Corporate Legal Counsel

Job Overview:

The Corporate Legal Counsel plays a critical role in supporting the company's legal affairs, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and providing day-to-day legal counsel to management and business units. This role involves managing corporate governance, contract negotiations, intellectual property matters, and assisting in high-value corporate transactions, including mergers & acquisitions (M&A). The Corporate Legal Counsel will collaborate with senior management and other departments to mitigate legal risks and contribute to the achievement of the company's strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Legal Advisory & Strategic Support:

• Provide legal counsel to senior management and key departments on corporate law matters, including mergers & acquisitions (M&A), governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Offer guidance on complex legal issues impacting the business, including intellectual property, commercial contracts, and corporate strategy.
• Assist in the development and implementation of legal strategies to align with organizational goals.

2. Corporate Governance & Compliance:

• Support corporate governance practices, including drafting and reviewing corporate policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, such as securities laws, labor laws, and environmental regulations.
• Assist in the preparation and filing of annual reports, proxy statements, and other corporate compliance documents.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and internal stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate filings and submissions.

3. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A):

• Assist in managing the legal aspects of M&A transactions, including conducting legal due diligence, contract negotiations, and preparing legal documentation.
• Collaborate with external counsel and internal stakeholders to facilitate the smooth execution of M&A transactions.

4. Contract Negotiation & Management:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of corporate contracts, including vendor agreements, licensing agreements, partnership agreements, and commercial contracts.
• Ensure all contracts align with business objectives and comply with applicable laws.
• Maintain and update the company's contract management system, ensuring proper documentation and risk mitigation.

5. Litigation & Dispute Management:

• Provide legal guidance on litigation and disputes, including overseeing any ongoing legal matters related to contracts, intellectual property, and employment issues.
• Coordinate with external counsel to develop litigation strategies, manage costs, and ensure favorable outcomes for the company.

6. Corporate Secretarial & Corporate Housekeeping:

• Support corporate secretarial functions, ensuring compliance with corporate laws and regulations.
• Assist in maintaining corporate records, including board meeting minutes, resolutions, and other compliance documents.
• Ensure proper filing and maintenance of legal documents, including incorporations, amendments, and regulatory filings.

7. Risk Management & Legal Education:

• Assist in identifying and managing legal risks, including those related to intellectual property, employment law, data privacy, and cybersecurity.
• Work with the legal team and business units to mitigate risk exposure.
• Contribute to the development of company-wide policies on legal and regulatory issues, including conducting training on legal matters such as compliance, intellectual property, and contracts.

8. Team Collaboration & Leadership:

• Work closely with internal business teams, including finance, HR, and operations, to understand their needs and provide tailored legal support.
• Support the development and growth of junior legal staff, including the paralegal, creating a collaborative environment for the legal team.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Must be admitted to the bar.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of in-house legal experience, with a focus on corporate law, corporate governance, Mergers & Acquisition, and contract negotiation.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements is a plus.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, M&A, and contract law.
• Proven ability to draft and negotiate complex legal agreements.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into business-friendly language.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• High level of business acumen, with the ability to think strategically and align legal decisions with business objectives.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to proactively identify and mitigate legal risks.

Personal Attributes:

• A proactive and strategic thinker who is comfortable directing complex legal and business challenges.
• A strong communicator with the ability to work effectively with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced, dynamic environment, balancing legal needs with business objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capabilities in guiding and supporting different departments.