In-house Legal Counsel (India)

Knowing there is something better – kicking the status quo

You think being in law, either in a law firm or in a corporate/professional environment, doesn’t mean that you have to work long and crazy hours with work continuing to be plied on to you without thought.

You think that respect and seniority should be earned through merit and constant relevancy, not just afforded because one is as old as the building.

You think that you can have a life while balancing meaningful work that provokes you, working in an environment that is nurturing.

You want to expand your thinking beyond the boundaries of geography and the status quo.

What you want + How we operate

You enjoy being in the legal arena, delving into the details and the elements of governance, compliance, contracts, and agreements, but you don’t enjoy working in an environment where you feel exhausted with the never-ending tidal wave of work coming your way. You have no time to breathe, let alone spend time with your family or yourself. You feel like you’re stuck with no ability to learn, grow, travel, or explore.

You want to feel like you belong to a purpose, not just exist as a cog in a machine. You want to have human connections, not just transactional ones.

We are looking for someone who wants to utilize their mind to work in a smart and diligent manner. We are looking for someone who wants sanity and balance in their lives.

We provide you with a platform to both do and learn. Regarding “doing”, we consider your existing workload before deliverables on new projects are determined. If required, we collaborate with you to deliver in a manageable manner. Time is also provided to understand situations and explore new areas to better enable you to deliver more valuable solutions and to hone your mind.

We interact with you as a human; We value your inputs and thoughts; We want to know what’s in and on your mind. You want to know how to push the limits of your imagination, even though imagination and the legal sphere generally don’t exist in the same sentence. You understand the nuances of being creative within the framework of the rules of the law, and you’ve longed to showcase your thoughts and solutions that live in the space between these worlds.

This position is critical in ensuring legal compliance, managing corporate governance, and supporting the executive team in legal and regulatory matters. You will be responsible for overseeing the legal aspects of the business.

What we look for

Our foundations are based on our key principles – Please see the full description of the key principles at the end of the job description. A keen understanding of them will be required, and you will be asked to recall them if you are shortlisted.

1. Being Open

2. Being Transparent

  • A. OPENNESS
  • B. HONESTY
  • C. CLARITY
  • D. ACCOUNTABILITY

3. Being Diligent

4. Being Responsible

5. Being Mature

Who you are

  • You embody our key principles and characteristics.
  • You are a self-starter who can understand and connect with stakeholder pains, both internal and external.
  • You are smart, confident, assertive, and humble, and always willing to teach and learn.
  • Details matter to you, and that applies in all facets of your life.
  • You are organized, recognize the sequence of priorities, and are able to deliver accordingly.
  • You are comfortable working independently, together with the team, or within teams in an allocated internal or external stakeholder location.
  • Able to confidently travel to international destinations
  • A mix of empathy and pragmatism, leaning slightly towards empathy

Key Responsibilities:

In-House Counsel Responsibilities:

  • Corporate Governance and Compliance:
    • Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.
    • Provide legal guidance on corporate governance matters, including board meetings, corporate filings, and shareholder relations.
    • Draft, review, and maintain corporate documents such as by-laws, resolutions, and minutes.
  • Contract Drafting and Negotiation:
    • Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial contracts, including supplier agreements, service contracts, partnership agreements, and NDAs.
    • Advise on legal terms and conditions, ensuring they protect the company portfolio’s interests.
    • Collaborate with business units and external counsel to address legal needs where required.
  • Litigation and Dispute Resolution:
    • Manage and oversee any litigation, arbitration, or dispute resolution processes.
    • Work with external counsel as needed to protect the company portfolio’s legal interests.
    • Provide strategic advice on resolving disputes and minimising legal risks.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions:
    • Assist in due diligence, negotiation, and documentation for mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions.
    • Provide legal advice on deal structuring and compliance with relevant laws.
    • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to manage transaction processes.
  • Employment Law:
    • Provide legal advice on employment-related matters, including contracts, disputes, and regulatory compliance.
    • Support HR in managing employee relations and resolving workplace issues.
    • Ensure compliance with labour laws and employment regulations.
  • Intellectual Property Management:
    • Advise on the protection and management of the company’s intellectual property rights.
    • Review and draft IP-related agreements, such as licensing and confidentiality agreements.
    • Manage IP portfolios in collaboration with external IP counsel.

