Lead Counsel-Europe

Our client, a global chemical company, is seeking an experienced lawyer to lead their European legal team. This role will manage a team of professionals and maintain responsibility for the delivery of legal services to all businesses and corporate functions in Europe. Based in the UK, you will collaborate with European business leaders in decision-making.

Responsibilities for this role include the following:

• Manage a team of European lawyers and other professionals to deliver quality legal services.
• Maintain compliance in the region, drive awareness of the company’s Code of Ethics, identify any non-compliance, provide aid and assistance in the investigation of any complaints in the region, and help develop plans to address any non-compliance in accordance with regional law.
• Provide legal and advisory services to various stakeholders on issues including general business law, corporate governance, commercial and corporate matters, employment matters, and data protection and privacy to safeguard and shield the interests of the organization.
• Supervise the drafting and vetting of various commercial and business agreements including Sub-contract Agreements, Work and Purchase Orders, Standard general terms and conditions for the region, Supply Agreements, Purchase and Agency Agreements, Infrastructure Sharing Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements and other Collaboration Agreements.
• Oversee risk analysis to provide legal opinions while drafting specific contracts or provisions to mitigate legal risks in the region.
• Manage litigation by pursuing, filing and defending civil and criminal litigation before courts and various other judicial and quasi-judicial authorities in the region, including arbitration proceedings.
• Supervise Claims and Litigation management in the region.

Applicants must have the following qualifications in order to be considered:

• LLB, GDL, or JD from a reputable law school (or foreign equivalent).
• Ten plus years of post-qualification experience, ideally with a mix of law firm and large multi-national manufacturing company.
• Experience managing a pan-European or multi-national team.
• Significant demonstration of high-level knowledge of European law and capability to expertly handle legal matters throughout Europe, with a special focus on the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Romania.
• Significant experience advising on complex legal issues and prior experience in complex M&A transactions, litigation management, employment matters, as well as claims and contract management.
• Ability to practice law in English is required. Ability to speak French will be favorably considered.