Legal Manager / Senior Legal Counsel

Job Summary:

Key Responsibilities:

Contract Management:

• Drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements, including but not limited to:
• Master Service Agreements (MSAs).
• Vendor/Procurement Contracts.
• Sales and Customer Agreements.
• Partnership and Collaboration Agreements.
• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Licensing Agreements (IPR, Technology, Software).
• Employment Contracts.
• Lease Agreements.
• Ensuring contracts are legally sound, align with business objectives, and mitigate risks.
• Developing and maintaining contract templates and legal documentation.

Legal Advisory:

• Providing timely, accurate, and practical legal advice to various internal departments (e.g., Sales, Marketing, HR, Finance, Operations, Product Development) on a broad spectrum of legal issues.
• Conducting thorough legal research and analysis on complex legal matters, staying abreast of changes in relevant laws and regulations (e.g., corporate law, contract law, intellectual property, data privacy, employment law, consumer protection).
• Identifying and proactively advising on potential legal risks and implications of business strategies and operational activities, proposing effective mitigation plans.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution:

• Managing and overseeing all aspects of litigation (civil, criminal, commercial, arbitration matters) from inception to resolution.
• Coordinating effectively with internal stakeholders, external counsel, and arbitrators / mediators.
• Reviewing pleadings, conducting independent research to support cases, advising the business on settlements/disputes, and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Responding to legal notices, government inquiries, and regulatory requests.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Developing, implementing, and enforcing company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal guidelines.
• Conducting legal audits and assessments to identify compliance gaps and recommend corrective actions.
• Promoting a culture of legal and ethical compliance throughout the organization through training and awareness programs.
• Assisting with corporate governance matters, including board resolutions and maintaining corporate records.

Intellectual Property (IP) Management:

• Advising on intellectual property rights (trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets).
• Managing the company's IP portfolio and protecting its intellectual assets.
• Drafting and reviewing cease and desist notices and other communications related to IP infringement.

Stakeholder Management:

• Building and maintaining strong professional relationships with internal business units and senior management.
• Effectively communicating complex legal issues and risks in clear, concise, and business-friendly terms to non-legal colleagues.
• Managing relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective representation.

Team Contribution:

• Contributing to the development and enhancement of the legal team's knowledge, processes, and systems.
• Mentoring and guiding junior legal professionals, if applicable.
• Preparing monthly and quarterly reports for management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or equivalent degree from a recognized university. A Master of Laws (LL.M.) qualification is a plus.
• Enrolled with the Bar Council of India and in good standing.
• 8-10 years of Post Qualification Experience (PQE) in a reputable law firm or an in-house legal department of a well-established company. Experience combining both is highly desirable.
• Proven expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide array of commercial contracts.
• Strong understanding of Indian corporate law, contract law, intellectual property laws, labor laws, and data privacy regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in litigation management and dispute resolution.
• Excellent legal research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

What We Offer:

• A challenging and rewarding role within a dynamic and growing organization.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and impactful legal matters.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package (commensurate with experience).