FRANCA AKUNEME
Grande Prairie
Summary
Internationally trained lawyer who re-qualified in Canada. Skilled team player with a good background in Family and Real Estate Law. Works well to handle assignments and is always ready to go beyond basic tasks—quick learner with good computer abilities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Lawyer
Stringam LLP
10.2022 - Current
- Enhanced client satisfaction by efficiently managing caseloads and providing timely legal advice.
- Represent clients in various family law matters, including divorce, parenting, child support, spousal support, and property division.
- Draft and review legal documents, including pleadings and agreements.
- Conduct legal research and analysis to support case strategies.
- Negotiate settlements and represent clients in court proceedings.
- Provide legal advice and counsel to clients on family law issues.
- Represent clients in residential real estate transactions, including purchases, sales, and financing agreements.
- Stay updated on changes in real estate laws and regulations.
Articling Student
Taylor & Company Barristers & Solicitors
10.2021 - 09.2022
- Advised family law clients on legal rights and obligations and the specifics of their cases and best options
- Attend Court for Chambers application as necessary
- Managed daily tasks consistently and sought out opportunities to go beyond requirements and support firms' targets
- Provide excellent client care, including regular contact by telephone, email and in-person
- Assist lawyers in Questioning and training towards the ability to independently conduct questionings during the latter part of the articling period
- Preparation of applications, affidavits, Concise letters, agreements
- Prepare legal documents related to family law and perform legal research pertaining to the client's files
- Attend traffic court to reserve plea and/or set trial dates
- Participated in seminars and additional training to expand knowledge and skills
- Pro bono work at Grande Prairie Legal Guidance for low-income earners who cannot hire a lawyer and do not qualify for legal aid.
Maternity Leave
None At This Time
01.2021 - 09.2021
Legal Assistant
Taylor & Company Barristers and Solicitors
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Tracked filing, hearing, and trials dates and scheduled conferences and interviews
- Drafted affidavits and other supporting documentation to assist with family law cases
- Ensured that clients' disclosures are up-to-date
- Coordinated the timely and accurate filing of court pleadings with the court clerk
- Exhibited exemplary client focus by responding promptly to phone and email requests
- Worked effectively and efficiently on multiple projects in a busy work environment
- Scheduled client meetings.
Legal Executive
CIG Motors Company Ltd
01.2017 - 12.2018
- Arranged travel by preparing an itinerary, securing transportation, and reserving accommodations
- Tracked filing, hearing, and trials dates and scheduled conferences and interviews with external lawyers
- Assembled exhibits, affidavits, and other legal documents required by the company's external lawyers
- Contributed to meetings with the company's external lawyers to clarify and resolve discovery disputes and coordinate and monitor tasks to comply with agreements
- Proofread legal documents, contracts, and correspondence for the legal team
- Maintained confidentiality of litigation, negotiations for settlement, and depositions
- Scheduled client meetings and prepared meeting documents and minutes.
Junior Associate
Hall Black Law firm
10.2016 - 01.2017
- Represented Clients in Nigerian Courts and Tribunals
- Drafted several Court processes ( Pleadings, motions, letters of Demand, Notice of Appeal etc )
- Participated in Mediation and Negotiation processes
- Preparation and Completion of Incorporation forms and other documents relating to corporate matters
- Updated clients on case status and consulted with third-party contacts regarding litigation to meet client satisfaction goals
- Advised clients on legal rights and obligations as well as the specifics of their cases and best options
- Negotiated settlements to resolve civil disputes and avoid lengthy and potentially damaging litigation.
Junior Legal Officer
Legal Aid Council of Nigeria
10.2015 - 10.2016
- Represented clients in various levels of court
- Assisted the senior Defence Lawyer in preparing court documents
- Participated actively in Plea Bargain Processes
- Actively participated in the interviewing of the accused
- Conducted bail applications
- Scheduled lawyer's appointments with individuals such as clients and witnesses
- Prepared, proofread and processed legal documents, including the pretrial agreements, subpoenas and motions for different cases.
Student Counsel
Nigerian Law School
01.2015 - 10.2015
- Actively participated and organized in group moot court trials
- Met with potential students, listened to goals, and drew line to program's unique features and value
- Followed up with prospective students after initial calls to connect with program resources, introduce to other team members, and remind of upcoming dates and deadlines
- Engaged with potential students on phone to learn about goals, discuss interests, and assess courses right for needs.
Law School Intern
Babalakin & CO Barristers & Solicitors
01.2015 - 03.2015
- Assisted Lawyers in conducting legal research
- Attended Court sittings with lawyers in the firm and assisted Lawyers in recording court proceedings, cross – examination questions
- Assisted Lawyers in preparing of Legal Documents ( pleadings , motions, Notice of Appeal, Written Briefs, Lease and Tenancy Agreements, Letters of Demand )
- Reviewed several commercial agreements and court processes
- Answered incoming calls and directed messages to correct party
- Organized documentation and presentation materials necessary for smooth conferences in support of teams.
Education
Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) -
CPLED
09.2022
NCA Certificate of Qualifications (J.D. Equivalency) -
Federation of Law Societies of Canada
01.2021
Nigerian Law School -
B.L [Second Class Upper Division]
10.2015
Imo State University Nigeria -
Bachelor of Laws, LL.B. (Hons) [Second Class Upper Division]
09.2013
Skills
- Key client relationships
- Legal Research and Writing
- Negotiation and Settlement
- Courtroom Advocacy
- Case Management
- Legal Analysis
- Communication Skills
Affiliations
- Nigerian Bar Association
- Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (SBL)
Additional Information - Volunteer Activities
Grande Prairie Legal Guidance, Pro Bono, 12/01/21, Present, Arranged meetings, trial dates, on the firm's master calendar.
Hobbies and Interests
- Cooking: Enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes
- Watching movies: Both fiction and real-life movies, especially about crime or court advocacy. Currently, watching a show titled 'Inventing Anna'.
References
Will be provided upon request.
Timeline
Associate Lawyer
Stringam LLP
10.2022 - Current
Articling Student
Taylor & Company Barristers & Solicitors
10.2021 - 09.2022
Maternity Leave
None At This Time
01.2021 - 09.2021
Legal Assistant
Taylor & Company Barristers and Solicitors
01.2019 - 12.2020
Legal Executive
CIG Motors Company Ltd
01.2017 - 12.2018
Junior Associate
Hall Black Law firm
10.2016 - 01.2017
Junior Legal Officer
Legal Aid Council of Nigeria
10.2015 - 10.2016
Student Counsel
Nigerian Law School
01.2015 - 10.2015
Law School Intern
Babalakin & CO Barristers & Solicitors
01.2015 - 03.2015
Practice Readiness Education Program (PREP) -
CPLED
NCA Certificate of Qualifications (J.D. Equivalency) -
Federation of Law Societies of Canada
Nigerian Law School -
B.L [Second Class Upper Division]
Imo State University Nigeria -
Bachelor of Laws, LL.B. (Hons) [Second Class Upper Division]
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