Legal Head

Position Overview:

The Head of Legal will lead and manage all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters for the organization, ensuring that all business operations particularly leasing transactions are conducted within the framework of applicable laws and internal policies. This role is responsible for structuring, negotiating, and finalizing complex leasing and financing agreements, managing litigation and disputes, and advising senior management on legal risks and strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Legal Strategy & Governance

• Develop and implement the organizations legal strategy aligned with business goals.
• Serve as the principal legal advisor to the Board, CEO, and senior management.
• Ensure corporate governance compliance and manage board resolutions, shareholder agreements, and related documentation.

2. Leasing Transactions & Documentation

• Draft, review, and negotiate leasing, loan, and financing agreements, including master lease agreements, sale and leaseback contracts, vendor tie-ups, and tripartite arrangements.
• Vet and finalize vendor, customer, and channel partner contracts.
• Structure deals to mitigate legal and financial risks while optimizing commercial outcomes.

3. Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations (e.g., RBI guidelines, Contract Act, Companies Act, SARFAESI, etc.).
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, external legal counsel, and statutory bodies as required.
• Develop internal compliance policies and conduct training sessions for business teams.

4. Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Manage litigation portfolio including recovery cases, arbitration, consumer disputes, and other legal proceedings.
• Coordinate with external counsel and oversee effective representation in courts, tribunals, and other authorities.
• Evaluate potential legal risks and develop strategies for resolution or mitigation.

5. Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks associated with leasing operations, vendor relationships, and customer transactions.
• Conduct periodic legal audits and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Provide legal input for new product launches, partnerships, and business expansions.

6. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and mentor the in-house legal team and external counsel network.
• Collaborate closely with business, credit, operations, and collections teams to enable smooth transaction closures.
• Act as a strategic business partner, not just a legal advisor.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: LL.B. (mandatory); LL.M. preferred.
• Experience: 12 to 20 years of post-qualification experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the commercial leasing / equipment finance / NBFC / banking sector.
• Strong experience in contract law, corporate law, lending & leasing documentation, recovery laws, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven track record of managing complex transactions and leading cross-functional teams.

Key Competencies:

• Deep understanding of the commercial leasing and financial services regulatory landscape.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication abilities.
• Strategic thinker with business acumen and high ethical standards.
• Ability to handle pressure and multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Performance Indicators:

• Turnaround time for contract review and closure.
• Reduction in legal risk exposure and litigation costs.
• Compliance audit scores.
• Effectiveness in supporting business growth while ensuring legal integrity.