Manager - Litigation (4-8 yrs)

Summary:

The Litigation Manager will be a key legal professional responsible for managing and mitigating the company's legal risks through effective litigation strategies and expert legal counsel. This role demands a proactive individual with a deep understanding of Indian and potentially APAC legal frameworks, particularly in employment law, contract disputes, and NCLT matters. The Litigation Manager will provide strategic legal advice, manage litigation processes, conduct internal investigations, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Responsibilities:

Litigation Strategy and Management:

- Identify and analyze legal issues, develop comprehensive litigation strategies, and provide strategic legal guidance to minimize risk and achieve favorable outcomes.

- Manage all phases of litigation, from pre-litigation investigation and negotiation to trial and appeals.

- Draft, review, and file legal documents, including petitions, applications, appeals, execution petitions, legal notices, and settlement agreements.

- Represent the company in court, arbitration, and quasi-judicial proceedings, and effectively argue cases.

- Monitor and manage external legal counsel, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality of service.

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all litigation matters.

Contractual and Commercial Disputes:

- Assist in resolving contractual disputes, providing legal advice on contract interpretation, and negotiating settlements.

- Advise on risk exposure related to commercial transactions and business operations.

Employment Law and Labor Relations:

- Provide expert guidance on Indian and APAC employment law, covering the full employment lifecycle (hiring, employment, termination).

- Handle conciliations and labor court matters, effectively representing the company's interests.

- Conduct and support internal investigations related to HR matters, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

- Develop and deliver training programs on statutory and labor compliance, and provide updates on recent litigation outcomes.

- Advise on employment law matters specific to the staffing industry (if applicable).

NCLT Matters:

- Manage legal aspects of NCLT proceedings, including drafting and filing applications, representing the company in hearings, and advising on insolvency and bankruptcy matters.

Compliance and Risk Management:

- Conduct internal investigations and prepare detailed reports.

- Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.

- Identify and mitigate potential legal risks across the organization.

- Provide guidance on internal investigations in HR-related matters for India and other APAC countries as assigned.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication:

- Partner with internal stakeholders, including finance, operations, business, and sales teams, to ensure alignment on legal matters and company policies.

- Provide clear and concise legal advice to non-legal personnel.

- Train clients/stakeholders and business groups as needed on employment law topics of importance.

- Effectively communicate legal strategies and risks to senior management.

- Be proficient in partnering with clients to provide practical solutions while mitigating risk.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) required; Master's degree (LLM) preferred.

- Years of experience in litigation, preferably in a corporate setting or law firm.

- Extensive knowledge of Indian and potentially APAC legal frameworks, particularly in employment law, contract law, and NCLT matters.

- Proven experience in handling litigation, arbitration, and conciliation proceedings.

- Strong drafting and negotiation skills.

- Excellent communication and presentation skills.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.

- Experience in advising on employment law matters/staffing industry is an advantage.

- Key competencies include a mindset of continuous improvement, multitasking abilities, and ability to smoothly navigate a matrixed organization.