TheRole
We are seeking a mid-entry level Legal Counsel with a solid foundation in commercial law and a strong focus on China-related legal matters. You will work closely with our business development and finance teams to support Chinese clients, review cross-border documentation, and ensure regulatory compliance. This role is pivotal in our China market expansion-your legal expertisecombined with native-level Chinese business communication will directlycontribute to building trust and closing deals.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate financing agreements, loan documents, and security instruments with Chinese clients and their legal representatives.
- Provide legal risk assessment for cross-border transactions (China-Singapore), especially in areas such as trade financing, project financing, M&A, and working capital loans.
- Liaise directly with Chinese clients to clarify legal clauses, resolve disputes, and facilitate smooth contract execution.
- Conduct legal research on China's regulatory environment (e.g., cross-border capital flows, foreign exchange controls, guarantee laws, and commercial contract laws) to guide internal decision-making.
- Support the Singapore legal team in ensuring compliance with Singapore's finance broking regulations (e.g., Money lenders Act, if applicable, and data privacy rules).
- Translate and prepare bilingual (English-Chinese) legal summaries, term sheets, and correspondence for Chinese stakeholders.
- Assist in developing standard operation procedures (SOPs) and legal templates for China-related deals.
Requirements
- Educational Background: LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) from a recognised university. Singapore bar admission is a plus
- Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of legal experience (in-house or law firm) in commercial law, banking & finance, or corporate transactions. Experience with a finance broker, bank, or fintech lender is highly advantageous.
- China Legal Knowledge: Sound understanding of China's key commercial laws (e.g., PRC Contract Law, Guarantee Law, Cross-border Guarantee Regulations, and SAFE rules). Familiarity with China's legal system is essential-PRC Bar qualification is a strong plus.
- Language Skills:
- English: High proficiency (written and spoken) to handle Singapore legal documents and internal reporting.
- Chinese (Mandarin): Native or professional business fluency. Must be able to negotiate, explain complex legal terms, and build rapport with Chinese clients using appropriate business etiquette.
- Soft Skills: Strong commercial sense, problem-solving mindset, attention to detail, and ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced SME environment.
