In-House Counsel

eLawyer; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A diversified hospitality group is looking for an In-House Counsel to provide comprehensive legal guidance to the senior management team. The successful candidate will manage various legal responsibilities, including corporate governance and compliance within the framework of Malaysian laws. Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and have a minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience, including leadership roles. This position is exclusively open to Malaysian citizens.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive legal experience, including 3+ years in senior leadership.
• Admitted to the Malaysian Bar with valid practicing certificate.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance in public-listed companies.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to management on various legal matters.
• Formulate and execute Group Legal & Compliance strategy.
• Manage contract creation, review, and negotiation.

Skills

Legal analysis

Commercial negotiation

Corporate governance

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Master’s degree or professional certifications (ICSA, IIA)

Job description

OverviewOur client is a diversified hospitality and property group providing integrated services across hotels, resorts, and real estate developments.

Job Title

In-House Counsel

Employment Type

Full Time/Permanent

Working Experience

10 - 15 Years

Education Level

Bachelor Degree

Expiry Date

03/02/2026

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to the Group Chairman, Board and Senior Management on contracts, regulatory matters, employment law, corporate governance, and general business operations.
• Formulate and execute the Group Legal & Compliance strategy aligned with business expansion and sustainability goals.
• Advise on strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and cross-border project structures.
• Establish and lead the Legal Department, defining its structure, systems, and policies.
• Ensure compliance with Malaysian legislation.
• Liaise with government authorities.
• Manage contract creation, review, and negotiation for a wide range of third‑party agreements including procurement, services, commercial, and logistics agreements.
• Support the group’s organic and external growth by assessing legal feasibility, preparing and negotiating pre‑contracts such as MOUs and NDAs, and drafting definitive agreements.
• Provide legal support for the launch and development of operations.
• Oversee dispute resolution, arbitration, and litigation strategies across all projects.
• Appoint and coordinate with external counsel to ensure cost‑effective and timely resolution.
• Provide proactive advice to prevent disputes and strengthen internal governance.
• Represent the company in negotiations and settlement discussions as required.
• Lead all corporate legal matters, including company secretarial duties for the group’s legal entities in collaboration with the Company Secretary.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex EPCC, M&A, financing, and investment contracts.
• Ensure timely filings and adherence to corporate requirements under the Companies Act 2016.
• Oversee project risk management, ensuring contractual protection for the Group assets and IP.
• Support business units on bids, proposals, and procurement negotiations.
• Ensure full compliance with the Companies Act, SEDA, Suruhanjaya Tenaga, MACC Act, PDPA, and ESG governance standards.
• Develop internal compliance and ethics frameworks, including anti‑bribery policies and whistleblowing mechanisms.
• Handle internal queries on regulatory requirements and compliance policies and procedures.
• Assist in developing and implementing communication strategy and compliance training programs for employees.
• Represent the company in engagements with regulators, authorities, and external counsel.
• Lead and develop the non‑lawyer legal team.
• Provide training and guidance to internal departments on legal matters and risks.
• Collaborate closely with operations, finance, and HR teams.
• Work on any other projects and assignments as directed from time to time.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognised institution; a Master’s degree or professional certifications (ICSA, IIA, etc.) is an advantage.
• Admitted to the Malaysian Bar with a valid practising certificate or significant in‑house counsel experience.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive legal experience, including 3+ years in senior leadership or C‑Suite advisory capacity.
• Experience handling government liaison and regulatory matters in Malaysia.
• Strong legal analysis and commercial negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance in public‑listed or group structures.
• Strong exposure to EPCC contracting, M&A, joint‑venture, and corporate financing.
• Proven ability to advise boards and senior management on corporate strategy, risk, and compliance.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.
• High integrity, strong ethical standards, discretion, and commercial acumen.
• Leadership and people‑management capabilities.

This position is only open to Malaysian citizens.