Simeon Chima Onwe, LL.B, BL.
Senior Associate
5, Samuel Adimkakwu Close, Even Estate, Badore-Ajah,Lagos
Summary
I am a seasoned and astute real estate, employment, corporate & litigation lawyer with vast experience in high-stakes commercial disputes and corporate advisory. With a reputation for delivering strategic solutions, I help and provide clients with unparalleled legal expertise, ensuring their business interests are protected and their legal challenges are efficiently navigated. Adept in client-centric approach, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Associate
GEORGE ETOMI & PARTNERS
Ikoyi
12.2022 - Current
- Provided legal advice to individuals and businesses on a wide range of corporate matters including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, due diligence, etc
- Drafted, reviewed and negotiated contracts, agreements and other legal documents to ensure they align with the client's business objectives and legal requirements
- Managed a caseload of litigation matters from inception through resolution, including client interviews, case strategy development and trial preparation
- Conducted settlement negotiations and trial for property case with N10, 000,000 in counterclaims
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases
- Advised clients of the legal and business implications of proposed transactions, anticipating legal and contractual concerns and devising strategies to resolve them
- Drafted and filed pleadings, motions, briefs of arguments and other court documents in a timely and efficient manner
- Represented clients in court hearings, trials, arbitrations, and mediations, presenting evidence and arguing motions
- Liaised with other lawyers in other parts of the Legal or elsewhere in the Group to ensure a coordinated input of legal advice to the client
- Interviewed witnesses and gathered public record research relevant to each case
- Provided expert advice on Joint Venture and other partnership arrangements and drafted all relevant documentation
- Ensured all documentation prepared was error proof, grammatically and in other respect and to this end, at least one other team member double checked prepared processes for accuracy
- Notified client, subject to supervisor/partner's approval of every development in cases assigned to team
- Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals and deeds
- Engaged in complex civil litigation under statutes relating to industrial, real estate and property law
- Advocated for clients before court in oral argument by presenting facts and evidence in most favorable light
- Resolved post-judgment litigation settlements and default judgment orders in favor of clients
- Advised clients on legal matters such as property and family law
- Researched, wrote and filed all motions, writs and briefs for each case
- Read judgments and decisions in all cases handled by the firm as such decisions are delivered.
Associate Counsel
AHONARUOGHO, AHONARUOGHO & CO. (SAN)
Lagos
09.2019 - 11.2022
- Assisted clients in structuring their business operations, including the formation, dissolution and restructuring of companies
- Represented clients in front of regulatory agencies and bodies, e.g, the CAC, SEC, Embassies, FCCPC, etc, when necessary
- Adviced clients on compliance with local, state and federal regulations, including securities laws, labour laws and environmental regulations
- Represented clients in court hearings, trials, arbitrations, and mediations, presenting evidence and arguing motions
- Conducted legal research to support case strategies and ensure the accuracy of legal arguments
- Negotiated settlements on behalf of clients, aiming to resolve disputes favourably outside of court when possible
- Created and modified commercial leases, access agreements
- Attended hearings and proceedings at court
- Responding to court processes that need a reaction at least 72 hours before deadline
- Presented evidence in court to support clients in legal proceedings
- Led or participated in significant internal investigations
- Represented clients in court cases, litigation or arbitration for contested leases for eviction cases
- Maintained effective working relationships with key clients
- Shaping a client's expectations on what can be realistically achieved
- Protected client's interests by ensuring all necessary checks and investigations are undertaken (e.g
- Undertaking all necessary due diligence/disclosure exercises as appropriate)
- Advised clients on their legal rights and obligations
- Drafted legal documents like will, contract of sale of land, trusts and gifts
- Interpreting and explaining the law clearly to both individuals and business clients
- Developed and maintained list of available properties suited to different needs and budgets for both commercial and industrial use
- Arranged for title searches of properties being sold and gave buyers virtual and physical tours of properties
- Prepared legal property descriptions for use in transactions.
