Open to opportunities

Elizabeth Githaiga

@elizabethgithaiga

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Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with extensive legal expertise.

Kenya

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What I'm looking for

I seek a dynamic legal environment that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

I am an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over eight years of post-qualification experience in commercial legal practice, international arbitration, and regulatory compliance. My work at JMiles and Company and Desai and Company Advocates involves providing legal services to clients across Kenya, Africa, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. I specialize in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts, advising on corporate structuring, and managing legal risks.

Throughout my career, I have represented clients in arbitration disputes under ICC, LCIA, and UNCITRAL rules, achieving significant settlements and awards. My contributions extend to legal training programs and publications in areas such as anti-corruption and international compliance. I pride myself on my strong drafting skills, sound legal judgment, and ability to deliver clear, practical advice under tight timelines, ensuring my clients receive the best possible support in their legal matters.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Associate

Current

Desai & Company Advocates

Feb 2021 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Served as the lead associate for property and commercial work, advising clients on structuring, negotiating, and executing transactions in compliance with Kenyan law. Managed full transaction lifecycles including legal due diligence, regulatory approvals, and registration at the Lands Registry and Companies Registry.

Property Law Commercial Law Contract Drafting Due Diligence Regulatory Compliance Corporate Structuring Company Incorporation Employment Law Client Management

Current

Senior Associate

Current

John Miles Arbitration Investigation and Consultancy (JMiles

Feb 2017 - Present (8 years 6 months)

Represented a Tanzanian Independent Power Producer in concurrent ICC and ICSID arbitration proceedings against a state-owned corporation and the Government of Tanzania in a dispute valued at USD 500 million. Acted as Tribunal Secretary in a cross-jurisdictional LCIA arbitration involving South African and UAE-based entities in a dispute over a Share Subscription Agreement.

International Arbitration ICSID Dispute Resolution Legal Research Contract Negotiation Regulatory Compliance ESG Reporting

Trainee Lawyer

Anjarwalla & Khanna Advocates

Jan 2015 - Present (10 years 7 months)

Completed one-year training, gaining exposure to high-level transactional and dispute resolution matters. Assisted in the preparation of commercial contracts, legal opinions, and regulatory filings under the supervision of senior counsel.

Corporate Law Commercial Law Litigation Legal Research Contract Drafting Due Diligence Client Meetings

Trainee/Intern

JMiles& Co

May 2013 - Present (12 years 3 months)

Conducted legal research and prepared legal opinions on various issues. Assisted in the recovery of USD 600,000 for a Kenyan developer against the Bank of China Limited under a performance guarantee.

Legal Research Performance Guarantees Client Meetings Dispute Resolution Commercial Law

Intern

Fountain Enterprises Programme

Feb 2013 - Present (12 years 6 months)

Gained initial exposure to legal practices within a professional environment. Supported various administrative and legal tasks.

Document Management Research Communication Office Support

Judicial Attachment

Nyeri Law Courts

May 2012 - Present (13 years 3 months)

Undertook a judicial attachment, observing court proceedings and gaining insight into the judicial system. Assisted with case file management and legal documentation.

Court Procedures Legal Documentation Case Management Legal Research Public Speaking

Intern

Wahome Gikonyo & Company Advocates

May 2011 - Present (14 years 3 months)

Provided support in a legal firm, assisting with various legal tasks and administrative duties. Gained foundational experience in legal practice.

Legal Support document preparation Legal Research Office Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Kenya School of Law

Advocates Training Program, Law

2015 - 2016

Completed a comprehensive training program at the Kenya School of Law, including pupillage. Gained practical legal skills and knowledge essential for legal practice in Kenya.

Kenyatta University, Parklands Campus

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), Law

2010 - 2014

Grade: 2nd Class Honours, Upper Division

Studied law at Kenyatta University, achieving Second Class Honours, Upper Division. Developed a strong foundation in legal principles and various areas of law.