Legal Counsel

Job Objective/s

The job holder provides legal advice intended to reduce and control legal risks in a variety of areas including legal compliance, commercial contracts, accounting and finance, purchasing contracts, human resource and administration, litigation, and a variety of other generalists areas to satisfy MThermal Power Plant Operations' legal and business objectives.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Legal Counsel shall perform the following duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Legal Operations Head.

Legal Advisory

1. Provide legal advice on legal issues affecting the operations of the power generation plants of MThermal.
2. Provide legal protection and risk management advice to management especially on contract management.
3. Provide and interpret legal information and disseminate appropriate legal action to the Head.
4. Prepare written opinions and legal memoranda on legal issues assigned by Head for legal study.
5. Provide legal support to other departments in resolving legal issues and concerns.
6. Review and advise management on legal implications of internal policies and procedures.
7. Give information or advice on recent laws, rules and regulations, and jurisprudence that may affect the operations or interests of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Legal Compliance

1. Assist in the filing of the necessary applications for approval of permits and government registrations with various government agencies, such as but not limited to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Board of Investments (BOI).
2. Liaise with judicial, quasi-judicial, and other government agencies on legal and regulatory matters.

Litigation Management

1. Review and update Head on the progress of outstanding litigation.
2. Maintain close coordination with external lawyers on the progress of outstanding litigation.
3. Liaise with and manage external lawyers and tax counsel.
4. Review drafts of pleadings, contracts, briefs, protest letters, of external counsel prior to filing with the appropriate courts, quasi-judicial agencies, government agencies.
5. Maintain and update litigation case files.

Contract and Document Preparation and Review

1. Review and draft contracts, agreements, and other documents and ensure that these are in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
2. Review contracts or any other documentation in which the Company or its subsidiaries has committed itself and assess legal implications that need to be brought to Management's attention.
3. Prepare, review, and modify contractual instruments to assist and support various business activities.
4. Prepare such other legal documents necessary to record, preserve, promote, defend or advance the interests of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Administrative Duties

1. Provide continuous leadership and supervision of department staff ensuring an effective and motivated team.
2. Liaise with the HRD in conducting performance appraisals and ensure competency and training gaps are addressed within the Legal Department.
3. Ensure submission of documents needed for IMS Certification.
4. Assist the HRD and management in personnel discipline and administrative cases.
5. Perform such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Head.

Position Requirements (Basic Qualifications)

Educational Background:  Juris Doctor (JD); Bar Passer

Work Experience: At least two (2) years experience in a law office, or equivalent experience in government or other private company, ideally with relevant experience in corporate law, litigation, and in the energy industry

Specialization/Licenses: Licensed to practise law in the Philippines

Others:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strength in the following competencies: adaptability; comfort around higher management, detail-oriented mindset
• Ability to multitask
• Computer literate and tech savvy