Name: Peace Mavindu
Position: Legal Manager
Company: PDM (Holdings) Limited, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network
Sector/Industry: Property Management; Real Estate
Worked in current position for: 6 months
Total years as an in-house lawyer: 6 years
A day in the life: Provide a brief overview of your current role (what you do, how you spend your time etc):
As the company’s Legal Manager, my role focuses on legal and compliance responsibilities, as well as supporting the various company departments. A typical 8-5 day revolves around managing legal aspects for the Property Department, such as drafting property management agreements, conducting tenant due diligence, and overseeing leasing documentation. Additionally, I draw service provider contracts for the Facilities and Technical Department while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Moreover, the Legal and Finance Departments work together in collecting revenue by issuing demand letters and participating in negotiation meetings. When disputes arise from company engagements, I attend to resolution through negotiations and mediation and in case of unsuccessful resolution, preparation for litigation is undertaken, and external advocates are instructed.
Besides the legal roles, I attend to governance matters in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. My duties include regular compliance checks to ensure the company policies are in line with new developments in law and good governance practices, and where necessary, recommend updates.
As a Legal Manager, I am the custodian of company documentation, ensuring that all legal documents, correspondence, and contracts are properly filed and maintained.
The best thing about my current job is: (On Video)
The most challenging thing about my current job is:
Managing time amid a significant workload has been challenging, often leading to late hours and work carried home. I aim to streamline responsibilities within my first 100 days in the new role.
Most pivotal career decision:
Choosing an in-house counsel role over a law firm has proven to be rewarding. Initially, I was undecided as a young advocate, but with time, I have truly enjoyed the in-house space. To support my in-house career, I obtained certifications as a Company Secretary, Commercial Mediator, and pursued a Human Resources course to add value to the organization.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face in your in-house career journey is:
I happened to experience a company restructuring after COVID-19. It was quite challenging to adapt to the proposed changes and maintain focus amid the uncertainty.
Employees grapple with uncertainty about their roles, job security, and the overall direction of their career during a restructure, calling for effective leadership, clear communication, and proactive support mechanisms in navigating the challenges of restructuring.
What advice would I give my younger self?
Recognizing achievements can build confidence to step up higher and take on new experiences and challenges. I would advise my younger self to celebrate all wins, both big and small.
Key influencers that have shaped my journey:
Larry Madowo’s journey from Kenyan media to international recognition inspires me to aim higher. I recall watching him on his talk show ‘The Trend’ on NTV, a Kenyan television channel, and it was easy to relate to him as a fellow young professional. It is encouraging to see his growth to international channels such as BBC, and he is currently working as a CNN International Correspondent. I read on his LinkedIn post that he is among EMEA’S 10 most significant leaders to follow in 2024.
Sylvia Mulinge’s work-life balance as the CEO of MTN Uganda motivates me to pursue both personal passions and career goals. Her Facebook page exemplifies real work-life balance; she posts pictures of herself at the gym, running marathons, or dancing with her family. Before MTN, she was the Chief Customer Officer at Safaricom. It is admirable how she demonstrates that one can pursue personal passions without compromising career goals.
One cool thing I’ve observed in the legal industry recently?
One notable trend is the increasing integration of technology in the legal industry. For instance, the virtual courts, that allow remote court attendance, virtual trainings, and virtual board meetings.
It is remarkable how these once deemed impossible practices have become integral parts of legal proceedings, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Favourite pro bono/ volunteer or charitable activity:
An advocate with 0 to 5 years post-admission in Kenya is considered a young advocate. After 5 years, an advocate qualifies to be a pupil master and gets the opportunity to mentor pupils who are in the process of transitioning from the Kenya School of Law to becoming young advocates.
Currently, I mentor one pupil, and this is such a beautiful interaction where I can positively impact one’s personal and professional development. Additionally, I also have the opportunity to work with a young advocate as my associate in the department, engaging in learning discussions.
If I were not practising law, I would probably be:
A pharmacist.
In the last three years, I have been helping my mum run her pharmacy business, placing orders from suppliers, and assisting in keeping the accounting books. I enjoy this work so much and wish I could do more.
What (singular) achievement are you most proud of?
Back in 2014, I graduated with first-class honors in my LLB course despite personal challenges. Throughout my degree studies, my dad was in and out of hospital admissions, seeking treatment for cardiomyopathy disease.
I lost my dad during my last semester of the course, and it left me emotionally devastated. Over the last 10 years, I have been on a personal journey to build emotional stability, aiming to be in a better position to navigate the ups and downs of life without wrecking myself again.
Something you love doing that you’re not that great at?
I love engaging in fitness activities, especially gym workouts and hiking, even though I am not exceptionally good at them.
My goal is to work out for at least 1 hour, 4 days a week. As for hiking, my target is to complete a hike every month in 2024. I have done four hikes this year and I remain determined to see myself accomplish this goal despite not being so skilled in these activities, consistently finding myself among the last people to reach the summit.
Something you dislike doing that you’re pretty good at?
I dislike speaking at conferences, meetings, or presentations, and I would not be happy to be ambushed into making a toast. This is because I am convinced that I have an introverted side, making it hard for me to talk to new people. I would rather people-watch or take in my surroundings.
Despite my aversion to the spotlight, as the lead legal counsel in my previous and current jobs, I have had no choice but to make presentations and speak on legal issues. Over time, I have grown to perfect this skill to the extent that when I tell people about my discomfort with the spotlight, they struggle to believe it.
In 5 years-time I’d love to be:
Striving for a more balanced work-life, where I am able to create more time for family, personal interests, and a supportive social network, while being keen to enhance my leadership skills and contribute significantly to the organization.