Nora Opondo

NORA OPONDO Advocate of the High Court of Kenya PROFESSIONAL PROFILE I am an Adocate of the High Court of Kenya(Counsel), with great depth of knowledge about legal research, analysis, and governance-related matters. Much stronger in detailed legal research, I interpret even intricately complex legal frameworks and give very comprehensive structured reports for informed decision-making. Mastery of advanced technologies has been achieved with efficiency in document management, data analysis, and collaboration with teams effectively. I am deeply committed to producing precise, compliant, and actionable legal insights that inform sound decisions and enable successful project outcomes. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Assistant Deputy Chief Legal OfficerMarch 2024 to 30th September 2025 County Government of Kisumu • Interpret laws, regulations, and policies applicable to county operations. • Monitor and ensure adherence to national and county legislation. • Oversee the preparation of pleadings, affidavits, and other legal documents. • Provide guidance on public participation processes for legislation. • Negotiate and manage contracts and agreements to mitigate legal risks. • Support investigations and disciplinary processes requiring legal expertise. • Participate in intergovernmental forums and represent the County on legal matters. • Conduct legal research and analysis to inform county decisions and strategies. • Ensure compliance with constitutional, legal, and policy standards. • Develop and deliver training programs on legal and compliance matters for county officials. • Manage external counsel engaged by the County. • Review and update governance frameworks to reflect emerging legal requirements. • Promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in legal processes. Project Manager and Chief Legal AdvisorMarch 2024 to August 2025 GLOBAL EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT FUND Fi. (GEDO) (remote/part time) • Develop, implement, and oversee project plans aligned with GEDO’s strategic objectives, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget. • Provide strategic legal advice to leadership, guiding decision-making and risk management. • Coordinate and monitor project activities, fostering effective communication among stakeholders, team members, and partners. • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and policies, ensuring legal compliance and alignment with organizational goals. • Identify and mitigate project risks while addressing legal and regulatory challenges affecting GEDO’s operations. • Prepare and present detailed progress and compliance reports to leadership and stakeholders. • Manage project resources, including budgets, personnel, and tools, while ensuring adherence to legal and governance frameworks. • Collaborate with teams to design scalable strategies for initiatives and monitor their impact, recommending adjustments for success. • Handle legal disputes and represent GEDO in legal proceedings, arbitrations, and negotiations. • Ensure compliance with international, regional, and local laws, including intellectual property, data protection, and fundraising regulations. • Develop governance frameworks, legal policies, and procedures to mitigate risks and ensure organizational compliance. • Build staff capacity by providing training on legal and compliance matters, as well as project management best practices. • Represent GEDO in meetings with donors, stakeholders, and collaborators, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. • Monitor and address changes in laws, regulations, and global trends impacting GEDO’s projects and operations. Principal Legal Officer and Head of the Non—Litigation Unit Jan.2021 to Feb. 2024 County Government of Kisumu • Provide legal advice to county departments and officials on governance, land, contracts, procurement, and regulatory compliance. • Lead the Non-Litigation Unit, overseeing legal matters not involving litigation, including contract negotiations and policy advisory services. • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding on behalf of the County Government. • Develop and review county policies, laws, and regulations, ensuring alignment with constitutional and legal requirements. • Assist in drafting legislative proposals and bills for County Assembly consideration. • Provide legal input in governance matters, including investigations, disciplinary processes, and compliance audits. • Conduct legal research and analysis to support county operations and informed decision-making. • Monitor legal developments and advise on their potential impact on county governance. • Ensure effective management of legal documents and contracts, ensuring county interests are protected. • Represent the County Government in intergovernmental legal forums and external stakeholder meetings. • Advise on the legal implications of contractual obligations, mitigating legal risks. • Develop and deliver training programs on legal compliance, governance, and contract management for county officials. • Lead and mentor legal officers within the Non-Litigation Unit, ensuring efficient and high-quality legal service delivery. • Prepare legal reports for the County Attorney, County Executive, and other stakeholders. • Identify and mitigate legal risks in non-litigation matters to protect the County’s interests. • Oversee the implementation of governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with national and county laws. • Maintain comprehensive records of legal opinions, contracts, and non-litigation activities for transparency. Associate Advocate Jan. 2019 to December 2020 M.A.OCHANJI – OPONDO & CO. ADVOCATES • Provide legal advice to clients on a range of legal matters, including commercial, civil, and family law. • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents. • Conduct legal research and