In many transactions, especially in Nigeria, the real risk is not the absence of opportunity, but the absence of trust. Whether in real estate, supply contracts, instalment-based payments, or cross-border dealings involving the diaspora, parties often need a neutral structure that ensures funds move only when agreed conditions are met.
This is where escrow becomes essential. At SRJ Legal, escrow services are designed not as a mechanical banking function, but as a fiduciary legal service – one that preserves confidence, contains risk, and allows transactions to proceed calmly and transparently.
What Clients Are Really Looking for in an Escrow Arrangement
Clients who seek escrow services are rarely just asking, “Who will hold the money?” They are asking deeper questions:
- How do we prevent misuse or premature access to funds?
- How do we reduce disputes when milestones are involved?
- How do we protect all parties — not just one side?
- How do we transact confidently without unnecessary tension?
SRJ Legal’s escrow services are structured to answer these questions before funds ever move.
SRJ Legal’s Escrow Philosophy: Value First, Process as Clarity
SRJ approaches escrow from a simple principle: Escrow exists to deliver peace of mind — process exists to support that outcome.
Rather than leading with rigid procedures or pricing, SRJ begins by understanding the transaction structure, risk profile, and parties involved. This ensures that the escrow arrangement is proportionate, defensible, and aligned with the realities of the deal.
Process is then introduced only to the extent necessary to ensure clarity, neutrality, and certainty.
Tier 1 Escrow: Administrative and Custodial Escrow Services
Tier 1 escrow is suited for relatively straightforward transactions where:
- the underlying agreement is already settled,
- release conditions are clear,
- and legal risk is limited.
Typical examples include:
- simple real estate instalment payments,
- supply transactions with defined delivery triggers,
- custodial holding of funds pending completion.
In these cases, SRJ Legal:
- acts as an independent escrow holder,
- holds funds securely,
- releases funds strictly in line with written instructions and agreed conditions.
This tier provides structure without over-engineering, ensuring efficiency while preserving neutrality.
Tier 2 Escrow: Supervised and Structured Escrow Services
Tier 2 escrow applies where transactions involve:
- multiple milestones,
- longer timelines,
- heightened risk,
- or a greater likelihood of dispute.
Common examples include:
- phased real estate developments,
- procurement and infrastructure projects,
- cross-border transactions involving diaspora parties.
Here, SRJ’s role expands to include:
- higher-level review of transaction structure,
- supervision of release conditions,
- escalation handling where interpretation or clarity is required.
Tier 2 escrow balances legal oversight with commercial practicality, ensuring that escrow supports — rather than stalls — the transaction.
How SRJ Engages Clients (Across All Escrow Tiers)
SRJ’s escrow engagements follow a disciplined but client-friendly pathway:
- Initial enquiry and value-led engagement
Clients receive clarity on SRJ’s escrow role and philosophy. - Structured intake and risk understanding
A short checklist allows SRJ to understand the transaction before advising. - Scope and escrow tier confirmation
The appropriate escrow structure is identified. - Fee confirmation and engagement documentation
Fees are aligned with risk, duration, and level of involvement — not guessed upfront. - Commencement of escrow services
Funds are managed and released strictly in accordance with agreed terms.
This approach protects both the client and the firm, and ensures that escrow remains a tool for confidence — not confusion.
Why Diaspora Clients Choose Law-Firm Escrow
For Nigerians in the diaspora, escrow often serves an additional purpose: distance risk management.
Engaging a law firm as escrow holder:
- reduces reliance on informal intermediaries,
- provides professional accountability,
- and creates a clear legal structure that can be relied upon across borders.
SRJ’s escrow services are particularly suited to diaspora clients who need local legal control without constant physical presence.
Escrow as Infrastructure, Not Just a Service
At SRJ Legal, escrow is treated as legal infrastructure — a quiet but powerful framework that allows transactions to proceed smoothly, disputes to be minimised, and value to be preserved.
Clients do not engage SRJ for escrow to accelerate risk.
They engage SRJ to contain it — and then move forward confidently.
Closing Note
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Escrow arrangements are structured on a case-by-case basis, having regard to transaction specifics and applicable law.
