Legal Counsel

Purpose

The Legal Counsel serves as an integral member of the China GeoMarket Management Team with primary responsibility for ensuring the provision of legal assistance and advice in support of GeoMarket operations. The Legal Counsel, under the functional supervision of the MEA Area General Counsel, is charged with the management of, and is accountable for, the appropriate handling and resolution of legal issues and matters in the GeoMarket.

Responsibilities

-          Drafts, reviews and negotiates legal and commercial documents including letters of intent, supplier/procurement agreements, leases and licenses.

-          Handles complex commercial contracts and contract disputes; provides support and assistance to the GeoMarket OFS Contracts Management team.

-          Interacts with other GeoMarket support functions and departments ensuring the Legal Department’s involvement in all matters that may give rise to legal exposure.

-          Provides guidance and assistance to ensure all operations and business activities in the GeoMarket are carried out in compliance with local laws and regulations.

-          Shares with other GeoMarket Management Team members responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of compliance with  Corporate Policies, Standards and Procedures and, indirectly, with company's legal and regulatory obligations.

-          Assists the Area General Counsel with compliance incident reviews in the GeoMarket, undertakes Operations Assurance Reviews and coordinates legal aspects of internal audits and TCC Reviews.

-          Provides legal and assists with compliance training for operations, other functions and Management in the GeoMarket.

-          Ensures the “integrity” of corporate structure, entities and records in the GeoMarket and provides support to the responsible Corporate Administrator.

-          Provides overall legal advice to Management and is actively involved in GeoMarket business plans, growth strategies and operations as part of the Management Team.

-          Assists the Area General Counsel or other senior lawyers in the Legal Department with complex transactions.

-          Manages and supervises Outside Counsel being responsible for litigation strategies, resolution and follow up in coordination with the Area General Counsel.

-          Manages and strictly controls all external costs (e.g. legal fees and expenditures) and internal costs related to the Legal function’s impact on the GeoMarket P&L.

-          Drafts and implements GeoMarket specific procedures, guidelines and templates and maintains and updates content on the GeoMarket Legal webpage.

-          Provides support, coaching and guidance to Administrative Assistants, Contract Managers and Attorneys, where applicable, and assists with their career development.

-          Participates in the deployment and implementation of Legal Department Strategic Initiatives; actively uses and contributes content to the LawHub.

-          Participates in the Legal Department training and development initiatives and completes all assigned training.

Education

Law degree (LLB) from a reputable PRC university and related professional legal qualifications. Post graduate qualifications preferred. Oil & Gas experience a plus.

Experience

A minimum of 5 to 7 years of post qualification experience in a leading or international law firm or in house experience in a multi-national corporate environment is required.

Other Qualifications

Effectively bilingual in English and Mandarin - able to speak read and write fluently; and likely to thrive in a multi cultural organization. Strong interpersonal and communications skills essential.