Position Summary
We are seeking a mid-level In-House Legal Counsel to manage a broad portfolio of legal matters with a primary focus on Customs, Civil & Criminal Litigation, Policy Formulation, Asset/Property, Patents and Trusts. The role requires an agile and self-driven professional capable of independently handling end-to-end legal responsibilities while partnering with cross-functional teams, government authorities, and external counsel.
Key Responsibilities
I. Customs & Indirect Tax Legal Management
- Handle all customs-related legal matters, including classification disputes, valuation, exemption notifications, and compliance under applicable import/export regulations.
- Assist Legal Head for matters before Customs, DRI, CESTAT, and other quasi-judicial authorities.
- Liaise with internal teams (SCM, finance, compliance) to ensure adherence to customs laws and manage audits or investigations.
- Draft and review documentation related to imports, bonded warehouses, and export incentives.
II. Litigation Management (Civil & Criminal)
- Independently manage civil and criminal litigation across jurisdictions, from notice stage to final disposal.
- Coordinate with external counsel, review pleadings, affidavits, and evidence, and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Develop and execute litigation strategy and maintain a litigation tracker.
- Ensure timely filings and responses to all legal notices and summons.
III. Policy Formulation & Compliance Framework
- Draft, review, and update company-wide legal and compliance policies (including data privacy, ESG policies and other governance frameworks).
- Conduct legal risk assessments and implement measures to minimize exposure.
- Ensure organizational alignment with relevant laws and regulatory updates.
IV. Asset, Property & Real Estate Legal Matters
- Draft, review, and negotiate property agreements, including leases, licenses, sale deeds, and MoUs.
- Conduct title due diligence and manage registration, stamp duty, and encumbrance processes.
- Advise on disputes relating to land acquisition, encroachment, or tenancy.
V. Intellectual Property & Patents
- Manage the company's patent portfolio, including filing, prosecution, renewals, and enforcement.
- Liaise with patent agents and ensure IP protection strategies align with business objectives.
- Advise business teams on confidentiality and IP ownership clauses in R&D and vendor contracts.
VI. Trusts and Related Legal Affairs
- Provide legal support for company-managed trusts, CSR foundations, or employee benefit trusts.
- Draft and review trust deeds, amendments, and compliance documentation.
- Ensure trust-related activities adhere to applicable regulatory and governance frameworks.
Qualifications & Experience
- LL.B. from a reputed institution (LL.M. preferred).
- 5-7 years of post-qualification experience, ideally in a large corporate legal department or a law firm with exposure to customs, litigation, and corporate advisory.
- Strong understanding of Customs Act, IPC, CrPC, CPC, Solar Industry Regulations, and property-related legislations.
- Proven ability to handle end-to-end litigation and multi-domain legal issues independently.
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- High degree of professional ethics, integrity, and attention to detail.
- Ability to work autonomously while managing multiple priorities.
- Strategic and solution-oriented approach to legal problem-solving.
(ref:iimjobs.com)
