LEGAL COUNSEL AT INTERSWITCH

About Company:

Interswitch is an Africa-focused integrated digital payments and commerce company dedicated to enabling the seamless electronic circulation of money and the exchange of value between individuals and organizations. The company’s vision is to create an Africa where payments are effortlessly integrated into everyday life.

Job Description:

Interswitch is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to provide comprehensive legal support to the organization and its subsidiaries across multiple business functions. The role will have a strong focus on contract review and drafting, litigation management, intellectual property coordination, and transactional matters, including mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and market expansion initiatives. The position requires a proactive, commercially minded legal professional capable of collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders while managing relationships with external solicitors.

Responsibilities

Contract Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements.

• Provide legal advisory services to business units on contract interpretation, rights, obligations, and associated risks.

• Support internal teams in structuring deals and commercial arrangements in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Litigation Management

• Oversee and manage the Group’s litigation and dispute resolution portfolio across all entities.

• Select and engage external solicitors for litigation and regulatory matters in Nigeria and other jurisdictions.

• Supervise and coordinate external solicitors to ensure alignment with legal strategies, timelines, and budget expectations.

• Ensure external solicitors provide timely progress reports on active matters.

• Review legal processes to ensure alignment with the company’s commercial and legal position.

• Analyze court procedures and complex legal issues to develop effective strategies for prosecuting or defending matters.

Intellectual Property (IP)

• Collaborate with external IP solicitors to manage the registration and protection of trademarks, copyrights, and other IP rights.

• Maintain and update the company’s IP portfolio, ensuring timely renewals.

• Advise internal stakeholders on IP usage, licensing, and potential infringement issues.

Transactional Support

• Conduct legal due diligence and prepare documentation for investments, acquisitions, and joint ventures.

• Participate in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating transaction documents.

• Identify and manage external solicitors to ensure alignment with the Group’s commercial goals and timelines.

• Coordinate with stakeholders and professional advisors to ensure smooth execution of transactions.

Requirements:

Core Competencies

• Legal Drafting & Contract Negotiation: Skilled in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements in accordance with Nigerian law.

• Litigation Management: Proven experience in supporting or managing civil, criminal, and commercial litigation matters, including coordination with external solicitors.

• Intellectual Property Management: Strong understanding of intellectual property law and related regulatory processes.

• Regulatory Compliance: Familiar with Nigerian regulatory frameworks applicable to financial services, technology, and data protection.

• Research & Legal Opinion Writing: Adept at conducting in-depth legal research and producing well-structured, reasoned legal opinions and briefs.

Behavioural Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Capable of evaluating complex legal issues, interpreting laws and regulations (including Nigerian statutes and case law), and delivering practical, actionable legal advice.

• Attention to Detail: Maintains accuracy and thoroughness in legal advisory work, contract review, legal drafting, and litigation documentation.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to explain legal concepts clearly to non-legal audiences and foster cross-departmental trust.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Committed to high ethical standards, sound judgment, and the confidential handling of sensitive information.

• Collaboration: Works effectively with internal teams (commercial, compliance, finance, operations) and manages relationships with external solicitors and Nigerian regulatory bodies.

• Time Management: Efficiently delivers legal advisory and support within tight deadlines and across multiple time zones.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from a recognized university
• BL (Barrister-at-Law) from the Nigerian Law School; must be called to the Nigerian Bar.
• At least 5 years' experience drawn from a commercial law firm or working as in-house counsel preferably in a reputable Financial Institution, FinTech company or a Central Bank of Nigeria regulated entity.
• Experience in commercial contracts, dispute resolution, IP, litigation and corporate transactions.
• Familiarity with Nigerian regulatory and legal frameworks governing corporate and commercial law.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.

Salary

Application Closing Date: Not specified

Application Instructions:

Click the button below to apply. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.