2010 - 09.2011
BACHELOR OF LAWS (LL.B) SECOND CLASS UPPER DIVISION - LAW
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
EDO STATE 05.2005 - 05.2010
WEST AFRICAN SECONDARY SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION -
UNIVERSITY OF BENEIN DEMONSTRATION SECONDARY SCHOOL
EDO STATE 09.1997 - 06.2003
PRIMARY SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE -
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN STAFF SCHOOL
EDO STATE 09.1992 - 06.1997
Skills
Legal analysis
Legal research
Legal writing
Document drafting
Contract review
Legal counseling
Litigation strategy
Family law
Client advising
Project management
Case management
Effective communication
Interests
Timeline
LEGAL PRACTITIONER
SADAT UMAKHIHE & CO
10.2018 - Current
HEAD OF CHAMBER
S.K LAWAL & CO
02.2013 - 09.2018
LEGAL COUNSEL
AFOLABI AFOLABI & ASSOCIATES
08.2011 - 10.2013
PUPILAGE COUNSEL
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
06.2011 - 07.2012
BARRISTER AT LAW (BL) SECOND CLASS UPPER DIVISION CALL TO BAR CERTIFICATE - LAW
NIGERIA LAW SCHOOL
03.2010 - 09.2011
BACHELOR OF LAWS (LL.B) SECOND CLASS UPPER DIVISION - LAW
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
05.2005 - 05.2010
LAW
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
04.2001 -
WEST AFRICAN SECONDARY SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION -
UNIVERSITY OF BENEIN DEMONSTRATION SECONDARY SCHOOL
09.1997 - 06.2003
PRIMARY SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE -
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN STAFF SCHOOL
09.1992 - 06.1997