Key Relationships

Management, Human Resources, Finance and Operations teams

Qualifications and Experience

  • Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree from an accredited institution.
  • Admission to the bar in the relevant jurisdiction.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate law.
  • Strong knowledge of corporate governance, contract law, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance.

Skills and Competencies

  • Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage complex legal matters independently and as part of a team.
  • High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism in handling confidential information.
  • Proficiency in legal research tools, productivity, and company secretarial software.

What we offer:

  • Salary: INR 1,000,000 – INR 1,500,000 per annum
  • Remote work
  • Health Insurance allowance
  • End of year paid time off of 2 weeks
  • End of year bonus equivalent to half of a month’s salary
  • High-speed internet allowance
  • Co-working allowance
  • Plus more
Apply

Key Principles – An explanation

1. Being Open

The phrase “being open” can have various meanings depending on the context. As an Adjective and in an interpersonal context:

1. Receptive or Willing to Consider New Ideas:

  • MEANING: WILLING TO LISTEN TO, CONSIDER, OR ACCEPT DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS OR EXPERIENCES.
  • EXAMPLE: “SHE IS OPEN TO TRYING NEW CUISINES.” ; “BEING OPEN-MINDED CAN LEAD TO PERSONAL GROWTH.”

2. Transparent and Honest:

  • MEANING: BEING CANDID AND STRAIGHTFORWARD IN COMMUNICATION; NOT HIDING ANYTHING.
  • EXAMPLE: “HE WAS OPEN ABOUT HIS FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS.”

3. Open Communication:

  • MEANING: ENGAGING IN HONEST AND TRANSPARENT DIALOGUE.
  • EXAMPLE: “OPEN COMMUNICATION IS CRUCIAL IN ANY RELATIONSHIP.”

In summary, “being open” can describe a state of receptiveness, transparency, accessibility, flexibility, or honesty, depending on the situation.

2. Transparent

The phrase “being transparent” generally means being open, honest, and clear in communication and actions. It involves sharing information freely and being straightforward about intentions, decisions, and processes. Here are some detailed aspects of what it means to be transparent:

1. Clarity and Openness:

  • MEANING: COMMUNICATING IN A WAY THAT IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND LEAVES NO ROOM FOR MISINTERPRETATION.
  • EXAMPLE: “THE COMPANY WAS TRANSPARENT ABOUT ITS FINANCIAL STATUS WITH ITS EMPLOYEES.”

2. Honesty and Integrity:

  • MEANING : BEING TRUTHFUL AND NOT HIDING ANY RELEVANT FACTS OR INFORMATION.
  • EXAMPLE : “HE WAS TRANSPARENT ABOUT HIS PAST MISTAKES DURING THE INTERVIEW.”

3. Visibility and Accessibility:

  • MEANING : MAKING INFORMATION READILY AVAILABLE AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO THOSE WHO NEED OR HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW.
  • EXAMPLE : “THE GOVERNMENT PLEDGED TO BE TRANSPARENT BY PUBLISHING ALL PUBLIC SPENDING REPORTS ONLINE.”

IN SPECIFIC CONTEXTS:

1. In Business and Organizations:

  • MEANING : PROVIDING CLEAR AND HONEST INFORMATION ABOUT BUSINESS OPERATIONS, DECISIONS, AND FINANCIAL MATTERS TO STAKEHOLDERS.
  • EXAMPLE : “TRANSPARENT BUSINESSES BUILD TRUST WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS AND INVESTORS.”

2. In Personal Relationships:

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Openness:

  • SHARING INFORMATION FREELY WITHOUT WITHHOLDING ANYTHING THAT MIGHT BE IMPORTANT.

