The Legal Counsel will be responsible for overseeing all legal aspects of the Group’s operations. This includes drafting and negotiating contracts, managing disputes, and providing strategic legal guidance to mitigate risks and support business growth. The role also involves advising senior management on risk mitigation strategies and representing the Group in legal proceedings where necessary.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Contract Management:
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including sales agreements, supplier contracts, lease agreements, and financing agreements.
• Ensure contracts comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a structured contract management system.
2. Dispute Resolution & Litigation Management:
• Handle customer complaints, warranty claims, and disputes to minimize legal risks.
• Manage litigation, working with external legal counsel when necessary.
• Oversee dispute resolution strategies, including mediation and arbitration.
3. Corporate Governance & Risk Management:
• Ensure the Group follows ethical business practices and corporate governance guidelines.
• Develop policies to prevent legal risks and regulatory violations.
• Provide legal advice to executives and board members regarding strategic business decisions and risk exposure.
• Assist in structuring and maintaining compliance programs to prevent fraud, corruption, and unethical practices.
4. Intellectual Property & Brand Protection:
• Manage trademarks, copyrights, and brand protection strategies.
• Ensure marketing materials comply with advertising regulations.
• Address counterfeit or fraudulent activities affecting the dealership.
5. Real Estate & Asset Management:
• Oversee legal aspects of property acquisitions, leases, and facility agreements.
• Ensure compliance with zoning laws and real estate regulations.
6. Customer Relations & Consumer Law:
• Ensure fair consumer practices in accordance with laws governing vehicle sales and financing.
• Address legal matters related to warranty claims, financing disputes, and vehicle recalls.
7. Legal Compliance & Risk Management:
• Ensure the Group’s compliance with local laws including automotive sales regulations, consumer protection laws, and real estate legislation.
• Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to mitigate risks related to business operations.
• Monitor changes in legislation and industry regulations, advising management on necessary adjustments to business practices.
• Handle legal disputes, including customer complaints, contract disagreements, and regulatory investigations.
8. Finance & Regulatory Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations related to vehicle financing, lending, and credit agreements.
• Work with the finance department to address legal issues related to loans, lease agreements, and warranties.
• Monitor and address legal risks associated with consumer finance laws.
Qualifications & Experience:
Essential:
• Malta Law degree from an accredited institution.
• Warrant to practice law in Malta.
• 5+ years of legal experience, preferably in automotive, retail, or commercial law.
• Experience in contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.
Preferred:
• Background in the automotive or dealership industry.
• Knowledge of franchise laws and motor vehicle regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with commercial real estate transactions.
Key Skills & Competencies:
• Strong knowledge of automotive regulations and compliance.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Problem-solving and risk mitigation capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple legal matters simultaneously.
• Ethical decision-making and integrity.
What we offer