Corporate Litigation Lawyer – Freelance

Job Title: Corporate Litigation Lawyer – FreelanceLocation: Mumbai (Hybrid / Remote Collaboration Possible)Compensation: Project / Case-Based EngagementDepartment: Legal & ComplianceReports To: Head – Legal Affairs / Senior ManagementRole Overview:We are seeking an experienced Corporate Litigation Lawyer (Freelance) to manage end-to-end civil and commercial litigation, with a particular focus on franchise agreements, franchise disputes, and contractual enforcement. The role involves handling complex legal issues around business partnerships, franchise models, brand protection, and commercial recovery. The ideal candidate has strong courtroom experience, excellent drafting skills, and the ability to combine litigation expertise with sound business judgment.Key Responsibilities:Franchise & Commercial Litigation- Handle legal disputes arising from franchise agreements, including breach of contract, non-performance, brand misuse, royalty recovery, and termination-related issues. - Draft, review, and negotiate Franchise Agreements, NDAs, MOUs, and Licensing Contracts ensuring enforceability and protection of business interests. - Represent the organization in franchise-related civil suits, injunctions, and arbitration proceedings. - Advise management on legal structuring and risk mitigation for franchise expansion and compliance under Indian Contract Act, Trademark Act, and Competition Law.Civil & Corporate Litigation- Manage civil recovery suits, defamation claims, contractual breaches, and injunctions across district and high courts. - Draft and vet plaints, written statements, affidavits, rejoinders, interim relief applications, and all case-related pleadings. - Handle execution petitions, recovery proceedings, and enforcement of decrees. - Liaise with external counsel, clients, and law enforcement for ongoing cases and filings.Legal Drafting & Research- Draft legal notices, replies, demand letters, and settlement terms tailored for franchise and corporate contexts. - Conduct legal research on civil, commercial, and IP law, maintaining case notes and internal legal strategy documentation. - Advise business heads and management on potential litigation exposure and preventive legal strategies.Advisory & Compliance Support- Provide day-to-day legal advisory on contract compliance, franchise operations, and partner management. - Review marketing and communication content for defamation or IP infringement risks. - Maintain updated litigation trackers, legal dashboards, and case records for internal audit purposes. - Assist internal teams (HR, Operations, Finance, Marketing) on legal escalations and dispute resolution.Qualifications:- LL.B. from a recognized law school; LL.M. preferred. - Licensed to practice law in India (Sanad mandatory). - 5–10 years of experience in litigation with exposure to franchise, corporate, or commercial disputes. - Strong drafting and advocacy skills; capable of managing matters independently before district courts, high courts, NCLT, and arbitration forums. - Proficiency in legal research tools (SCC Online, Manupatra, etc.). - Excellent command over English and legal writing. - Should be available for freelance / retainer-based engagement.Preferred Experience:- Prior work with education, consulting, franchise, or tech-based organizations. - Experience handling IP disputes, consumer protection cases, or cyber law violations. - Understanding of business franchising models, brand protection, and royalty enforcement mechanisms. - Exposure to criminal-civil overlap cases such as cheque bounce (138 NI Act), data privacy, or defamation.Why This Role?- Opportunity to work on diverse, high-stakes franchise and corporate litigation cases. - Flexible, freelance model with long-term collaboration potential. - Direct interaction with management and strategy teams, shaping the company's legal framework.