Corporate Legal Counsel

The Corporate Legal Counsel – Corporate Compliance will play a critical role in advising senior management and ensuring the company's compliance with government regulations. This position provides strategic legal counsel across labor, environmental, tax, and property matters. The role involves managing regulatory risks, overseeing legal filings and audits, and representing the company in government-related legal proceedings. The Legal Counsel will collaborate with internal teams to implement compliance strategies that minimize legal exposure and support the company's operational goals.

1. Legal Advisory & Strategic Support

• Provide legal counsel on compliance with labor standards, environmental laws, tax regulations, and property registration requirements.
• Advise on complex legal issues affecting business operations.
• Develop strategies to align operations with government compliance obligations.

2. Compliance & Labor Relations

• Ensure compliance with DOLE regulations including wages, benefits, work hours, occupational health and safety, and employee rights.
• Advise HR and management on employment contracts and labor disputes.
• Draft and update employment policies in accordance with labor laws.
• Represent the company during DOLE inspections, hearings, and investigations.

3. Environmental Compliance

• Ensure operations comply with DENR regulations on waste management, pollution control, and resource use.
• Advise on environmental legal risks and sustainability standards.
• Support DENR audits and address potential violations.

4. Tax & Financial Compliance

• Oversee compliance with BIR regulations including income tax, VAT, and withholding taxes.
• Advise on tax risks and strategic planning.
• Represent the company in BIR audits and disputes, coordinating with external tax advisors.

5. Property & Real Estate Compliance

• Manage legal compliance for property transactions, registrations, and ownership documentation.
• Ensure adherence to land use laws and zoning regulations.
• Draft and review property-related contracts including deeds, leases, and joint ventures.

6. Government Filings, Reporting & Documentation

• Ensure timely and accurate submission of all government-required filings.
• Prepare and review legal documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Coordinate with HR, Finance, and Operations to gather necessary documentation.

7. Legal Dispute Management with Government Agencies

• Handle legal disputes, claims, and audits involving government entities.
• Represent the company in hearings and legal proceedings.
• Collaborate with external counsel to develop defense strategies and negotiate settlements.

8. Risk Management & Compliance Mitigation

• Identify and mitigate legal risks related to regulatory non-compliance.
• Keep leadership informed of emerging legal and regulatory changes.
• Develop and implement compliance policies and risk management programs.

9. Training & Legal Education

• Conduct training programs on government regulations for internal teams.
• Provide ongoing legal education on labor, environmental, and tax compliance.

10. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Engagement

• Work closely with internal departments to ensure regulatory alignment.
• Maintain strong relationships with government agencies.
• Serve as the primary contact for legal compliance matters.

Education

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

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of in-house legal experience focused on government compliance (DOLE, DENR, BIR, RD)
• Proven expertise in labor, environmental, tax, and property compliance
• Experience representing companies in audits, inspections, and legal proceedings

Skills

• Deep knowledge of DOLE, DENR, BIR, and RD regulations
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Advanced legal research, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Personal Attributes

• Proactive legal thinker with sound judgment
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to foster a culture of compliance across the organization
• Resilient and adaptable under pressure