Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

Barita Investments Ltd. is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join their team. The Legal Counsel will play a pivotal role in providing expert legal advice and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations within the financial industry. This position requires a proactive approach to advising on a wide range of legal matters, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, litigation, and risk management. You will work closely with multiple departments, including Compliance, Risk, and Finance, to support business strategies while mitigating legal risks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide timely and practical legal advice on issues including financial regulations, securities law, and corporate governance.
• Ensure the company complies with all applicable local and international regulations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate various contracts, including loan agreements, financial instruments, vendor contracts, and partnership agreements.
• Advise senior management and the board on governance issues and ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory obligations.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks in business operations.
• Manage litigation, arbitration, or dispute resolution, and liaise with external legal counsel when necessary.
• Provide legal support for mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions.
• Assist in the development of internal policies to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks.
• Deliver legal training to internal stakeholders on relevant laws and regulations.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualified Attorney-at-Law entitled to practice at the Jamaican Bar.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience, particularly in commercial law, banking, and financial services.
• Strong knowledge of Jamaican laws, including the Trademarks Act, Banking Services Act, Securities Act, Companies Act, and Stock Exchange rules.
• Familiarity with corporate secretarial practices.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).