Legal Counsel

BAT is evolving at pace - truly like no other organisation.

To achieve the ambition, we have set for ourselves, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to live our ethos every day. Come be a part of this journey!

JOB TITLE: Legal Counsel – 1 year contract

FUNCTION: Legal

LOCATION: Lahore, Pakistan

Please be advised that this position is offered on a contractual basis for a duration of one year.

ROLE POSITIONING AND OBJECTIVES

The Legal Counsel's primary objective is to ensure robust corporate governance within the company, facilitating internal compliance. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in supporting the legal and regulatory risks associated with the company's business operations, safeguarding its legitimate business rights to pursue strategic objectives. A key responsibility involves delivering and ensuring the provision of high-quality legal support through adept counseling, drafting, and negotiation skills. Moreover, they are tasked with offering pragmatic advice and support to both local and global functions of the company, aiding in problem-solving and decision-making processes across all business domains. As a vital member of the Business Integrity & Compliance Legal team in Pakistan, the Legal Counsel operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, where they engage confidently and effectively with stakeholders at both local and global levels. In this capacity, they provide specialized legal and commercial advice to the local legal entity, Global Business Solution, and all relevant BAT functions as needed. Acting as a trusted advisor, their role is crucial in ensuring that informed business decisions align with commercial opportunities while adhering to legal compliance and effectively mitigating business risks.

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

Business

• Proactively provide pragmatic and sound legal advice across the organization to advance business objectives while managing associated risks.
• Structure, negotiate, draft, and advise on contract execution for Digital Business Solutions and other operations following company contract management policy.
• Identify and mitigate legal and commercial risks in proposed and operational commercial arrangements, including data protection, intellectual property, HR, and compliance.
• Support management of litigations and investigations.
• Provide guidance on Group and local policies, procedures, and governance.
• Assist with ad hoc projects.
• Implement corporate governance procedures to ensure strict compliance, including review and audit of processes in line with Group's compliance guidelines.
• Act as company secretary, ensuring corporate formality compliance.
• Deliver internal training and awareness sessions on various commercial and risk management topics, including Standards of Business Conduct.

People

• Embrace the Company’s values, vision, and culture, actively applying them to the role and advocating them among colleagues.
• Demonstrate excellence in work by improving technical skills as outlined in personal development plans.
• Proactively identify opportunities to raise legal awareness and improve the Company's standing.
• Share best practices and knowledge efficiently, striving to be integral to business operations.
• Forge strong connections with the Global Legal community, contributing to the Legal function's success.
• Engage cross-functionally and effectively with stakeholders globally to understand and support their business needs.
• Stay updated on relevant legal developments and advise functions and stakeholders on legal implications when necessary.
• Identify opportunities for standardized processes and documentation to simplify operations, improve efficiency, and reduce complexity.
• Collaborate closely within the Business Integrity & Compliance Legal team to foster a 'One Team' approach.
• Pursue continuous improvement and self-development, ensuring alignment with the company's ethos at all times.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE

• Qualified lawyer (preferably admitted to the local Bar) with at least 10 years of post-qualification experience, acquired at an international or reputable local law firm, and in-house counsel experience with a multinational corporation.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Extensive experience and expertise in commercial, corporate, and technology laws and practices, as well as other legal matters.
• Outstanding legal drafting skills.
• Knowledge of compliance and employment law is advantageous.
• Strong negotiation and project management abilities, with the capacity to plan, anticipate, and manage priorities to optimize output and enhance the effectiveness of commercial solutions.
• Demonstrates a hands-on, adaptable, and flexible attitude, coupled with sound commercial judgment, enabling work under pressure and managing varied demands effectively.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, alongside a high degree of emotional intelligence, fostering the establishment of trusted relationships with peers and senior stakeholders.
• Remains updated with changes in law and corporate governance best practices to ensure that company transactional structures, documentation, policies, and contract management processes are current and commercially viable.
• Knowledge and experience of privacy law is advantageous.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS

• Demonstrates strategic and creative thinking skills.
• Exhibits commitment and resilience in le high-pressure situations.
• Possesses multitasking abilities to address multiple complex issues concurrently.
• Demonstrates analytical skills to identify underlying causes of business issues and address them efficiently and effectively.

WE ARE BAT

At BAT we are committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at BAT.

• Global Top Employer with 53,000 BAT people across more than 180 markets
• Brands sold in over 200 markets, made in 44 factories in 42 countries
• Newly established Tech Hubs building world-class capabilities for innovation in 4 strategic locations
• Diversity leader in the Financial Times and International Women’s Day Best Practice winner
• Seal Award winner – one of 50 most sustainable companies

BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER

Collaboration, diversity and teamwork underpin everything we do here at BAT. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. Come bring your difference!