Senior Legal Counsel

Who We Are Looking For

KCA Deutag are looking for an experienced German law qualified commercial lawyer to be the front-line legal resource where German law and/or language is involved but also to be an integral part of the KCA Deutag Group Legal team supporting our business around the world in legal and compliance matters.

As well as being a native German speaker, the successful candidate will have significant experience of delivering commercial legal advice in English and drafting, reviewing and negotiating contractual documents in English. The position reports to our Head of Legal in Aberdeen, Scotland and from there to our Group General Counsel.

This position is Part-Time although Full-Time will be considered.

Responsibilities

The Senior Legal Counsel – Germany – will be responsible for providing support to the Head of Legal and Group General Counsel, primarily, but not exclusively, in relation to German law matters but also in relation other legal and compliance matters as assigned by the Head of Legal or Group General Counsel. Where a matter involves German law or language, the Senior Legal Counsel - Germany will be the first point of contact for the business but other matters that are not German-focused may be assigned as business need determines.

In particular, the role will involve:

• Qualifying tenders and negotiating contracts for the supply of KCA Deutag Group goods or services to customers;
• Supporting the Contracts Function within Supply Chain Management;
• Managing matters relating to the administration of German corporate entities;
• Assisting in data protection compliance for German corporate entities;
• Supporting the resolution of disputes – primarily those that are subject to German law or before a German forum;
• Working with the Senior Ethics & Compliance Manager to deliver training and support in ethics and compliance matters and to monitor compliance law developments in Germany.

The role will involve leading tasks independently and liaising with the Head of Legal and/or the Group General Counsel, seeking senior support and assistance where required and involving the identified senior staff members in key decisions.

Key Skills & Experience

• Admitted to practice as a lawyer in Germany (or another acceptable jurisdiction).
• Law degree from a German University (or equivalent).
• Ideally at least 7-8 years’ post qualification experience leading complex corporate/commercial transactions and other related matters and providing frontline advice to clients in relation to them.
• Understanding of the key aspects of (i) general contract law and company law (principally German related) (ii) German data protection law and (iii) anti-bribery laws or other Ethics & Compliance regulations in Germany and elsewhere.
• Demonstrable ability to draft, review and negotiate documentation relating to the above in both the German and English languages.
• Ability to instruct and manage external counsel and external legal costs.

Added advantages would include experience of:

• Trade sanctions in Germany;
• Other German compliance rules;
• cross border (including US) transactions;
• oil and gas sector;
• the geothermal energy industry.

Location: Bad Bentheim office OR remote working (Germany or UK only) with attendance at KCAD Group offices as required.