Legal Counsel

This Legal Counsel (for OSI Europe, Middle-East, Africa & Commonwealth of Independent States) will work closely with other in-house counsel and compliance managers primarily focused on projects arising in the Middle East but will also support EMEA and CIS region. He/she will work on a wide variety of legal matters across all OSI divisions (Security, Medical, and Optoelectronics).

Responsibilities

1. Working with the EMEA contracts department of the security division in reviewing various purchase, sale, distribution and service contracts and other commercial proposals and contracts and maintaining accurate and complete records of contracts and approvals;
2. Reviewing and advising on material commercial contracts (for all divisions), including sales agency and distribution contracts and public procurement contracts with various EMEA & CIS governments and government agencies;
3. Drafting and reviewing agreements (e.g. teaming agreements, collaboration agreements and subcontracts) with various international partners;
4. Advising on disputes arising from operations in EMEA;
5. Analyzing regulatory aspects of market entry in new jurisdictions and, where required, setting up local legal entities and arranging/overseeing annual corporate maintenance of EMEA entities;
6. Supporting business in negotiating and renewing property leases in various jurisdictions in the region;
7. Instructing and managing outside counsel for various matters;
8. Managing and supporting corporate acquisitions;
9. Anticipating and reviewing legal risks facing the business;
10. Assisting the Finance and HR departments when needed (in more complex matters);
11. Travel may be required across EMEA & CIS.

Education, Skills and Experience Required

1. 5+ years post qualification experience as a solicitor/barrister/legal counsel;
2. A good understanding of UK / US legal principles and approach;
3. Fluent in English and Arabic essential;
4. Experience as in-house counsel or in a leading law firm working on international transactions;
5. Capable of handling complex negotiations and advising senior company management regarding contractual and other requirements and risks;
6. Highly responsive;
7. Motivated, willing to work extended hours when projects demand;
8. Enjoys dealing with different cultures;
9. Willing to handle legal projects that are not within areas of previous expertise, i.e., willing to learn on the job and develop new areas of competence;
10. Prior experience working for a UK or US-based, international company is preferred.