Deputy General Manager

Position: Deputy General Manager- Legal Litigation

Location: Pune

Business: Godrej Properties Limited

Role & responsibilities:

1. Litigation Management:

• Manage and represent the company in consumer litigation and RERA cases.
• Apply knowledge of Maharashtra land laws to handle disputes related to society formation, property issues, and land rights.
• Verify and ensure the timely processing of solicitor and advocate bills related to litigation cases.
• Ensure timely payments for legal services rendered, maintaining a clear and effective follow-up process.

2. Deal Evaluation & Due Diligence:

• Conduct detailed due diligence on land records, including title deeds, legal disputes, and any existing cases affecting properties.
• Ensure compliance with real estate laws and statutory requirements relevant to the projects.
• Assist the business development team during negotiations with joint venture partners (JVP) and their legal representatives.
• Advise on the optimal legal structure for deals, ensuring alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements.

3. Contract Drafting & Review:

• Coordinate with external legal consultants to draft and review various legal documents, including Development Agreements, Power of Attorney (GPA), Term Sheets, Affidavits, Indemnity Bonds, Bank Guarantees, and Service Agreements.
• Ensure the accuracy and clarity of all contractual documents.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare and finalize customer agreements for new and existing projects.

4. Legal Support for Society & Association Formation:

• Oversee and execute all legal formalities involved in the formation of societies/associations, including the registration process and drafting of Conveyance Deeds, Sales Deeds, and Lease Deeds.

• Interact with relevant stakeholders to finalize the respective deeds and ensure legal compliance.

• Legal Advisory & Compliance

• Provide legal advice to the business on customer documentation, housing loans, property transfer processes, stamp duty, and other relevant regulations.

• Review contracts prepared by other departments to ensure legal checkpoints and control mechanisms are in place.
• Develop and maintain a knowledge repository of laws, regulations, and industry by-laws to keep internal teams informed.
• Regularly update the team on any changes in real estate laws and regulations.

6. Litigation Representation:

• Represent the company in various legal hearings, including consumer disputes, arbitration matters, and other legal proceedings.
• Ensure active participation in court hearings and legal matters affecting the company

Internal and External Collaboration:

• Internal Interfaces:
• Business Development: Provide legal advice and inputs regarding land records, deal structures, and negotiations.
• Marketing & Sales: Gather inputs for customer agreements.
• Projects: Capture necessary data for negotiations and legal formalities related to construction schedules.
• Liaison: Coordinate for necessary approvals and permissions.
• Finance & Accounts: Ensure the timely release of payments for legal services and contract execution.
• Property Management: Provide legal guidance on society handover documentation and stamp duty requirements.

External Interfaces:

• JVP Advocates/Solicitors: Negotiate deal terms and clarify land-related issues.
• External Lawyers: Follow up on contract drafts, legal documents, and due diligence.
• Customers: Gather requirements for customer agreements, including payments, possession timelines, and dispute resolution.
• Society/Association Representatives: Facilitate legal registration processes for societies.

Preferred candidate profile

• Education: LLB (Bachelor of Law).
• Experience: 9+ years of relevant post-qualification experience (PQE) in litigation, contract drafting, real estate laws, and legal advisory.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of Maharashtra land laws, RERA regulations, and real estate litigation.
• Expertise in legal document drafting and contract management.
• Effective negotiation and communication skills.