Law Jobs Advice

1.What fields of Kenyan law have the highest demand for Lawyers?    
2.How do I decide what type of Kenyan lawyer I want to be? 
3. 4 Most Lucrative Kenya Legal Practice Areas in Kenya Today 
4. Types of Lawyers in Kenya– The Top 18 Law Practices 

More articles coming soon.

How do I decide what type of Kenyan lawyer I want to be?

For budding lawyers, picking a specialism is a major career decision. Here’s how to make an informed choice.

Lawfirms provide services across a vast range of specialisms, or “practice areas”, but most lawyers specialise in just one area – or even a subset of one – after qualifying.How much control lawyers have over the specialisation process varies and may depend on the type and size of firm they joined as trainees and which practice areas they experienced during training.Many lawyers approaching qualification discover that economics plays a big part in which departments have vacancies available. For example, there will be less demand for corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lawyers during an economic downturn, but more for the services of insolvency lawyers.You’re therefore unlikely to have completely free rein when it comes to choosing a practice area – it’s more likely you’ll be picking from a range of available options. However,you can maximise your control through extensive research, gaining work experience wherever possible, and making targeted applications based on your preferences.

1. Research
Before digesting the huge array of specialisms in the solicitors’ profession, you need to ask yourselfwhether you’re broadly interested in commercial law (where you would act for companies and organisations), family/private client law (where you would act for individuals), or criminal law (where you would defend or prosecute people accused of crimes).

The practice areas that a firm offerswill be determined by the type of client it serves, so next consider the type and size of firm at which you want to work. There is a whole continuumof organisations from small high-street practices serving their local communities to globe-spanning megaliths serving multinational corporations. Where on thatspectrum do you see yourself?Look at the important departments within a firm – these are the practice areas that are most likely to have jobs available when you qualify. It would be unwise to set your heart on finding a role in a small niche firm staffed by just a few lawyers.Firms’ websites offer an insight into this –look at how many lawyers make up each department, which departments produce a lot of briefings, and which recent deals are covered most prominently. You could also call or email the recruitment team to ask how practice areas are weighted.

2. Work Experience
The only way to know for certain whether a practice area is right for you is by gaining some first-hand experience. Charlotte Bown, an associate at Watson Farley & Williams, says: “Work experience is unbeatable as a way to find the kind of career that suits you. It doesn’t even have to be in the practice area which most interests you. Even if you decide that the areas you experienced during the placement were not for you, your opinion and understanding will be much more informed. It will also help your training contract applications.”Firms’ vacation schemes are probably themost valuable form of work experience, as they tend to cover multiple practice areas over the course of a few weeks and are an important part of many firms’ recruitment processes, with schemes typically ending in an interview for a training contract.

However, various other forms of legal work experience and interaction are available and they are all useful. Take the initiative and contact local high street firms to ask if you can help out for a couple of weeks or even just shadow one of the lawyers for a day or two – talking tolawyers about their jobs and watching them work can be very instructive, but justmake sure you have done your homeworkon the firm before getting in contact. Meanwhile, those interested in areas suchas family law, crime, immigration and human rights could volunteer at a law centre of the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau.There are also lots of opportunities for direct contact that you don’t have to organise yourself – open days, presentations and university law fairs, for example – that enable the well-briefed candidate to find out more about what it is really like to be a certain type of lawyer.

3. Training
With extensive research and some legal work experience under your belt, you will be well equipped to target your applications at firms operating in the areas that really interest you. When you start training is when the specialisation process really begins. Training contracts are usually divided into “seats” in differentdepartments, bothcontentious and non-contentious law, so here is where you will hopefully have the opportunity to find out if the reality of working in your chosen practice area matches your expectations.However, the non-rotational training model, for which international firm Jones Day is known, dispenses with the usual “seat” system and instead makes traineesfree to pursue work with departments of their choosing (and avoid spending months in a practice area that they know isn’t for them).Alex Hatvany, a trainee solicitor at Jones Day, says this has made it easier for him to spend time working on things he finds most interesting. He adds: “By the end of my training contract, I will have done much more than six months’ work in the area I want to qualify into, and will hopefully be working in my chosen department for a good few months immediately prior to qualification.”

What fields of Kenyan law have the highest demand for Lawyers?

1. Tax lawyers are in demand because it's a complex field that a lot of people shy away from. I've heard the same things as you have about tax law, but I have zero interest in the corporate sphere so I tend to forget it.
2. Family lawyers, because of high attrition.
3. Crim lawyers for attrition reasons as well as an uptick in enforcement.
4.Property and conveyancing lawyers.

