Business Legal Manager

OverviewThe Business Legal Manager is a Middle Management role within the Banking industry, focused on the Legal & Regulatory function.The position requires an LLM / LLB and demands a highly Result Driven and Disciplined professional who can foster strong Collaboration.This role is central to managing high-stakes litigation, proactively embedding Legal Risk standards, and providing critical legal support across various business units in India.Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Business Legal Manager to lead litigation management, evaluate legal strategy, and ensure comprehensive legal compliance within the bank, particularly for the National Distribution System. The ideal candidate must possess expertise in the SARFAESI Act, Debt Recovery Tribunals, insolvency proceedings, and criminal law. Key responsibilities include managing cases against the bank (consumer, civil, employee matters), supporting the Collections and SAM teams in recovery, controlling external legal costs, and embedding a robust Legal Risk framework across all new projects and procedures in India.Key Responsibilities and Legal Governance DeliverablesLitigation and Case Management (Core Focus):- Manage Litigation, evaluate strategy, identify risks, and provide updates to management on all material legal proceedings.- Primarily manage cases filed against the bank, effectively handling consumer cases, civil disputes, and employee-related legal matters.- Skillfully handle fraud matters, including the necessary process for filing complaints and FIRs with law enforcement authorities.- Provide legal guidance and support to business units, specifically the Collections and SAM (Special Asset Management) teams, in navigating legal issues related to recovery matters.Regulatory Expertise and Risk Management:- Possess a strong understanding of the SARFAESI Act, Debt Recovery Tribunals, and insolvency proceedings to effectively manage related legal issues and complex legal frameworks.- Maintain a strong understanding of criminal law and procedures, enabling effective navigation of complex legal situations.- Embed the Legal Risk and Principle Risks Standard in the business and ensure that all policies are rigorously adhered to.- Ensure that all aspects of legal risk are identified, covered, and controlled in the implementation of new projects, systems, procedures, and products for the Indian market.Advisory and Quality Control:- Provide legal advice to business managers as required, including the Branch Banking team (National Distribution System) daily, to ensure legal issues are identified and resolved promptly.- Have responsibility for the quality of legal advice given, reviewing projects to ensure consistent content, cost, and timing standards.- Ensure best practices are adopted and guidelines complied with and that all activities comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.External Counsel and Stakeholder Management:- Manage and control external legal resources in terms of cost and performance, including the negotiation and settlement of external legal fees.- Act as liaison between banking personnel and external legal advisers as appropriate.- Proactively forge relationships with a broad range of business areas and third parties to encourage the best quality output and service.Knowledge & Training:- Ensure an up to date and relevant knowledge of principal areas of law and practice in India.- Provide education, training, and support to the businesses on relevant legal risk issues and developments as appropriate.Mandatory Skills & LLM / LLB.Core Skills: Expertise in Legal, Legal Manager, Litigation, Litigation Management, SARFAESI Act, Legal Risk, and Legal Risk Management.Regulatory Depth: Strong understanding of the SARFAESI Act, Debt Recovery Tribunals, insolvency proceedings, and criminal law and procedures.Risk Control: Proven ability to Embed the Legal Risk and Principle Risks Standard in the business.Leadership Focus: Ability to maintain Alignment to Organisation Goals and promote Collaboration.Preferred Skills- Experience managing legal matters involving large financial frauds or economic offences.- Prior experience dealing with major regulatory bodies (RBI, SEBI) on enforcement actions.- Strong negotiation skills for managing external counsel fees and settlement agreements. (ref:iimjobs.com)