analysis to support case preparation and legal strategies. • Represent clients in court, tribunals, and other legal forums, advocating on their behalf. • Prepare pleadings, affidavits, and other legal documents for litigation and non-litigation matters. • Assist in case management, including maintaining client files and tracking deadlines. • Collaborate with senior lawyers and partners in strategizing and handling complex legal matters. • Participate in client meetings, consultations, and negotiations to resolve legal issues. • Prepare and present legal opinions and reports to clients and senior management. • Keep up to date with developments in laws and regulations relevant to the firm’s practice areas. • Assist in the management of the firm’s portfolio of cases, ensuring timely and efficient legal services. • Provide support in drafting legal memoranda, research papers, and other legal documents. • Help with business development by maintaining client relationships and identifying new opportunities. • Mentor and guide junior staff or interns in their professional development. • Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in all aspects of practice. Legal AdvisorJan. 2018 to December 2018 GLOBAL EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT FUND Fi. (GEDO) (remote) • Provide remote legal advice to clients on various legal matters, including contracts, compliance, intellectual property, and dispute resolution. • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents remotely. • Conduct in-depth legal research to support client needs and case strategies. • Advise on legal implications of business decisions, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. • Assist in the resolution of legal disputes through negotiations, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution methods. • Monitor and interpret changes in relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards to ensure clients stay compliant. • Prepare legal opinions, reports, and memoranda for clients and senior management. • Provide guidance on risk management, identifying potential legal risks and suggesting mitigation strategies. • Support clients in navigating corporate governance issues, including drafting and reviewing policies and procedures. • Coordinate with external legal counsel or consultants as needed for specialized matters. • Maintain and manage legal documentation and records in compliance with organizational standards. • Participate in client meetings and consultations via video conferencing or other remote communication tools. • Ensure that all legal services are delivered on time, meeting client expectations and deadlines. • Provide training and guidance to clients on legal compliance and best practices. • Manage client relationships and ensure high levels of satisfaction with legal services provided. Project ManagerDecember 2015 to December 2017 St. Mariah Primary School Manage planning, implementation, and evaluation of international education and development projects. Advise on the legal strategy that would ensure compliance with relevant local and international laws and regulations Develop, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and organizational policies. Drive cross-functional teams to complete project milestones and deliverables as defined within project timelines. SKILLS 1. Legal Research: Ability to conduct thorough research on case law, statutes, and legal precedents. 2. Analytical Thinking: Strong capacity for analyzing complex legal issues and identifying key arguments. 3. Communication Skills: Proficient in both written and verbal communication, with the ability to articulate legal arguments clearly and persuasively. 4. Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate settlements and agreements effectively, balancing client interests with legal principles. 5. Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with clients while understanding their needs. 6. Problem-Solving: Ability to offer practical, legal solutions to complex issues, considering both legal and business aspects. 7. Attention to Detail: Ensure accuracy in legal documents, contracts, and case management. 8. Legal Writing: Expertise in drafting legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, and opinions with clarity and precision. 9. Public Speaking: Comfortable representing clients in court or at public hearings, with strong presentation and advocacy skills. 10. Team Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, paralegals, and external counsel to deliver effective legal solutions. 11. Litigation Experience: Skilled in managing and representing clients in court proceedings, preparing legal strategies, and presenting cases. 12. Contract Drafting: Proficient in drafting and reviewing contracts, ensuring they are legally sound and protect client interests. 13. Risk Assessment: Identifying potential legal risks and advising clients on ways to mitigate them. 14. Technology Proficiency: Competence in using legal research tools, document management software, and communication platforms. Virtual skills - Online collaboration tools Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom - LMS knowledge Moodle, Canvas, Cornerstone - Performance management software 15Five, Trakstar, Lattice - Video conferencing tools Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex - Document management systems SharePoint, Google Drive, Dropbox - Time and attendance software TSheets, Deputy, Clockify - Microsoft Office Suite proficiency EDUCATION Certified Mediator — Mediation Training Institute - 2022 Masters of Laws—The University of Nairobi - 2018 -2020 Post Graduate Diploma, Law - The Kenya School of Law - LLB (Hons) -Catholic University of Eastern Africa - CERTIFICATIONS Admitted as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya - 2016. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Member, Law Society of Kenya