Open to opportunities

Thelma Jiakponna

@thelmajiakponna

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Proactive legal and investment professional with expertise in estate planning.

Nigeria

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that fosters professional growth and values compliance and innovation.

I am a proactive legal and investment professional with over four years of experience, specializing in estate planning, trust administration, and corporate law. My journey has been marked by a commitment to facilitating firm growth through strategic legal advisory and client relationship management. I pride myself on being a supportive team player, possessing leadership qualities and excellent communication skills.

Currently, I serve as a Private Trust Specialist at FBNQuest Trustees Limited, where I advise clients on estate planning tools under Common Law and Islamic Law. My role involves drafting essential documents, ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations, and leading educational engagements on wealth management. I have also contributed to internal governance processes, enhancing compliance monitoring and client service standards.

Previously, I worked as a Family Business Consultant and Legal Officer, where I conducted research to inform decision-making and safeguarded client interests through the creation of trust deed agreements. My experience as a Legal Associate and Compliance Officer further honed my skills in legal due diligence and regulatory compliance, making me well-equipped to navigate the complexities of corporate law and investment compliance.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Private Trust Specialist

Current

FBNQuest Trustees Limited

Mar 2024 - Present (1 year 3 months)

Advised clients on estate planning under Common Law and Islamic Law, structuring generational wealth transfer in line with applicable laws. Drafted Trust Deeds, Wills, and other Estate Planning documents, providing technical advice to clients and the Business Development team on seamless Estate Planning options.

Estate Planning Wealth Management Regulatory Compliance Public Speaking Client Relationship Management Business Development

Family Business Consultant/Legal Officer

The Legacy Haus

Oct 2022 - Mar 2024 (1 year 5 months)

Conducted thorough research across various sectors to acquire valuable insights for organizational decision-making processes. Safeguarded client interests by creating trust deed agreements and crafting deeds of gift/securities.

Legal Research Administrative Support Trust Deed Agreements Offshore Investments Family Business Network

Legal Extern

ALUKO & OYEBODE

May 2022 - Jun 2022 (1 month)

Worked in a team to develop a presentation on startup funding rounds in Africa. Prepared a detailed opinion on the employment law and policy in Nigeria relating to remote work.

Legal Research Employment Law Opinion Drafting Team Collaboration

Legal Associate/Compliance Officer

Acuity Capital Limited

Evaluated business plans and pitch decks to communicate their mission to potential investors, target audience, and stakeholders. Performed thorough legal due diligence for multiple projects, guaranteeing adherence to regulatory mandates and minimizing potential risks.

Due Diligence Regulatory Compliance Strategic Planning Stakeholder Management Research

Legal Compliance & Business Analyst

Acuity Partners

Conducted thorough due diligence for an equity raise of $2.5 million for a FinTech company. Enhanced organizational efficiency by streamlining the contract drafting and review process, resulting in an 80% reduction in turnaround time.

Legal Compliance Business Analysis Due Diligence Contract Drafting Dispute Resolution Capital Markets

Legal Intern

OLANIWUN AJAYI LP

Aug 2020 - Sep 2020 (1 month)

Carried out the review and partial drafting of Merchant Service Agreements. Undertook research on numerous facets of the Nigerian fintech sphere.

Legal Research Merchant Service Agreements Corporate Law Administrative Support

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Nigerian Law School

BL, Law

Completed legal education at the Nigerian Law School, earning a Barrister-at-Law degree. This qualification is essential for practicing law in Nigeria.

Babcock University

LL.B, Law

Grade: Second Class Upper (division)

Activities and societies: Co-Coordinator of Babcock University Law Campus, Ososa Outreach; Publicist for Redefining Your Self-Esteem (RYSE); Member of Law Clinic for Pro Bono cases, Babcock; Member of Charity Foundation, Babcock; Member of Paroche, Law City, Babcock; Secretary & Project Coordinator for ENACTUS, Babcock (Iperu Campus).

Studied Law at Babcock University, achieving a Second Class Upper division. This foundational legal education covered various aspects of law.