Company Lawyer Job Description

Summary:

The Company Lawyer serves as  legal counsel, providing comprehensive legal advice and support to the organization across a wide range of legal matters. This role involves ensuring the company operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in Jamaica and any other relevant jurisdictions. The Company Lawyer will be responsible for drafting and reviewing contracts, managing legal risks, advising on corporate governance, and representing the company in legal proceedings when necessary.

Responsibilities:

• Legal Advice and Counsel:

• Provide timely and accurate legal advice to management and various departments on a wide range of legal issues, including corporate law, commercial law, contract law, employment law, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and litigation.

• Interpret laws, regulations, and legal precedents to provide informed recommendations.

• Stay abreast of changes in legislation and regulatory requirements relevant to the company's operations in Jamaica and other relevant jurisdictions.

• Contract Drafting and Review:

• Draft, review, negotiate, and finalize a variety of commercial agreements, including supplier contracts, customer agreements, partnership agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring they protect the company's interests and comply with applicable laws.

• Develop and maintain standard contract templates.

• Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identify and assess potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

• Ensure the company's policies and procedures comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

• Advise on corporate governance matters and ensure compliance with relevant statutory requirements.

• Develop and deliver legal training to employees on relevant legal and compliance topics.

• Litigation and Dispute Resolution:

• Manage and oversee litigation and other legal disputes involving the company, working closely with external counsel when necessary.

• Develop strategies for dispute resolution, including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.

• Represent the company in legal proceedings when appropriate.

• Intellectual Property Protection:

• Advise on matters related to the company's intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents.

• Assist with the registration and protection of the company's intellectual property rights.

• Corporate Governance:

• Advise on corporate governance matters, including board duties, shareholder rights, and compliance with corporate legislation in Jamaica.

• Assist with the preparation of board resolutions and other corporate documents.

• External Counsel Management:

• Select, instruct, and manage external legal counsel when specialized expertise is required, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality of service.

• Review and manage legal fees and budgets for external counsel.

• Legal Research and Documentation:

• Conduct legal research on various legal issues to provide informed advice.

• Maintain organized legal files and documentation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.

• Admission to the Jamaican Bar as an Attorney-at-Law.

• 10  years of post-qualification experience as a lawyer, preferably with experience in corporate or commercial law, either in private practice or in-house.

• Strong knowledge of Jamaican law and legal system.

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

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

• High ethical standards and professional integrity.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Proficiency in legal research databases and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience 

• Knowledge of international legal frameworks relevant to the company's operations.

• Experience with alternative dispute resolution methods.

Personal Attributes:

• Detail-oriented and highly organized.

• Proactive and solution-oriented.

• Ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and concisely to non-legal professionals.

• Strong business acumen and understanding of commercial objectives.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.