Lead Counsel

Job Overview:
As a Lead Counsel, you will support the Group Legal function across a wide range of matters. You will work closely with the Group Lead Counsel, and other senior leaders to ensure the company’s legal compliance, manage risks, and enable sustainable business growth. This is a handson role where you will gain broad exposure to cross-border legal and compliance issues.
Key Responsibilities
1. Legal Support & Advisory
o Provide timely and practical legal advice to business units, including Finance, Supply Chain, Sales, IT, HR, R&D, and Marketing.
o Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda on relevant issues.
o Monitor legal and regulatory developments and assist in advising internal stakeholders.
o Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts and agreements, including NDAs, distribution agreements, supply and manufacturing agreements, licensing agreements, and service agreements.
o Support corporate development activities such as M&A, including due diligence and coordination with external counsel.
2. Compliance & Risk Management
o Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of compliance policies and procedures.
o Support compliance audits, training, and risk assessments.
3. Corporate Governance & Dispute Resolution
o Assist with the corporate governance for global entities, preparation of board and shareholder meeting documents, including drafting minutes.
o Support dispute resolution, litigation, and arbitration matters in collaboration with external counsel.
4. Other Matters
o Support intellectual property and brand protection work on an as-needed basis, in coordination with senior counsel and external advisors.
o Liaise with external legal counsel, auditors, and consultants to ensure smooth legal operations.
o Contribute to building awareness of legal and compliance best practices across the organization.
Qualifications and Skills
• Law degree (LLB or JD) from a reputable law school, with an educational background in a common law jurisdiction (e.g., US, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia). Candidates with a China law school background must also hold an additional overseas qualification (e.g., LLM, JD, and/or bar admission in a common law jurisdiction).
• 8-10 years of post-admission experience in a reputable law firm and/or as in-house counsel (MNC experience preferred).
• Solid foundation in corporate and commercial law, with exposure to compliance and dispute resolution.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, supply, or distribution businesses is an advantage.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proficient in English (both written and spoken).
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel as required.