2. Honesty:

  • BEING TRUTHFUL AND STRAIGHTFORWARD IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS.

3. Clarity:

  • MEANING : BEING OPEN AND HONEST ABOUT ONE’S FEELINGS, INTENTIONS, AND ACTIONS.
  • EXAMPLE : “A TRANSPARENT RELATIONSHIP IS BUILT ON MUTUAL TRUST AND OPEN COMMUNICATION.”
  • PROVIDING INFORMATION IN A CLEAR AND UNDERSTANDABLE MANNER, AVOIDING AMBIGUITY.

4. Accountability:

  • BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR ONE’S ACTIONS AND BEING WILLING TO EXPLAIN THEM.
  • EXAMPLE SENTENCES:
    • “THE MANAGER WAS TRANSPARENT ABOUT THE REASONS BEHIND THE LAYOFFS.”
    • “A TRANSPARENT PROCESS HELPS TO AVOID MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND BUILDS TRUST.“

In summary, being transparent means being open, honest, clear, and accountable in communication and actions, ensuring that relevant information is easily accessible and understandable.

3. Diligent

The word “diligent” is an adjective that describes someone who is careful and persistent in their work or efforts. It implies a sense of thoroughness, attention to detail, and consistent hard work.

  • MEANING – SHOWING CARE AND CONSCIENTIOUSNESS IN ONE’S DUTIES OR WORK.
  • USAGE – TYPICALLY USED TO DESCRIBE A PERSON WHO WORKS HARD AND PUTS A LOT OF EFFORT INTO THEIR TASKS, CONSISTENTLY STRIVING FOR ACCURACY AND QUALITY.
  • EXAMPLE – “SHE WAS A DILIGENT STUDENT, ALWAYS COMPLETING HER ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME AND PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO EVERY DETAIL.”IN SUMMARY, A DILIGENT PERSON IS ONE WHO IS DEDICATED, ATTENTIVE, AND HARD-WORKING.

4. Responsible

The word “responsible” is an adjective that describes someone who has the duty or obligation to deal with something or someone, and who is reliable and trustworthy in fulfilling those obligations. Here is a more detailed definition:

  • MEANING(S)
  • 1. HAVING AN OBLIGATION TO DO SOMETHING AS PART OF A JOB OR ROLE.
  • 2. BEING THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF SOMETHING AND SO ABLE TO BE BLAMED OR CREDITED FOR IT.
  • 3. CAPABLE OF BEING TRUSTED TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT OR TO DO THE THINGS THAT ARE EXPECTED OR REQUIRED.
  • USAGE – USED TO DESCRIBE A PERSON WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND DUTIES, AND WHO CAN BE TRUSTED TO HANDLE TASKS AND MAKE DECISIONS RELIABLY.
  • EXAMPLE(S)
  • “SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THE PROJECT AND ENSURING IT IS COMPLETED ON TIME.”
  • “HE WAS FOUND RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCIDENT.”
  • “A RESPONSIBLE PERSON ALWAYS KEEPS THEIR PROMISES AND MEETS THEIR COMMITMENTS.”

In summary, being responsible means being accountable, dependable, and trustworthy in fulfilling one’s duties and obligations.

5. Mature

The word “mature” can be used as both an adjective and a verb, with slightly different meanings in each case. Here are the definitions for the use case of an Adjective:

1. Emotionally or Mentally Developed:

  • MEANING: HAVING OR SHOWING THE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL QUALITIES OF AN ADULT; BEHAVING IN A SENSIBLE AND RESPONSIBLE WAY.
  • EXAMPLE – “SHE IS VERY MATURE FOR HER AGE, ALWAYS HANDLING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS CALMLY.”

2. Considered and Thoughtful:

  • MEANING: MADE AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION; SHOWING CAREFUL THOUGHT.
  • EXAMPLE: “HE MADE A MATURE DECISION AFTER WEIGHING ALL THE OPTIONS.”

In summary, as an adjective, “mature” can refer to the state of being fully developed, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally.