Legal Manager

Job Title: Senior General Manager (SGM) / General Manager (GM) - Legal

Location: Marathahalli, Bengaluru

Direct Reports: Legal Managers , Senior Legal Executives, Legal Officers , Paralegal Staff, External Legal Consultants, Compliance and Corporate Governance Executives

Role Summary:

The AGM/GM - Legal is a senior leadership position responsible for leading the legal function of Sumadhura, formulating and implementing legal strategies that protect the company's interests, minimize risks, and ensure full compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This position reports directly to the CMD and plays a pivotal role in guiding corporate governance, contractual management, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance in line with the company's strategic objectives and operational needs.

Job Description:

Legal Strategy and Oversight:

• Develop and implement legal strategies aligned with the company's goals and objectives.
• Provide strategic legal advice and guidance to senior management and the board of directors.
• Oversee all legal activities, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Contract Management:

• Review, draft, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including construction agreements, subcontractor agreements, vendor contracts, and joint venture agreements.
• Ensure that contracts are properly executed and that the company's interests are protected in all contractual arrangements.

Risk Management:

• Identify legal risks associated with construction projects, transactions, and business operations.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize legal exposure and protect the company's assets and reputation.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution:

• Manage all legal disputes, claims, and litigation matters involving the company, including construction disputes, contract disputes, and regulatory enforcement actions.
• Collaborate with external counsel and represent the company in legal proceedings as necessary.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay abreast of changes in construction laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including building codes, environmental regulations, safety regulations, and licensing requirements.

Corporate Governance:

• Oversee corporate governance matters, including board meetings, corporate filings, and compliance with corporate governance best practices.
• Advise senior management and the board on corporate governance issues and responsibilities.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Corporate Transactions:

• Provide legal support for mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions.
• Conduct due diligence reviews and assess legal risks associated with potential transactions.

Legal Training and Development:

• Develop and implement legal training programs for employees across the organization.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to legal department staff and other employees on legal matters relevant to their roles.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal stakeholders, including senior management, department heads, and project teams.
• Interact with external stakeholders, including clients, regulatory authorities, government agencies, and industry associations.

Budgeting and Resource Management:

• Prepare and manage the legal department's budget, including forecasting expenses and allocating resources effectively.
• Optimize the use of internal and external legal resources to achieve cost-effective outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Educational Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized institution (mandatory). Additional qualifications such as an MBA or LLM are preferred
• Professional Accreditation: Admission to the bar and active license to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction
• Work Experience: Extensive legal experience, typically 10 years, in legal practice. Experience should emphasize construction law, real estate law, or corporate law
• Leadership & Management: Proven leadership and management skills, with experience leading a legal team or department
• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Strong knowledge of construction industry practices, regulations, and standards

Essential Competencies:

• Strategic Legal Thinking: Ability to develop and execute legal strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Contractual Expertise: Proficient in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial and construction contracts.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Skilled in identifying legal risks and implementing effective mitigation plans.
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Experience managing complex disputes, working with external counsel effectively.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of construction, real estate, environmental, and corporate laws.
• Corporate Governance: Expertise in governance compliance, board advisory, and regulatory filings.
• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead and develop a legal team, foster collaboration, and drive performance.