Shiprocket - Associate Director - Legal - LLB/LLM (10-15 yrs)

ROLE OVERVIEW :

We are seeking an experienced legal Counsel who will support legal and regulatory matters, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for e-commerce, labor laws, data privacy, warehouse regulations, customs and trade laws, contract management with couriers and sellers, and litigation. The role requires a business-centric legal partner who can proactively work with business, mitigate risks & facilitate growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including:

- Customs, Foreign exchange laws, Imports, and Exports

- Labor Laws (PF, ESIC, Shops & Establishments Act, etc.)

- Fire & Safety, Environmental & Warehouse Regulations

- Data Protection and E-commerce Regulations

- Contracts and Commercial Regulations

- Stay updated on changes in relevant laws and assess their impact on business operations.

- Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance across all business units.

- Represent the company in regulatory engagements and liaise with authorities.

2. Litigation & Dispute Resolution

- Oversee and manage litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution matters.

- Develop a strategy for cost-effective dispute resolution, including out-of-court settlements.

- Manage and coordinate with external counsel and notaries for legal proceedings.

- Maintain a litigation database and tracking system for active cases.

3. Contract Management & Negotiation

- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including:

- Vendor & supplier agreements (e.g., couriers, logistics partners, partnerships with technology and product companies)

o Customer contracts

- Real estate and warehouse leases

- Ensure contracts align with business objectives while mitigating legal risks.

- Maintain a structured contract repository and enforce adherence to contract policies.

4. People & Labor Law Compliance

- Address employee-related legal matters, including labor disputes and employment contracts.

- Collaborate with HR on labor laws, workplace safety regulations, and employment policies.

- Conduct training and awareness programs for HR and operations teams on labor law compliance.

5. Customs, Imports & Exports Legalities

- Manage legal aspects of cross-border logistics, customs regulations, and international trade compliance.

- Handle disputes related to customs laws, taxation, FEMA, and other regulatory authorities.

6. Business-Oriented Legal Approach

- Proactively participate in business discussions to understand key legal needs.

- Partner with internal teams to provide practical legal solutions that support business growth.

- Conduct risk assessments and advise leadership on strategic decisions.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

- LLB/LLM from a top-tier institution with 10-15 years of post-qualification experience in corporate legal roles, preferably in logistics, warehousing, or infrastructure.

- Strong expertise in regulatory compliance, labor laws, FEMA, and contract negotiations.

- Experience handling cross-border legal issues, customs compliance, and regulatory matters.

- Proven ability to manage litigation, work with external legal counsel, and resolve disputes efficiently.

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

- Strong business acumen with a solutions-oriented mindset, balancing legal risk with business objectives.

- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

- Exposure to commercial litigation is a plus.