Legal & Compliance Coordinator (Philippines)

At Nisje and Paloform, we build brands and businesses that combine timeless design with clear thinking. We value simplicity over jargon, purpose over process, and people who take initiative over those who wait to be told what to do. Our brands are uncompromising in quality but straightforward in approach. That requires the same from our people.

Knowing There Is a Better Way

You believe legal work doesn’t have to be cold, bureaucratic, or disconnected from purpose. You understand that structure matters—but people and clarity matter more. You want your legal expertise to support ventures that value design, authenticity, and excellence.

We’re looking for someone who brings sharp thinking, strong execution, and a no-nonsense approach to legal and compliance work. You don’t need to be a lawyer. You do need to be someone who can read critically, research thoroughly, and communicate clearly. Your role is to support our legal and operational functions by crafting smart documentation, coordinating with external counsel, and helping us stay on top of what matters — without bureaucracy.

This role is perfect for someone based in the Philippines, who has experience with legal documentation, a high bar for clarity,
and a bias for action.

Who You Are

  • You are a clear thinker and a clear communicator. Your spoken and written English is precise, concise, and confident —
  • You can comprehend and decipher legal or technical content quickly.
  • You are assertive without being overbearing. You contribute thoughtfully, and you know when to listen instead of filling the
    space.
  • You have strong professional judgment. You do not default to agreement to avoid discomfort; you bring your own point of
    view and back it with reasoning.
  • You do deep, thorough research and present it cleanly.
  • You thrive in environments where processes evolve and where initiative is valued over hierarchy.
  • You see compliance as a means to enable good business, not an end in itself.
  • You respect that excellence requires both high standards and pragmatism.
  • You are organised, resourceful, and don’t need to be micromanaged.
  • You can handle ambiguity, shift gears quickly, and always stay focused on the outcome.
  • You care about timelines and are naturally proactive.
  • You know how to be a strong support without acting like a follower

What You’ll Do

Governance and Compliance

  • Ensure that Nisje and its affiliated companies comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
  • Draft, review, and maintain corporate governance documents including resolutions, by-laws, board minutes, and filings.
  • Provide clear, actionable guidance on corporate structure, tax intersections, and jurisdictional considerations.

Contract Management

  • Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts (supplier, customer, partnership, employment, NDA).
  • Ensure contract terms are protective of the company’s interests while also being commercially practical.
  • Manage contract lifecycles—renewals, amendments, and compliance tracking.

Dispute Management

  • Work closely with external counsel to protect company interests.
  • Provide calm, strategic advice on resolving disputes efficiently.

Intellectual Property

  • Support protection, management, and enforcement of the company’s intellectual property.
  • Draft and review licensing and confidentiality agreements.

Employment Law

  • Advise on employment contracts, disputes, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support HR in addressing workplace issues with maturity and fairness.

Business Partnership

  • Serve as an accessible, reliable legal partner to leaders across the business.
  • Bring a mindset of problem-solving, not problem-spotting.
  • Help simplify and streamline documentation systems.
  • Track legal requests and workflows in a consistent, accountable way.
  • Provide written guidance, summaries, or flags for action after analyzing a situation thoroughly.
  • Any other relevant responsibilities that may be assigned to you

You Might Have

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience as a lawyer, paralegal, compliance officer, or legal admin.
  • Prior work in startups, BPOs, legal services, or international firms.
  • Exposure to contract work, cross-border documentation, or research-heavy roles.

What Matters Most

  • We care less about your title, more about how you think.
  • We’re not looking for someone who just follows instructions. We’re looking for someone who figures things out, asks smart questions, and writes clearly and confidently.

How We Work

We are not corporate in the traditional sense. We value:

  • Direct, constructive communication.
  • Self-direction and accountability over micromanagement.
  • Judging ideas by merit, not by titles or volume.
  • Continuous improvement—our processes evolve as we grow.

Our environment suits people who are adaptable, intellectually curious, and comfortable with healthy debate. If you prefer a rigid hierarchy or expect fixed playbooks, this is likely not the right fit.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume along with a short cover note explaining:

  1. A situation where you constructively disagreed with a colleague or leader, and how you handled it.
  2. An example of how you adapted to a new or evolving process in your work.
  3. Tell us about a time you had to work through something complex or unclear, and how you figured it out.

Keep it short, but show us how you think

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys being trusted to handle important details, who doesn’t wait around to be told what to do, and who knows how to stay calm while getting things done — we’d love to meet you.

Key Relationships

Management, Human Resources, Finance and Operations teams

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.