Role Statement
Head of Litigation is responsible for managing and conducting internal and external investigations involving customers and including potential litigation against the bank. This role includes responding to complaints, preparing legal documentation, collaborating with external legal counsel, and ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Key Objectives
Litigation Management:
Review progress of ongoing litigation and liaise with and manage external lawyers.
Review work performed by external lawyers on an ongoing basis to ensure that the quality of work is in accordance with legal policies and procedures. Hold regular meetings with them. Suggest changes as and when required.
Meet with experts assigned by the Bank.
Review the litigation progress report, and advice on matters relating to litigation.
Attend Courts and hearings on behalf of the Bank when required.
Draft litigation related documentation, where required.
Supervise and manage all cases handled by the Department internally.
Liaise with Collections and Remedial, SAM or any Departments within the bank to ensure coordination between recovery efforts undertaken by their Department and legal recourse in Courts.
Draft and review settlement agreements, approve rescheduling / restructuring proposals where a legal case has been initiated.
Review queries received from Branches, other departments and management in relation to their legal requirements and advice.
Regulatory Compliance:
Central Bank of Oman Regulations: Ensure compliance with regulations and directives issued by the Central Bank of Oman for legal matter
Islamic Banking Compliance: For Islamic banks, ensure adherence to Shariah laws and principles, including obtaining approvals from the bank’s Shariah Supervisory Board.
Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor changes in local and international banking laws and regulations, and ensure timely and accurate reporting to regulatory authorities.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution:
Litigation Management: Manage and prepare all litigation and legal disputes involving the bank, including representing the bank in court or overseeing external counsel.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Handle arbitration, mediation, and settlement negotiations to resolve disputes efficiently.
Review & Draft: Draft legal documents such as demand letters, complaints, and motions.
Representation: Represent the company in court proceedings, negotiations, and mediations.
Administrative
Prepare legal case statistics report for various stakeholders within the Bank.
Prepare and update litigation reports as required by various stakeholders inside and outside the Bank
Prepare proposals (write off memos, recommendations, etc.) that require approvals of management and ensure circulation of the same.
Review and check invoices received in relation to the Legal Department.
Assist in reviewing work performed by law firms on an annual basis, as per the Legal Procedure manual.
Assist in any other general administrative or legal work requested by the line manager or other superiors
Risk Management and Compliance:
Risk Assessment: Identify and assess legal risks associated with the bank’s operations and transactions.
Compliance Programs: Develop and implement compliance programs to mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
Employee Training: Provide training to employees on legal and compliance matters.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF):
AML/CTF Compliance: Ensure compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws and regulations, including those set by the CBO.
Fraud Prevention: Implement measures to detect and prevent financial crimes, including fraud and money laundering
Team Leadership:
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of legal professionals specializing in consumer law and litigation.
Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the legal team.
Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for team members.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Serve as the primary legal contact for consumer-related matters, interacting with regulators, industry groups, and consumer advocacy organizations.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to influence positive outcomes for the company.
Advise clients on the legal aspects of debt recovery and provide guidance on potential outcomes and strategies.
Candidate Specifications
University degree in Law / MBA is preferred
Minimum 8 years of relevant experience