Senior Legal Officer

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Legal Officer to join our legal department at Mogo Loans Limited. The ideal candidate will have a strong legal background, with expertise in handling litigation and legal disputes. As a Legal Officer, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to provide key legal support and ensure the company’s interests are effectively protected.

This is an exciting opportunity for a driven legal professional to contribute to the growth and success of a dynamic international company providing affordable financing options in Uganda.

Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Support:

• Provide expert legal advice and support to management and other departments on a wide range of legal issues.
• Assess legal risks across various business areas and implement strategies to prevent and mitigate potential liabilities.

Documentation and Reporting: 

• Prepare and review memos, reports, and other legal documents as required.
• Ensure proper filing and documentation of all legal records related to sales and procurement.

Litigation and Complaint Management

• Manage any legal disputes or claims with a focus on Debt recovery cases. Draft and review pleadings, affidavits, and other legal documents. Develop litigation strategies to minimize any legal liabilities.
• Represent the company in court hearings and legal proceedings as necessary.
• Collaborate with external counsel when necessary to handle complex legal matters, ensuring service quality, cost effectiveness and timely delivery of work.

Debt Recovery

• Collaborate with the debt collection team to obtain necessary court orders.
• Provide legal advice and support to debt collectors during operations.
• Ensure compliance with legal procedures in all debt recovery activities.

Security and Criminal Prosecution: 

• Work closely with the Security Department in handling police matters.
• Facilitate the prosecution of criminal cases involving fraud, theft, or other security concerns.
• Act as a liaison between the company and law enforcement agencies.

Operational Support: 

• Assist the debt collection team in field operations, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Provide legal assistance in disputes arising from debt recovery or security incidents.

Other Duties: 

• Conduct training for internal teams on legal matters to ensure ongoing awareness and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Any other duties assigned.

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized institution.
• Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Law Development Center
• Current practicing Certificate.
• 2-4 years of proven experience as a legal professional, ideally with previous experience in handling debt recovery cases.
• Experience working in-house or with financial institutions, particularly within the microfinance sector, is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Ugandan laws, particularly in relation to criminal law and debt recovery procedures.
• Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, and communication skills. A proven track record in legal research and advising on complex legal matters.
• Proven ability to manage multiple cases and legal matters concurrently while maintaining high standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research tools.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with excellent organizational and time-management skills. Strong attention to detail and the ability to think critically and strategically.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying legal risks and solutions. Results-oriented, self-motivated, self-starter, who is flexible and adaptable to rapid change and has the ability to work in a fast-paced, high demand environment.