Legal Counsel

Job Description

Maximus India is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to provide strategic and operational legal support across employment law, contract management, company secretarial work, and third-party risk management. The Legal Counsel will split their time between providing direct legal support to Maximus India and supporting Maximus global entities with contract review and negotiation work. The role requires a proactive, business-focused legal professional who can work independently and manage external legal firms effectively. Key Responsibilities: 1. Employment Law and External Legal Firm Management • Provide legal advice and support on employment-related matters for Maximus India on a case-by-case basis. • Manage and oversee the work of external legal firms engaged through retainer-ship for employment legal support. • Act as the point of contact for all employment-related legal issues, including employee disputes, disciplinary actions, and employment contract reviews. • Ensure employment policies and procedures comply with Indian labor laws and Maximus corporate standards. 2. Company Secretarial Support • Oversee and monitor the work of Pierian, the third-party vendor providing company secretarial support. • Ensure compliance with Companies Act and other applicable regulations related to board meetings, resolutions, filings, and statutory disclosures. • Provide legal support in drafting and reviewing company secretarial documents, including minutes, resolutions, and annual returns. 3. Legal Contracting and Negotiations • Lead and support the review, drafting, and negotiation of contracts for: • Vendors and outsourcing partners • CSR partners and recruiting agencies • Other service providers supporting Maximus India • Assess and mitigate third-party risks by conducting legal due diligence and advising on terms and conditions. • Ensure contracts comply with internal policies and regulatory requirements while safeguarding Maximus India’s interests. 4. Global Contracting Support • Provide legal contracting support for other Maximus global entities on a need basis. • Review and advise on terms of contracts with third-party service providers, clients, and partners. • Recommend negotiation strategies and draft suggested terms to strengthen contract positions for Maximus global operations. • Contribute to the development of a global contract review capability out of Maximus India, including creating playbooks and guidelines for consistent contract review. 5. Risk Management and Compliance • Identify and mitigate legal and contractual risks associated with business operations and third-party engagements. • Develop and implement frameworks to monitor compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. • Advise internal stakeholders on legal implications of business decisions and provide solutions to minimize risk. 6. Stakeholder Management • Act as a trusted advisor to the senior management team on legal matters. • Work closely with the finance, HR, procurement, and operations teams to align legal support with business priorities. • Manage relationships with external legal firms to ensure timely and cost-effective legal support. Qualifications and Experience • LL.B. from a recognized university; LL.M. preferred. • Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in corporate law, employment law, and contract negotiation. • Experience working in an **in-house legal team