Junior Associate
AUXANO LAW
8A, Olanrewaju Ninalowo Crescent, Off KafaratvAbdulrasa Street, Lekki Phase 1 Lagos State.
02.2018 - 07.2019
- Brief writing for over Court of Appeal and Supreme Court cases.
- Attending hearings at court with colleagues and senior partners of the law firm.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals and deeds.
- Coordinated trial exhibits by organizing materials, writing documentation and preparing digital materials and displays.
- Worked closely with colleagues across different practice areas to provide comprehensive legal services.
- Provided proactive legal solutions to prevent disputes and enhance business operations.
- Researched and looked up for evidence that will back up a client's case.
- Collaborated with experts, witnesses and other legal professionals to build strong case.
- Examined, researched and interpreted laws related to industrial, real estate and property law.
- Provided legal advice to variety of small and mid-sized businesses involved in multiple types of litigation.
Junior Associate (NYSC Programe)
O.N. AGBOR & CO.
10, Missionary Road, Ikom, Cross River State
02.2016 - 12.2017
- Assisted in drafting and reviewing legal documents and court processes.
- Filed and moved bail applications in High Courts and Magistrate Courts.
- Conducted extensive legal research to assist in brief writing for Court of Appeals and the Supreme Courts.
- Attended hearings and made appearances in Courts with colleagues and senior partners of the law firm.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals and deeds
- Prepared trial questions- examination-in-chief and cross-examination questions for court proceedings.
- Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.
- Conduct in-depth legal research, analyze complex legal issues and present well-reasoned recommendations to clients.
Education
Barrister-at-Law (BL) - General Law Practice
Nigerian Law School - Yenagoa Campus
04.2017 - 7 2018
Bachelor of Laws (Hons.) (LL.B) - Legal Studies
Ebonyi State University - Abakaliki
01.2014 - 1 2015
West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Exam (WASSCE) - Art Subjects
Madonna Secondary School - Ebonyi State
09.2001 - 6 2007
National Examination Council (NECO) - undefined
Community Secondary School - Nkomoro
01.2001 - 1 2007
Skills
Commercial Awareness: Possess the knowledge of current developments in our local and national legal terrain, particularly any issues that impact a law firm and its clients
Customer Service: Ability to render satisfactory services to new clients, as well as developing trust relationships with existing ones
Ability to meet Deadlines, keeping costs low and handling information confidentially
Attention and Accuracy to Details: Attention to details, accuracy, and elegance are my watchwords in every given brief and task
Communication Skills: Possess strong oral and written communication skill and good listening skill
Teamwork: Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with colleagues and partners in the firm, as well as liaise with clients
Creative Problem Solving: Ability to think outside the box to get the job done, know the best course of action to take and secure a positive result for the clients
Organisation: Good in researching points of law, drafting legal documents and contracts, managing case files, meeting clients, attending courts and networking with other lawyers in the profession
The ability to work under pressure and managing workloads
Proficient in using legal research databases and other relevant legal tools
Significant experience in litigation, specifically with cases in the High Court, Federal High Court, and Court of Appeal
Proficient in Microsoft Word (WS-10), Outlook, PowerPoint and Internet bases
Affiliations
Nigerian Bar Association
Timeline
Senior Associate
GEORGE ETOMI & PARTNERS
12.2022 - Current
Associate Counsel
AHONARUOGHO, AHONARUOGHO & CO. (SAN)
09.2019 - 11.2022
Junior Associate
AUXANO LAW
02.2018 - 07.2019
Barrister-at-Law (BL) - General Law Practice
Nigerian Law School - Yenagoa Campus
04.2017 - 7 2018
Junior Associate (NYSC Programe)
O.N. AGBOR & CO.
02.2016 - 12.2017
Bachelor of Laws (Hons.) (LL.B) - Legal Studies
Ebonyi State University - Abakaliki
01.2014 - 1 2015
West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Exam (WASSCE) - Art Subjects
Madonna Secondary School - Ebonyi State
09.2001 - 6 2007
National Examination Council (NECO) - undefined
Community Secondary School - Nkomoro
01.2001 - 1 2007