Senior Litigation Counsel (Pro Bono Appeals & Justice Initiative)

Injustice Is Real (IIR) is a dynamic initiative advocating for Nigerians facing human rights violations both at home and in the diaspora. We amplify the voices of victims, champion their rights, and shine a light on injustice to drive meaningful change.

Our work includes supporting cases of wrongful convictions, assisting with appeals, and working alongside legal professionals to challenge injustice and secure fair outcomes. Join us in making a real difference—standing up for those who need it most and helping to deliver justice where it is long overdue.

Location: Lagos (Remote)
Employment Type: Volunteer

Description

• This role is ideal for senior lawyers who value advocacy, legal excellence, mentoring, and public-interest impact.
• We are expanding a specialist legal initiative dedicated to wrongful convictions, appellate advocacy, and access to justice for underserved communities in Nigeria.
• Selected projects may involve collaboration with leading international law firms, including REEDSMITH and other strategic justice-sector partners.
• We are seeking experienced litigators and appellate lawyers who want to apply their expertise to meaningful, high-impact legal work alongside a collaborative network of Nigerian and international legal professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare legal arguments, court processes, and case strategy for superior courts
• Conduct advanced legal research and legal drafting
• Collaborate with local and international legal professionals on strategic legal projects
• Prepare appellate briefs, legal arguments, case strategy, and court processes
• Lead and support appeals relating to wrongful convictions and complex disputes
• Mentor junior lawyers, interns, and legal volunteers where required
• Provide pro bono legal representation to vulnerable and underserved individuals
• Collaborate remotely with local and international legal professionals on selected matters
• Provide pro bono legal representation to vulnerable and underprivileged individuals
• Mentor junior lawyers, interns, and legal volunteers where appropriate
• Conduct advanced legal research and drafting
• Support strategic litigation and justice reform initiatives
• Lead or support appeals involving wrongful convictions and complex legal disputes

Essential Requirements

• Ability to work independently and within remote teams
• Strong litigation, advocacy, and legal drafting skills
• 5–7 years post-call experience
• Demonstrable experience handling contested matters in superior courts
• LLB and BL qualifications
• Qualified legal practitioner in Nigeria

Candidate Profile:

• We are looking for highly competent Nigerian litigators with strong courtroom and appellate experience.

Desirable Experience:

• Background in appeals, criminal litigation, constitutional law, or complex disputes
• LLM qualification (preferred but not essential)
• Previous mentoring or supervisory experience
• Experience before the Court of Appeal and/or Supreme Court

Skills:

• Expertise in appeal, litigation, and courtroom procedures.
• Strong legal research and case preparation skills.
• Excellent communication and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to work independently and remotely.

Other Requirements:

• Commitment to pro bono work and supporting underprivileged communities.

Why This Work Matters:

• Your expertise could directly contribute to overturning wrongful convictions, protecting legal rights, and strengthening access to justice.
• Experienced advocates who are passionate about impact-driven legal work are encouraged to apply.
• Many vulnerable individuals lack access to experienced appellate representation.

Benefits

• Meaningful contribution to access-to-justice and wrongful-conviction work
• Logistics support for approved activities
• Collaboration opportunities with respected UK and international legal professionals
• Professional visibility within a growing justice-focused legal network
• Flexible remote working structure
• Opportunity to work on impactful, life-changing legal matters

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and Cover Letter to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Note: Rolling Deadline - Application will close early if suitable candidates are found.