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
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
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