Senior Legal Counsel

Job Description

The Senior Legal Counsel provides strategic and operational legal support across the organization. This role ensures the company operates in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations, while proactively managing legal risk and safeguarding the organization’s reputation. The Senior Legal Counsel partners closely with senior leadership, provides expert legal guidance on complex matters, and contributes to the development of governance frameworks and business strategy.

• Provide expert, timely, and strategic legal advice to the organization on a broad range of legal topics impacting the business.  
• Lead the development and implementation of legal strategies, including risk mitigation and defense strategies aligned with business objectives.  
• Oversee and enhance internal governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate policies.  
• Identify, assess, and manage legal risks related to business operations, transactions, and strategic initiatives.  
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex agreements, contracts, and legal documents to protect the company’s interests.  
• Manage and oversee disputes and litigation matters, including developing case strategy, coordinating with external counsel, and ensuring effective resolution aligned with business objectives.
• Act as the primary liaison with external stakeholders, including regulators, authorities, and external legal counsel, building trusted relationships.  
• Provide leadership in handling complex, high-impact legal matters involving multiple stakeholders and jurisdictions.  
• Guide and mentor junior legal team members and contribute to capability development within the legal function.  
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and advise leadership on potential impacts to the organization.  
• Ensure clear communication of legal concepts and requirements across the organization to support informed decision-making. 
• Support mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and other strategic transactions. 
• Participate in cross-functional leadership initiatives and corporate governance committees. 
• Drive continuous improvement in legal processes, tools, and compliance frameworks.

Qualifications

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Juris Doctor (J.D.), or equivalent law degree.  
• Admission to practice law in at least one relevant jurisdiction. 

Experience

• Extensive experience (8+ years) in a senior legal role within an international corporate environment; experience in the Life Sciences industry is preferred.  
• Strong experience across commercial matters, M&A, employment, corporate compliance, corporate governance, and dispute resolution/litigation management.
• Extensive experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Strong knowledge of corporate law, regulatory frameworks, and compliance requirements.  
• Proven track record of managing complex legal matters and advising senior stakeholders.  
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement legal strategies aligned with business objectives.  
• Training in UK law would be considered an asset.

Special Skills

• High level of professional ethics, integrity, and sound judgment.  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex legal and business issues.  
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.  
• Leadership capability.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal. 

 

Additional Information