Types of Lawyers in Kenya– The Top 18 Law Practices

In this article:

1.How many types of lawyers are there in Kenya?

2.Understanding the different types of lawyers.

3.Understanding the roles of different types of lawyers in Kenya.

Kenya has many different legal professionals, each specializing in different fields of law to cater to the different legal needs of the country’s citizens. Understanding the different types of lawyers in Kenya is important, as this ensures access to law expert advice tailored to your specific case. In this article, we will examine some of the most common types of lawyers in Kenya and their role in the legal system.

1. Corporate lawyer

Kenya corporate lawyers, also known as employment lawyers, focus on cases involving businesses and companies. They provide legal guidance on commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations and corporate governance. These Kenyan lawyers play an important role in the growth and sustainability of businesses in Kenya.

2. Criminal defense lawyers

The job of a Kenya criminal defense attorney is to defend individuals or companies accused of crimes. They advocate for the rights of clients, ensure due process is followed, and work to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through negotiations or litigation. These lawyers are essential to uphold justice and protect the rights of the accused in Kenya’s criminal justice system.

3. Family lawyer

Kenya Family lawyers specialize in matters related to family law, such as divorce, custody, adoption, and spousal support. They guide clients through emotionally charged situations, helping them navigate the legal complexities of family disputes and ensuring their best interests are represented.

4. Real estate attorneys

Kenya Real estate attorneys deal with legal issues related to property and real estate transactions. They help clients buy and sell property, negotiate lease agreements and resolve property disputes. Their knowledge is essential in a country with rapid urbanization and a growing real estate sector.

5. Immigration lawyers in 

Kenya Immigration lawyers help individuals and families navigate Kenya’s immigration laws. They assist with visa applications, work permits, citizenship matters and deportation matters. These Kenyan lawyers play a vital role in facilitating the immigration process for those who wish to live and work in Kenya.

6. Intellectual Property Lawyer

Kenya Intellectual property lawyers protect the intellectual creativity of individuals and companies. They handle trademark, patent and registration matters, and litigate cases involving intellectual property infringement. In a world driven by innovation and creativity, these lawyers protect the rights of inventors and manufacturers.

7. Environmental lawyers

Kenya Environmental lawyers focus on legal issues related to environmental protection and conservation. They work to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, represent clients in environmental pollution cases, and advocate for sustainable practices. With Kenya’s commitment to protecting the environment, these lawyers play a vital role in the country’s natural reserves.

8. Human Rights Lawyer 

Kenya Human rights lawyers are advocates of justice, advocating for the protection of human rights and civil liberties. They represent individuals or groups facing human rights violations, challenge discriminatory policies, and hold perpetrators accountable. These lawyers contribute to Kenya’s continued efforts to comply with human rights standards.

9. Tax attorneys

Kenya Tax attorneys specialize in tax law and help individuals and businesses navigate complex tax issues. They provide advice on tax planning, tax compliance and represent clients in tax disputes and the authorities. Their expertise is invaluable in the ever-changing tax landscape.

10. Personal injury lawyers

Kenya Personal injury lawyers help individuals who have been harmed by the negligence of others. They deal with issues such as car accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. These attorneys strive to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

In conclusion, the diversity of legal expertise in Kenya reflects the complex nature of legal issues faced by individuals and firms. Knowing what types of lawyers in Kenya are available will provide you with the right legal expertise when needed, ensuring that your legal matters are handled in the most professional and fair manner possible. Whether it is corporate law, criminal defense, family matters, or environmental matters, legal experts in Kenya are there to protect the rights and interests of their clients and advocate for them in law in this ever-changing dynamic environment.

How do I decide what type of Kenyan lawyer I want to be?

For budding lawyers, picking a specialism is a major career decision. Here’s how to make an informed choice.

Lawfirms provide services across a vast range of specialisms, or “practice areas”, but most lawyers specialise in just one area – or even a subset of one – after qualifying.How much control lawyers have over the specialisation process varies and may depend on the type and size of firm they joined as trainees and which practice areas they experienced during training.Many lawyers approaching qualification discover that economics plays a big part in which departments have vacancies available. For example, there will be less demand for corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lawyers during an economic downturn, but more for the services of insolvency lawyers.You’re therefore unlikely to have completely free rein when it comes to choosing a practice area – it’s more likely you’ll be picking from a range of available options. However,you can maximise your control through extensive research, gaining work experience wherever possible, and making targeted applications based on your preferences.

