Davis & Shirtliff Group stands as the leading supplier of water and energy solutions in Eastern and Central Africa, consistently delivering excellence through innovation, quality service, and technical expertise. Headquartered in Kenya, the Group has built a strong presence across the region with branches and subsidiaries in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, South Sudan, DRC, Zimbabwe, Somalia, and Burundi. With over 900 professionals across these countries, Davis & Shirtliff is committed to improving lives through sustainable water and energy solutions.
As a key player in the regional water and energy sector, Davis & Shirtliff is not only focused on delivering solutions but also on fostering the next generation of professionals. In line with this commitment, the organization is pleased to offer a unique three-month Pupillage Program to an aspiring legal practitioner. Accredited by the Kenya School of Law, Davis & Shirtliff presents an invaluable opportunity for learning, mentorship, and practical legal training.
This is more than just a placement; it is a rare and enriching opportunity for young legal professionals to experience the corporate legal environment first-hand, develop practical skills, and grow under the guidance of experienced legal experts within one of the region’s most respected companies.
Position: Pupil – Legal Department
Duration: Three (3) Months
Location: Davis & Shirtliff Group Headquarters, Kenya
Deadline for Application: 30th July 2025
About the Pupillage Program
This pupillage is intended to provide practical training, mentorship, and exposure to real legal work in a corporate environment. The pupil will be attached to the Legal Department and will assist in various functions, gaining insight into how legal affairs are managed in a regional corporate setup.
The program aims to:
- Support candidates currently undergoing the Advocates Training Programme at the Kenya School of Law.
- Provide practical experience in corporate legal work, including internal advisory, regulatory compliance, contract drafting, and dispute resolution support.
- Enhance skills in legal research, documentation, communication, and client engagement.
- Offer direct mentorship by experienced in-house legal counsel.
Duties and Responsibilities
As part of the legal team, the selected candidate will actively contribute to the efficient management of legal matters within the organization. Specific responsibilities will include:
- Coordinating Legal Activities
- Assist in managing and following up on legal matters affecting the company.
- Provide logistical and administrative support in legal case preparation and documentation.
- Ensure proper filing and retrieval of legal records for internal referencing.
- Management of Walk-in Clients
- Attend to internal departments or stakeholders who require legal advice or documentation support.
- Offer courteous and professional handling of client matters referred to the legal department.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in client dealings.
- Preparation of Department Reports
- Assist in drafting monthly and periodic departmental reports.
- Consolidate case updates, correspondence summaries, and legal progress reports for presentation to management.
- Contribute to the preparation of legal compliance checklists and internal legal updates.
- Handling Correspondences
- Draft and dispatch internal and external legal correspondence.
- Liaise with external counsel, regulatory authorities, and other relevant bodies under the supervision of the Legal Counsel.
- Ensure timely and accurate communication between the legal department and stakeholders.
- Conducting Legal Research
- Undertake in-depth legal research on emerging legal issues, case law, statutes, and legal trends relevant to the company.
- Provide written opinions and briefs based on research outcomes.
- Support the legal team in risk assessment and mitigation through sound legal advice.
- Drafting of Letters and Legal Documents
- Prepare legal letters, notices, agreements, and internal legal opinions.
- Review contracts and legal documents under supervision.
- Participate in document vetting and legal proofreading processes.
Qualifications
To be considered for this pupillage opportunity, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Must be currently enrolled in the Kenya School of Law Advocates Training Programme.
- Hold a minimum Second Class Honours LLB degree from a recognized university.
Key Competencies and Attributes
In addition to academic qualifications, the ideal candidate should demonstrate the following personal and professional competencies:
- Learning Agility: Ability to quickly grasp new concepts, processes, and legal environments.
- Planning: Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
- Accuracy: High attention to detail and precision in legal drafting and document handling.
- Results-Oriented: Demonstrates initiative, a sense of responsibility, and a focus on achieving quality outcomes.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills suitable for a corporate legal environment.
- Teamwork: Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
Technical Competencies
The selected pupil is expected to possess or quickly develop the following technical skills:
- Legal Analysis: Ability to break down complex legal issues and propose practical solutions.
- Legal Drafting: Strong foundational knowledge in drafting clear and concise legal documents.
- Legal Opinion Writing: Capable of formulating and presenting legally sound arguments and opinions.
Why Join Davis & Shirtliff for Your Pupillage?
This opportunity provides far more than the minimum legal experience required for qualification. Pupils at Davis & Shirtliff are integrated into a professional team that works across a vast geographical and regulatory landscape. The experience provides exposure to:
- Corporate Governance: Understand the legal aspects of running a regional company.
- Contract Management: Learn the essentials of drafting, reviewing, and interpreting contracts in a business setting.
- Dispute Management: Get hands-on exposure to litigation support, dispute resolution, and liaising with external counsel.
- Regulatory Compliance: Participate in ensuring the company adheres to local and regional legal and regulatory frameworks.
- Mentorship: Work directly with seasoned legal professionals and receive regular feedback on your development.
In addition, the successful candidate will receive a competitive industry-level stipend to support them during the pupillage period.
Work Environment and Culture
Davis & Shirtliff prides itself on being a professional, diverse, and supportive employer. Employees and interns alike thrive in an environment driven by innovation, teamwork, and a shared mission of making a difference in Africa’s water and energy sectors. As a pupil, you will experience the company’s unique culture where continuous learning, performance, and contribution to impact are highly valued.
Application Process
If you meet the requirements and are excited about this unique opportunity to grow your legal career within a reputable regional enterprise, we invite you to submit your application.
Please send your CV, academic testimonials, and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.
Application Deadline: 30th July 2025
Mode of Application: Via Email
Ensure that your application is clear, well-formatted, and free from errors. The selection process will prioritize clarity of communication, demonstration of competence, and the candidate’s motivation to build a career in corporate law.
Conclusion
Pupillage at Davis & Shirtliff is more than a legal requirement; it is a gateway to meaningful, practical legal training. It offers young advocates a chance to participate in high-quality legal work that spans across multiple jurisdictions and to begin their careers with exposure to one of the most dynamic legal teams in the region. If you are driven, intellectually curious, and eager to make a tangible impact through law, this is the opportunity for you.
Davis & Shirtliff continues to champion the growth of young talent across disciplines. As the company expands its reach across Africa, it remains committed to mentoring the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of law and governance in business.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline and take their first step toward a rewarding legal career.
