Name: Osinachi Nwandem
Position: Senior Legal Affairs Manager
Company: Nigerian Breweries Plc
Sector/Industry: Food & Beverages
Worked in current position for (number of years/months): 8 months
Total years as an in-house lawyer: 8 months
Osinachi Nwandem In-House Life
A day in the life:
As Senior Legal Affairs Manager, I provide strategic legal support across various the business functions. My day typically involves reviewing and negotiating complex contracts, overseeing the business litigation and intellectual property portfolio, and interacting with key business leaders across business departments to ensure our business activities align with legal standards while mitigating risks and offering proactive legal advice to support the company’s operations and goals. I also contribute to the development of policies and processes that mitigate risks while ensuring operational efficiency. A significant portion of my time is spent collaborating with colleagues to address issues such as contracts, labour law compliance, competition law, and intellectual property matters.
The best thing about my current job is:
The best part of my role is the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across different departments. These interactions give me insight into their challenges, enabling me to proactively find legal solutions that support the business objectives. It also helps me identify potential risks and guide them in mitigating these risks while still achieving the business goals. The chance to influence high-level strategic decisions while bringing unique legal perspectives is incredibly fulfilling.
The most challenging thing about my current job is:
Striking a balance between business interests and strict legal requirements was a challenge when I started in this role. Over time, with the support of my colleagues and line manager, I have learned to approach this balance with a focus on the bigger picture and the company’s goals. This process has built trust and allowed me to be fully integrated into every project, with no fear of being a “showstopper,” but rather a solution provider.
Most pivotal career decision:
The most pivotal decision in my career was transitioning from a law firm, where I spent over a decade specializing in dispute resolution and construction law, to the dynamic and challenging environment of in-house legal practice. Though the shift had its challenges, it is significantly broadening my perspective and enhancing my skill set.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face in your in-house career journey is:
Providing legal guidance in complex legal issues and guiding the business towards achieving its objectives notwithstanding. This requires exceptional communication, analytical and problem-solving skills where legal risks are identified and several options are presented to mitigate the risks, and provide clear guidance to enable the business achieve its objectives by carefully navigating/managing the risks posed.
What advice would I give my younger self? (Video)
Key influencers that have shaped my journey:
Davidson Oturu – For his excellence in balancing career and family. As a former partner at AELEX, Davidson instilled in me the importance of continual learning and demonstrated that the more value you create, the more success and opportunities come your way.
Bili Odum – Although I am yet to meet him personally, I came across Bili’s sage counsel after joining in-house. His guidance has influenced my approach to everyday tasks and strategic decision-making, making him an important role model in my career.
One cool thing I’ve observed in the legal industry recently?
The growing integration of technology in legal practice. From utilizing technology for assessing court decisions to the rise of legal analytics and AI-powered platforms, the legal space is embracing innovation in ways that are reshaping how legal professionals operate and make decisions. It’s exciting to witness this transformation.
Favourite pro bono/ volunteer or charitable activity:
One of my favourite activities was being part of the team that organized basic education and literacy initiatives through the Rotary Club of Lagos Prime Ikeja, particularly the distribution of stationery, notebooks, and school items to students at Victory School, Ikeja. In addition, we engaged in interactive discussions with the students on critical topics, including career, goal setting, and personal development. For me, it is rewarding to contribute to causes that improve lives and strengthen communities, a cause Rotary International takes pride in.
If I were not practising law, I would probably be:
If I weren’t practising law, I would likely be a public speaker or lecturer focused on corporate governance, leadership, and personal development. I find joy in inspiring others and sharing knowledge to create a meaningful impact, helping people grow and become better versions of themselves.
What (singular) achievement are you most proud of?
I am most proud of leading a legal and operational initiative to address complex triangular employment issues, ensuring compliance and protecting the company from significant liabilities while fostering a fair and transparent relationship with third-party partners. As a team, we find this project particularly motivating and look forward to sustaining its impact.
Something you love doing that but you’re not that great at?
Playing lawn tennis. While I love the sport for its health benefits—improving cardiovascular health, concentration, and stress relief—my skills are still developing. I’m working on improving my game and aim to reach an acceptable amateur level by 2025.
Something you dislike doing that you’re pretty good at?
Drafting long, detailed legal documents. Although this was a major part of my work in the law firm and something I excelled at, transitioning to an in-house role has shifted my focus towards drafting more interactive and strategic legal documents that are easy for both internal and external stakeholders to understand. I have come to appreciate this style of drafting and find it more effective in supporting the business.
In 5 years-time I’d love to be:
A leading voice in the in-house counsel community and a trusted business partner. I aim to combine my private and in-house experience to provide strategic legal and business solutions, mitigate legal risks, and help businesses achieve their objectives while promoting a culture of compliance and ensuring minimal operational disruptions.