1. Research
Before digesting the huge array of specialisms in the solicitors’ profession, you need to ask yourselfwhether you’re broadly interested in commercial law (where you would act for companies and organisations), family/private client law (where you would act for individuals), or criminal law (where you would defend or prosecute people accused of crimes).

The practice areas that a firm offerswill be determined by the type of client it serves, so next consider the type and size of firm at which you want to work. There is a whole continuumof organisations from small high-street practices serving their local communities to globe-spanning megaliths serving multinational corporations. Where on thatspectrum do you see yourself?Look at the important departments within a firm – these are the practice areas that are most likely to have jobs available when you qualify. It would be unwise to set your heart on finding a role in a small niche firm staffed by just a few lawyers.Firms’ websites offer an insight into this –look at how many lawyers make up each department, which departments produce a lot of briefings, and which recent deals are covered most prominently. You could also call or email the recruitment team to ask how practice areas are weighted.

2. Work Experience
The only way to know for certain whether a practice area is right for you is by gaining some first-hand experience. Charlotte Bown, an associate at Watson Farley & Williams, says: “Work experience is unbeatable as a way to find the kind of career that suits you. It doesn’t even have to be in the practice area which most interests you. Even if you decide that the areas you experienced during the placement were not for you, your opinion and understanding will be much more informed. It will also help your training contract applications.”Firms’ vacation schemes are probably themost valuable form of work experience, as they tend to cover multiple practice areas over the course of a few weeks and are an important part of many firms’ recruitment processes, with schemes typically ending in an interview for a training contract.

However, various other forms of legal work experience and interaction are available and they are all useful. Take the initiative and contact local high street firms to ask if you can help out for a couple of weeks or even just shadow one of the lawyers for a day or two – talking tolawyers about their jobs and watching them work can be very instructive, but justmake sure you have done your homeworkon the firm before getting in contact. Meanwhile, those interested in areas suchas family law, crime, immigration and human rights could volunteer at a law centre of the local Citizens’ Advice Bureau.There are also lots of opportunities for direct contact that you don’t have to organise yourself – open days, presentations and university law fairs, for example – that enable the well-briefed candidate to find out more about what it is really like to be a certain type of lawyer.

3. Training
With extensive research and some legal work experience under your belt, you will be well equipped to target your applications at firms operating in the areas that really interest you. When you start training is when the specialisation process really begins. Training contracts are usually divided into “seats” in differentdepartments, bothcontentious and non-contentious law, so here is where you will hopefully have the opportunity to find out if the reality of working in your chosen practice area matches your expectations.However, the non-rotational training model, for which international firm Jones Day is known, dispenses with the usual “seat” system and instead makes traineesfree to pursue work with departments of their choosing (and avoid spending months in a practice area that they know isn’t for them).Alex Hatvany, a trainee solicitor at Jones Day, says this has made it easier for him to spend time working on things he finds most interesting. He adds: “By the end of my training contract, I will have done much more than six months’ work in the area I want to qualify into, and will hopefully be working in my chosen department for a good few months immediately prior to qualification.”

4 Most Lucrative Kenya Legal Practice Areas in Kenya Today

Are you looking for the biggest paycheck possible as an attorney? Take a look at these practice areas that offer the highest pay today.If you are one of many law students or recent law graduates who went to law school with the goal of earning a generous salary, there are certain practice areas you want to consider above others:
*.Complex Litigation
*.Corporate Law
*.Intellectual Property
*.Healthcare Law
There are, of course, many variables you should consider as you shape your legal career, including intellectual interests, job availability, lifestyle issues, and more. But if receiving a big paycheck is important to you, these four practice areas deserve a hard look.

Attorney Salary Variations
At the outset, it is important to recognize that many factors come into play when it comes to attorney salaries. Among the myriad of factors that go into attorney salary calculation are the kind of firm for which the attorney works (major international lawfirm versus a smaller or regional firm) and the status of the attorney (equity partner, non-equity partner, head general counsel, regular in-house counsel, associate, etc.).Another consideration is the geographic area in which the attorney is located.

Moreover, attorney salaries and the availability of jobs are always influenced by the overall economy—in general and as it relates to certain practice areas.

