The Legal Assistant provides essential support to the Legal and Compliance Department of the insurance company by assisting in legal documentation, regulatory compliance, litigation support, risk management, and stakeholder coordination. The role ensures the company operates within the framework of applicable Kenyan laws, insurance regulations, and internal policies.
The Legal Assistant will work closely with internal departments (such as claims, underwriting, and finance), external legal counsel, and regulatory bodies such as the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA). Key duties include legal research, contract review, compliance monitoring, document management, and supporting internal legal awareness.
This position requires a detail-oriented, organized, and proactive individual with foundational legal knowledge and an understanding of the Kenyan insurance and regulatory environment.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Claims Management:
Review, evaluate and give legal opinions on liability claims including personal injury, property damage, and third-party recoveries
Assess merits of claims and advise on appropriate strategies including settlement, litigation, or repudiation
Draft legal letters, settlement agreements, and legal notices relating to claims resolution
Conduct all initial research and provide information to the Lawyer
Draft the first copy of legal documents
Manage all administrative responsibilities in the legal office
Raising payments and assisted inputting client data into client online files and reached out to clients on updates and handling queries
Litigation Oversight:
Following up on court cases involving the company including defense and recovery suits
Responsible for ensuring that the court diary is well maintained and always up to date
Liaise with external advocates and monitor progress of claims-related litigation to ensure effective representation and timely reporting
Visiting the registry to get updates on the company matters pending in court and judgments and rulings
Assisting in the preparation of court pleadings, affidavits, and other litigation documents
Liaising with external advocates handling cases for the company
Coordinating court attendances, hearings, and filing deadlines
Maintaining and updating litigation trackers
Risk & Compliance:
Handle claims in compliance with relevant insurance laws, regulations, policy terms, and industry practices
Maintain updated records and reports of ongoing and concluded matters
Maintain an up-to-date compliance calendar and track deadlines
Ensure timely escalation of compliance issues to the Legal Counsel, Risk & Compliance Manager
Internal Support & Training:
Respond to internal queries on legal procedures, policy compliance, or documentation
Conduct internal legal training and sensitization on claims processes, court procedures, and compliance requirements
Booking appointed and coordinated appointments and meeting be it virtual or physical
Stakeholder Engagement:
Provide legal documentation on large or complex claims as required
Assisting in reaching out to clients when they are required before court as witnesses in good time
Collaborating and reaching out to service providers i.e. investigators, advocates, brokers and other claims professionals to support defensible claims
Respond to legal queries from external shareholders regarding claims issues and updates
Communicate with clients, gathering necessary documents and information to begin building a case
Track deliverables such as court dates, pleadings, legal opinions, and timelines
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
In-depth knowledge of insurance law, civil procedure, and claims handling
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
High integrity and strong professional ethics
Proficiency in legal research and drafting
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple matters simultaneously
Familiarity with the Advocates Remuneration Order and Civil Procedure Act
KEY PERFORMANCE INIDCATORS (KPIs)
Compliance with regulatory/legal reporting requirements
Turnaround time in claims litigation processes
Timeliness and quality of support in preparing legal opinions on claims
Accuracy and completeness of litigation documentation
Turnaround time in supporting claims litigation processes
Efficiency in legal cost tracking and administrative support for budget management
QUALIFICATIONS
Diploma in Law from a recognized university
At least 5 - 7 years of post-school experience in legal practice, preferably with focus on insurance litigation, claims, or corporate law
Experience in an insurance company or legal practice handling insurance matters is highly desirable
Additional training in insurance law, compliance, or risk management
Strong understanding of Kenyan Insurance Law and relevant legislation (Insurance Act, IRA Regulations), Legal drafting and document review procedures and Court processes and litigation support