Legal Counsel

For those with construction careers or related, A major HK statutory organisation is looking for an energetic, forward thinking Legal Counsel to join their team.

Project Details

This is a departure from our normal construction recruitment as our client is a critical government linked institution and coordinating body established in 2007 to improve the quality and competitiveness of the construction industry sectors and promote good practices.

Our client acts as a communications platform / channel and is empowered to formulate codes of conduct, share knowledge, reflect the industry’s needs, improve labour relations, promote health & safety and sustainable construction and elevate the standards and skills of the industry via funding research and organising vocational training.

Responsibilities and Duties

• To provide legal advice and support to the business units of the Client on their operations and projects, including drafting and advising on contracts and other legal documents, reviewing and advising on business documents, formulating and updating policies / rules / regulations / guidelines, advising on legal issues relating to the business operations, etc.;
• To work with business units to ensure legal conformity across the business in maintaining internal and external integrity of the Client's reputation;
• To provide expert advice on the management of disputes, litigation, regulatory and other contentious matters and advise on strategies and approaches, and to act as legal representative of the Client to manage litigation by and against it.
• To anticipate and mitigate any legal issues with a view to reducing potential areas of risk for Client and to advise the Client management on all legal matters affecting operations;
• To monitor legal and regulatory developments in relation to the operations of Client, analyse legal implications (including any changes necessary to current operations, policies and procedures), conduct legal research and provide updates and trainings on such developments to business units;
• To manage engagement and performance of external legal counsel, and ensure that high quality, efficient and cost effective legal services is obtained;
• To oversee Client's compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies, and to conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure adherence and recommend corrective actions;
• To develop and deliver training programmes for the business units on legal matters, such as contract law, employment law and corporate governance;
• To carry out other duties as assigned by the Executive Director from time to time.

Desired Skills and Experience

• A qualified lawyer with minimum 12 years’ post qualification experience from inhouse or legal corporate, exposure in both public sector and private sector preferably in construction, engineering companies;
• Have solid experience in advising on and handling corporate, commercial or dispute resolution, litigation matters gained from an international law firm or inhouse position in a sizeable corporation;
• Strong business ethics and integrity in a high professional standard, good business sense with sound judgement to balance risk and control;
• Ability to develop a strategic working relationship with all business units while maintaining independence;
• Pragmatic, hands on, attentive, and result-oriented individual with strong problem-solving skills;
• Capable of multitasking in a demanding time frame and ability to stay composed during stress;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in spoken and written English and Chinese

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• A recognized law degree in Hong Kong or any major common law jurisdiction, and a post graduate certificate in laws, PCLL in Hong Kong

Employing Company Overview and Profile

Our client is a dynamic organisation that focuses on the construction industry's needs and aspirations as well as providing a communication channel with local Government to solicit advice on all construction-related matters.

This Government organisation is empowered to formulate codes of conduct, administer registration and rating schemes, steer forward research and manpower development, facilitate adoption of construction standards, promote good practices and compile performance indicators.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Highly attractive salary, package and benefits
• Client cares for staff well-being and offers attractive package including annual leave, medical benefits, training support, 'Alternate 4-day Work-week'.
• The position is on a renewable fixed-term contract, subject to performance and operational needs, for a period of 2 years.