Mercy Kihungi

Dynamic legal professional with over 9 years of comprehensive experience in legal practice, specializing in litigation, contracts, compliance, and employment law. Demonstrated expertise in intellectual property law and management, bolstered by certifications from WIPO and KIPO. Proven track record in project management, certified by Google, ensuring the successful execution of legal strategies and compliance initiatives.

Throughout my career, I have excelled in drafting and negotiating high-value contracts while providing strategic legal opinions that enhance business operations. My role in dispute resolution has led to favorable outcomes for clients, effectively reducing litigation costs through skilled negotiation and mediation. I am adept at managing legal correspondence and ensuring regulatory compliance across diverse legal frameworks, contributing to improved governance practices.

My commitment to continuous improvement is evident in my development of training programs on compliance and intellectual property rights, significantly increasing awareness and efficiency within organizations. I have successfully facilitated change management processes and conducted thorough legal research to support litigation and advisory matters, ensuring tailored legal solutions that meet industry-specific needs. Recognized for my ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and external counsel, I am passionate about delivering exceptional legal support and strategic advice that drives business success.

With my extensive experience and proactive approach to legal challenges, I am poised to contribute effectively to any forward-thinking organization.

ASSOCIATE ADVOCATE at G.N. KIHUNGI & CO. ADVOCATES (2024-01 – Present)

Associate Advocate providing comprehensive legal services including contract drafting, dispute resolution, compliance support, and strategic legal advisory.

• Drafting and negotiating various contracts (employment, tenancy, NDAs, service) and providing legal opinions on employment law, compliance, tenancy, and IP management
• Supporting dispute resolution (employee grievances, arbitration, contract enforcement)
• Offering compliance support for IP strategy, patents, trade secrets, and governance, and coordinating board and committee meetings, preparing minutes, and following up on decisions
• Advising on document management for quality, confidentiality, and regulatory alignment, and managing legal correspondence and client communication in virtual settings
• Organizing electronic legal files for efficient access and secure storage, and supporting the filing and submission of legal documents locally and internationally
• Conducting legal research for litigation, contract enforcement, and compliance, delivering tailored legal solutions, and adapting to industry-specific needs
• Assisting with change management and process improvements, and collaborating with teams for comprehensive legal support on projects
• Analyzing legislation for compliance and risk management strategies, conducting due diligence for mergers, and assessing legal risks
• Facilitating training on compliance, contract management, and IP rights, and developing internal policies to enhance compliance and efficiency
• Negotiating with third parties to resolve disputes and reduce litigation risks, and monitoring legislative changes to provide proactive guidance
• Drafting internal memos summarizing legal issues and recommendations, and assisting in preparing briefs and legal documents for court
• Building relationships with external counsel and stakeholders, evaluating legal risks in business decisions, and providing strategic advice

LEGAL OFFICER at MKK ADVOCATES (2022-01 – 2024-01)

Legal Officer providing administrative support, legal research, contract analysis, and litigation support to senior attorneys and the legal team.

• Provided administrative support to senior attorneys and the legal team, maintaining and organizing case files in both electronic and physical formats
• Assisted in drafting and reviewing legal documents, including contracts, letters, and legal briefs
• Conducted legal research on various topics to enhance the team's understanding and strategies for client cases
• Managed internal communications, scheduled meetings, and prepared relevant materials for the legal team
• Ensured compliance with confidentiality agreements and regulatory requirements
• Collaborated with senior attorneys to develop case strategies and prepare for court appearances
• Conducted legal research to support litigation and advisory matters, assisting in negotiation processes and drafting settlement agreements
• Reviewed and analyzed contracts for compliance with legal standards, coordinating and managing litigation timelines to ensure all deadlines were met
• Represented clients in negotiations and court proceedings, advocating for their interests effectively
• Advised clients on risk management and compliance issues within the organization
• Participated in client meetings to discuss legal strategies and outcomes
• Monitored changes in legislation and legal precedents, updating the team on relevant developments
• Developed training materials and facilitated sessions on legal compliance and best practices for staff
• Coordinated with external legal counsel and experts to gather insights and support case strategies
• Drafted responses to legal inquiries and prepared briefs for court filings
• Assisted in the preparation of financial models for litigation and settlement negotiations
• Evaluated potential legal risks and provided recommendations to mitigate them
• Maintained a database of legal resources and case law for team reference

LEGAL ASSISTANT at GNK ADVOCATES (2014-01 – 2019-01)

Legal Assistant managing filing systems, assisting in document drafting, and providing legal research and analysis support.

• Managed electronic and physical filing systems, ensuring that all documents were filed accurately and efficiently
• Assisted in the drafting of contracts, legal opinions, and other formal documents
• Actively participated in administrative and clerical duties, including communication with clients and other legal professionals
• Provided research and analysis on case precedents, statutes, and legal articles
• Contributed to the development of legal strategies by providing timely legal updates and summarizing cases

Bachelor of Laws in Law – Mount Kenya University

Postgraduate Diploma in Law – Kenya School of Law