Key Responsibilities:
Legal Advisory:
- Provide clear, practical, and commercial legal advice to internal stakeholders on a variety of legal matters, including but not limited to contracts, commercial agreements, corporate governance, intellectual property, labor law, and dispute resolution.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior management and various departments, assisting them in making informed decisions and mitigating legal risks.
- Provide guidance on legal implications for business decisions and initiatives, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Contract Drafting and Negotiation:
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts and agreements, including sales agreements, vendor contracts, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), partnership agreements, and service agreements.
- Ensure that all contracts and agreements are legally sound, align with company policies, and protect the organization's interests.
- Advise on and ensure the proper documentation of business transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate structures.
Corporate Governance and Compliance:
- Ensure the organization's operations comply with relevant local, national, and international laws and regulations.
- Advise on corporate governance matters, including board meetings, shareholder agreements, and compliance with corporate laws.
- Develop and implement internal legal policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance across the business.
- Conduct regular compliance audits and provide training to employees on legal and regulatory requirements.
Dispute Resolution and Litigation:
- Manage and oversee legal disputes and litigation, including working with external counsel when necessary.
- Provide proactive legal support to minimize the risk of disputes and claims, including reviewing potential legal risks in business operations.
- Represent the company in negotiations or settlement discussions related to disputes and litigation.
Intellectual Property Protection:
- Advise on the protection of intellectual property (IP), including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
- Assist in the registration of intellectual property rights and the enforcement of IP protections.
- Advise on licensing agreements, joint ventures, and collaborations related to intellectual property.
Risk Management:
- Identify and assess legal risks associated with the company's activities and business decisions.
- Develop risk management strategies and advise on mitigation measures for legal and regulatory risks.
- Provide guidance on insurance, liability, and risk exposure across various business functions.
Employment and Labor Law:
- Advise on employment law issues, including employee relations, contracts, terminations, disputes, and labor disputes.
- Ensure compliance with labor laws, including workplace policies, benefits, compensation, and employee rights.
- Assist HR with drafting and reviewing employee handbooks, contracts, and workplace policies.
Training and Development:
- Conduct legal training and awareness sessions for internal teams on topics such as contract management, compliance, intellectual property, and other legal areas.
- Assist in the development and implementation of legal training materials for employees.
General Legal Administration:
- Maintain and organize legal documentation and records, ensuring they are up-to-date and in compliance with relevant regulations.
- Provide support in managing external legal counsel and coordinating with external parties as needed.
- Keep the organization updated on changes in laws and regulations that may affect the business.
Qualifications:
- Education: Juris Doctor (JD) or LLB from a recognized institution.
- License/Certification: Admission to the bar (or equivalent) and ability to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction.
- Experience: 5+ years of legal experience, preferably as in-house counsel or in a law firm specializing in corporate, commercial, or contract law.
Skills:
- Strong legal research and writing skills.
- Experience with drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, corporate governance, and compliance matters.
- Knowledge of intellectual property laws, labor laws, and dispute resolution processes.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues in a clear and concise manner.
- Ability to manage multiple legal matters and work effectively under pressure.
- Strong negotiation skills and experience handling legal disputes.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
