Azubike Okoye
Geneva,NY
Summary
Effective law professional with proven track record of successfully representing clients in dispute resolution hearings, developing legal strategies and drafting and negotiating contracts. Well-versed in principles of contracts and dispute resolution. Works independently and collaboratively as part of team.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Attorney
Legal Assistance of Western New York
02.2023 - Current
- Participated in settlement conferences, advocating for clients'' best interests while working towards mutually agreeable resolutions.
- Reviewed contracts and agreements, identifying potential risks or liabilities to protect clients from future disputes.
- Researched legal authorities, statutory, and case law and examined legal document drafts for compliance with procedural requirements.
- Enhanced client representation in Courts and administrative hearings by conducting thorough legal research and drafting comprehensive memoranda.
- Conducted intake interviews and provided legal information, referrals and advocacy to determine potential courses of action.
Staff Paralegal
Legal Assistance of Western New York
10.2022 - 02.2023
- Prior to Bar admission, performed research, conducted document review projects, drafted case reports and extensive writing experience includes trial briefs, pleadings, and motions
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changes in laws or regulations relevant to practice areas through continuous professional development opportunities such as seminars or webinars.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.
- Managed complex cases efficiently using specialized software programs designed for paralegal work to track information related to multiple parties over long periods of time.
Research and Briefing Clerk
Thomas J. Henry PLLC
08.2022 - 09.2022
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.
- Drafted comprehensive legal documents such as pleadings, motions, briefs, contracts, and stipulations for various clients.
- Assisted in the development of legal strategies and arguments to secure favorable outcomes in contentious litigation matters.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
Legal Intern- Arbitrator Trainee
GST LLP
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Provided reporting for dispute resolution analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
- Sorted arbitration related documents, filing and case materials in clear, orderly systems.
- Assisted attorneys with reviewing and organizing witness reports.
- Performed legal research using various databases, ensuring accurate and timely information was available for case preparation and hearings.
Senior Associate Attorney
F.O. Akinrele & Co.
08.2011 - 08.2021
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Advised clients on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and other business matters.
- Coordinated and collaborated with clients external General Counsel by working together on important legal issues.
- Successfully resolved numerous disputes through skillful mediation, preventing costly litigation and preserving business relationships.
Associate Attorney
F.O. Akinrele & Co.
03.2009 - 08.2011
- Drafted, reviewed and negotiated contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
- Oversaw outside counsel relationships to ensure cost-effective representation while maintaining high-quality results.
- Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
- Developed strategies for addressing emerging legal trends for clients, positioning their organization to proactively adapt to changes in the regulatory environment.
- Reduced potential liability exposure by conducting thorough internal investigations of complaints and disputes.
Pupil Counsel
Ministry Of Justice
11.2007 - 10.2008
- Provided pro bono services to underserved communities, increasing access to quality legal representation
- Negotiated favorable settlement terms on behalf of clients in numerous litigation cases, saving time and resources
- Evaluated potential risks associated with new business ventures or transactions, providing guidance on mitigating factors.
Education
Master of Laws - International Arbitration
University of Miami School of Law
Miami, FloridaBarrister-at-Law -
Nigerian Law School
Lagos, Lagos StateBachelor of Laws - Law
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Anambra State, Anambra StateSkills
- Time Management
- Legal Advisory
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Commercial litigation experience
- Contract drafting
Certification
- Fellow (FCIArb), Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, U.K.
- Fellow (FPD), Prime Dispute, U.K.
- Fellow (MIArb), Malaysian Institute of Arbitrators
- Fellow (Arb. & Med.), Arbitration and Mediation Institute of New Zealand [AMINZ (Arb. & Med.)]
- Arbitrator, Financial Regulatory Authority (FINRA), U.S.
Bar Licensure
- Missouri Bar, #75145, Licensed Attorney and Counselor-at-Law
- Florida Bar, #1034358, Certified Foreign Legal Consultant
- New York Bar, Pro Hac Vice Admission
- Nigerian Barrister and Solicitor, #SCN058854, Notary Public, Supreme Court of Nigeria
Timeline
Staff Attorney
Legal Assistance of Western New York
02.2023 - Current
Staff Paralegal
Legal Assistance of Western New York
10.2022 - 02.2023
Research and Briefing Clerk
Thomas J. Henry PLLC
08.2022 - 09.2022
Legal Intern- Arbitrator Trainee
GST LLP
09.2021 - 05.2022
Senior Associate Attorney
F.O. Akinrele & Co.
08.2011 - 08.2021
Associate Attorney
F.O. Akinrele & Co.
03.2009 - 08.2011
Pupil Counsel
Ministry Of Justice
11.2007 - 10.2008
Master of Laws - International Arbitration
University of Miami School of Law
Barrister-at-Law -
Nigerian Law School
Bachelor of Laws - Law
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- Fellow (FCIArb), Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, U.K.
- Fellow (FPD), Prime Dispute, U.K.
- Fellow (MIArb), Malaysian Institute of Arbitrators
- Fellow (Arb. & Med.), Arbitration and Mediation Institute of New Zealand [AMINZ (Arb. & Med.)]
- Arbitrator, Financial Regulatory Authority (FINRA), U.S.
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