Open to opportunities

Dai Queen23

@daiqueen23

Message

GBV-focused advocate delivering justice through litigation and pro bono.

Kenya

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to advance gender equality and justice through GBV-focused advocacy, litigation, and pro bono representation. I want to work in a mission-driven team where I can apply strong project coordination, monitoring, and technical legal input to lasting impact.

I’m an Advocate with a long-standing commitment to gender equality and gender justice. Since becoming “Advocate of the High Court of Kenya” (1998), I’ve built my practice in Nairobi with a strong focus on gender-based violence and access to justice.

In my current role (“ADVOCATE” 2016–present), I work as a “GBV specialist,” with main areas of practice including conveyancing, criminal litigation, and commercial litigation. I’ve also advised and represented clients in matters ranging from civil litigation and arbitration to real estate development, planning and zoning, land use, commercial contracts, banking securities, and company law.

My work extends beyond the courtroom: I provided pro bono legal aid and court representation through the Juvenile Justice Pilot Programme and organizations like Youth Alive Kenya and The Cradle—Children’s Foundation. I also contribute through technical support, monitoring and evaluation, proposal writing, research and documentation, and I’ve written legal analyses and consulted on a documentary challenging female circumcision and female genital mutilation in Kenya.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Advocate & GBV Specialist

Current

Naisi Kwinga Advocate

Jan 2016 - Present (10 years 5 months)

Served as a GBV specialist and advocate at a Nairobi law firm, handling conveyancing plus criminal and commercial litigation. Provided legal counsel on property transactions and related contentious matters.

Conveyancing Criminal Litigation Commercial Litigation Property Transactions Client Advocacy Litigation Strategy

Advocate

Ezekiel Oduk

Jan 2012 - Jan 2014 (2 years)

Practised civil litigation and supported arbitration matters in the sugar belt areas. Assisted with case preparation and advocacy for dispute resolution proceedings.

Civil Litigation Arbitration Dispute Resolution Case Preparation Legal Research

Legal Counsel

Bhailal Patel, Mahida & Maina

Jan 2008 - Jan 2010 (2 years)

Provided legal support to commercial banks and corporate clients, including matters related to property development and land-use. Supported commercial transactions and disputes through conveyancing, contracts, and litigation work.

Real Estate Development Land Use Law Commercial Conveyancing Banking Securities Commercial Contracts Corporate Law

Legal Counsel (Juvenile Justice)

Youth Alive Kenya

Jan 2000 - Jan 2008 (8 years)

Provided pro bono court representation for children in conflict with the law and supported the juvenile justice pilot at the Children’s Court in Nairobi. Coordinated the project, translated juvenile justice findings into policy options, and set up monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for implementation.

Juvenile Justice Pro Bono Court Representation Programme Coordination Policy Development Monitoring & Evaluation Stakeholder Engagement Child Rights Law

Legal Counsel

Bhailal Patel, Mahida & Maina

Jan 2003 - Jan 2006 (3 years)

Advised commercial banks and corporate entities on real estate development, planning and zoning, and land-use matters. Worked on commercial property development, banking-related conveyancing, contracts, and litigation.

Real Estate Development Zoning Land Use Law Commercial Conveyancing Banking Securities Commercial Contracts Corporate Law

Head of Pro Bono Legal Aid

The Cradle-Children's Foundation

Jan 2001 - Jan 2002 (1 year)

Led the pro bono legal aid clinic, providing legal advice and court representation for children, including child protection and family law matters. Managed GBV legal aid and research documentation, including project monitoring and evaluation and donor/program reporting.

Pro Bono Legal Aid Child Rights Law Gender Based Violence (GBV)Monitoring & Evaluation Legal Research Proposal Writing

Volunteer Legal Counsel

Kituo Cha Sheria

Jan 2000 - Jan 2002 (2 years)

Provided pro bono legal advice and court representation to poor and marginalized clients through the legal aid program. Supported legal aid services for clients requiring representation.

Legal Aid Court Representation Legal Advice Human Rights Law Client Advocacy Casework

Legal Assistant (Commercial Dept)

Kaplan & Stratton

Jan 1997 - Jan 1999 (2 years)

Assisted the commercial department with company law, commercial leases, charges and mortgages, contracts, and legal opinions, including pupillage training. Supported due diligence work for mergers and acquisitions and assisted with company formations.

Charges & Mortgages Contract Drafting Due Diligence Mergers & Acquisitions Legal Research

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Nairobi

Certificate in Project Management, Project Management

2016 -

Completed a Certificate in Project Management at the University of Nairobi.

Abantu for Development

Diploma in Teaching and Training, Teaching and Training

2004 -

Completed a Diploma in Teaching and Training at Abantu for Development, Kenya.

Advocate of the High Court of Kenya

Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Law

1998 -

Qualified and was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

Kenya School of Law

Diploma in Law, Law

1997 -

Completed a Diploma in Law at the Kenya School of Law.

University of Reading

LLB (Honours), Law

1996 -

LLB (Hons) degree. Studied subjects including Medical Law, Human Rights Law, Trusts, Land Law, Constitutional Law, Tort, Contract, Employment Law, and Revenue Law.