Complex Litigation
Complex litigation is a hot area right now, and one in which the best practitioners can command very high salaries.Complex litigation is a specialized area of litigation that involves high-stakes “bet the company” lawsuits waged by and against the world’s largest companies. Complex litigation involvesespecially challenging legal and factualissues, volumes of documents to be sorted and assessed, and cutting edge knowledge of the latest electronic discovery (“e-discovery”) laws and tools. Complex litigators must also be able to oversee large staffs of attorneys, who must reliably review countless electronically stored documents (sometimes millions of emails) as well as analyze laws and draft, respond and argue motion after motion in court. Complex litigation cases have very long timeframes, and some can go on for years and even decades before they are resolved.The 1998 Minnesota Big Tobacco complex litigation case, for example, involved the review of 33 million documents and the filing of 200 motions in court. The case also involved nine different appeals. But in the end, the firm that handled the case earned $440 million in fees for its representationBecause the stakes are so high when it comes to complex litigation, companies with deep pockets will pay the high rates it takes to get the most competent attorneys to oversee and win these massive lawsuits. According to a recent National Jurist article on lucrative practice areas, complex litigators take home paychecks that aregenerally 18 percent higher than other attorneys.

Corporate Law
If litigation and trial work is not for you, but you want to earn a good living, you might consider corporate law, which can yield salaries 8 percent higher than the median. Corporate law is a general term that refers to a variety of different kinds of transactional work on behalf of companies and corporations. Corporate lawyers help move the wheels of commerce by assisting corporate clients with everything from drafting operating agreements and bylaws, to helping companies acquire and merge with other companies, to helping companies secure “capital” by issuing securities.Among the practice areas within corporate law that are most in demand right now are Mergers and Acquisitions(“M&A”) and Capital Markets. M&A attorneys represent companies that aremerging with or taking over other companies. M&A attorneys represent both target companies as well as buyers in transactions effectuated through asset purchases, stock purchases, and other structures. M&A lawyers can command large salaries. This is because companies seeking to grow through acquisitions and mergerswill pay the high rates it takes to get these transactions done in the most effective way possible, and with no legal loose ends that can derail things down the road.M&A partners at the high end of the spectrum can earn over $1,000 per hour, with the median M&A partner salary hovering around $630 per hour. In contrast, according to the BLS, the median 2015 hourly attorney salary was just $55.69 per hour.Capital markets attorneys also are in high demand in a growing economy, forthe same reason. Companies want to hire the best lawyers they can to help them “go public” and issue stock and other equity and debt instruments in the capital markets, as well as to structure “private placement” financings, which involve the issuance of securities to sophisticated investors in a less-regulated fashion. Capital markets law is complex and these lawyers must be versed in contract, securities and disclosure law, as well as in federal and state regulatory law.The practice areas of M&A and Capital Markets are excellent, but in a strong economy other types of corporate lawyers also are in demand. These include banking lawyers, who assist companies in securing bank loans to finance their projects and tax lawyers, who step in to advise corporate clients on the tax implications of various transactions and of structuring a deal one way as opposed to another.

Intellectual Property
When the economy is growing, companies need legal assistance with intellectual property matters, just as they do with M&A and other corporate work. Companies need help securing patents for new technologies and trademarks for new brands. Companies also need attorneys who can defend and/or prosecute lawsuits regarding intellectual property rights. As an example of how busy this practice area is right now, the years 2013 and 2015 saw the highest numberof patents being filed in the federal courts.Patent and trademark prosecution attorneys assist companies in securingpatents and trademarks with the UnitedStates Patent & Trademark Office. Patent law, in particular, is highly technical and in order to effectively represent clients many of the best patent lawyers are scientists themselves, with higher education degrees in the hard or life sciences in which their clients work. Generally speaking, the more qualifications a patent attorney has, and the more sophisticated work he or she can handle, the higher salary he or she can command.Intellectual property litigation is another lucrative area. It shares many attributes with complex litigation, in that these cases are so important that clients are willing to pay very high ratesfor litigators who can successfully defend or prosecute their cases. A highstakes IP litigation matter might involvethe rights to an extremely lucrative technology or medicine, for example, with jury verdicts that can exceed $100 million in damages and that can make or break the companies involved in the lawsuit.

Healthcare Law
A final practice area to consider when it comes to salary is the emerging area of healthcare law. More and more people have health insurance andare coming into contact with health care providers, which often is a cause of legal issues and disputes. Moreover,new laws and regulations are always coming into effect regarding digitization of personal healthcare information and data privacy.The healthcare industry thus needs specialized healthcare lawyers who can keep pace not only with the demands of growth but also with an evolving landscape of  statelaws and regulations.

Conclusions
Young attorneys must factor in a number of variables when planning out their legal careers. But if salary is an important consideration, complex litigation, corporate law, intellectual property law, and healthcare law are hot, in demand practice areas to consider.