Lead - Legal

Role Overview : The Lead – Litigation will be responsible for managing and overseeing all litigation and dispute resolution matters across India. The role requires hands-on management of end-to-end litigation — from pre-dispute and notice stage to trial, arbitration, appeal, and execution — while leading the disputes and litigation team. The position involves direct coordination with business stakeholders, external counsels, and senior advocates to safeguard the company’s legal interests and ensure timely, effective resolution of disputes. Key Responsibilities : 1. Litigation Management Handle end-to-end lifecycle of disputes and litigation (civil, criminal, labour, and consumer) including pre-litigation, trial, arbitration, and enforcement. Draft, review, and finalize pleadings, written statements, affidavits, replies, and other court documents. Coordinate and attend court hearings, trials, arbitration proceedings, and settlement meetings. Manage and supervise external counsels, law firms, and senior advocates to ensure strategic alignment and quality of submissions. Conduct fact investigation, gather evidence, and compile case files and supporting documentation. Ensure timely filing of replies, written submissions, and other pleadings. 2. Recovery and Dispute Resolution Oversee and execute recovery actions related to customer, vendor, or lease defaults. Draft and issue legal notices (demand, termination, recovery) and monitor recovery progress. Support execution of decrees, settlements, or arbitration awards in coordination with Finance and Operations teams. Prepare MIS reports, litigation dashboards, and recovery performance trackers. 3. Advisory and Stakeholder Support Provide strategic legal advice and dispute management guidance to business units and internal stakeholders. Support internal teams in preparing affidavits, witness statements, and responses to legal notices. Draft succinct, practical legal opinions and internal advisories on litigation and potential disputes. Conduct legal research on case law, statutory provisions, and regulatory developments relevant to ongoing and potential disputes. 4. Governance and Documentation Maintain and update litigation trackers, case management systems, and digital repositories of pleadings and orders. Ensure compliance with internal litigation management policies and outside counsel guidelines. Obtain and organize company and court documents for effective record keeping and reporting. Role Demands : Strong ability to handle multiple complex matters under tight timelines and high-pressure situations. Excellent drafting, analytical, and negotiation skills. Proven ability to independently manage litigation strategy and collaborate with business leaders. Willingness to perform in-house legal work and minimize external dependency. High adaptability and a proactive approach to dispute resolution. Willingness to travel across India to attend court and arbitration matters. Qualifications and Experience : Education : LL.B. (LL.M. preferred). Experience : Minimum 8–12 years of post-qualification experience in litigation and dispute resolution, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house experience. Skills : Strong knowledge of civil, commercial, criminal, and labour laws. Excellent communication and coordination skills. Ability to lead and mentor a team. Proficiency in maintaining litigation databases and preparing MIS reports.