Reporting to the Head of Legal, the Legal Counsel will play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive legal support across the Woh Hup Group, including drafting and negotiating complex construction and commercial contracts, advising on project delivery and risk management, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing disputes, and partnering with senior stakeholders to drive governance and process improvements.
Given the dynamic nature of the business, the below is a non-exhaustive list of deliveries expected from the candidate. However, it covers the foundation responsibilities and capabilities that are required for the candidate to be successful in this role.
Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial and construction-related contracts, including EPC, design & build, subcontracting, procurement, consultancy, and service agreements.
- Support ongoing construction and engineering projects by advising on contract interpretation, project delivery issues, delays, variations, claims, and risk management.
- Advise internal stakeholders on legal and regulatory matters impacting the business, ensuring compliance with relevant industry regulations and standards.
- Assist with dispute avoidance and management, including reviewing claims, liaising with external counsel, and preparing documentation for mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
- Partner closely with project teams, procurement, commercial, finance, and senior management to provide timely and practical legal support.
- Support in the preparation of contract templates and negotiation playbooks / risk matrixes for the business.
- Support corporate governance, compliance, and internal policy development as needed.
- Contribute to improving internal legal processes, templates, and workflows as part of a growing legal function.
Qualifications
- 34 years of post-qualification experience (PQE) gained either in-house or with a reputable law firm.
- Strong grounding in construction law or experience supporting construction, engineering, infrastructure, or real-estate related matters will be highly regarded.
- Candidates coming straight from private practice, particularly from construction, projects, or commercial teams, are very welcome to apply.
- Solid understanding of contract negotiation and stakeholder management.
- Strong analytical skills, commercial mindset, and ability to deliver sound, pragmatic legal advice.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
