Legal Counsel

Weatherford; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A major international oil and gas services company is looking for a Legal Counsel to manage legal matters across Malaysia, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. This role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, providing advice, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have a law degree, minimum of 5 years of experience, and excellent communication skills in English and Malay. This position offers exposure to diverse legal challenges with senior management across multiple jurisdictions.

Benefits

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Opportunity for professional growth

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years post-qualified legal experience in corporate/commercial law.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to implement legal and compliance policies.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts.
• Provide legal advice and manage corporate secretarial support.
• Supervise litigation matters and legal expenses.

Skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Malay

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Strong legal research skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Law degree from reputable university

Job description

As Legal Counsel for the Weatherford APAC region, you will be responsible for managing all legal matters across Malaysia, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. Serving as the sole legal counsel for these jurisdictions, you will handle a broad range of legal issues, including contract negotiation, regulatory and corporate compliance, and day-to-day legal advisory.

You will work independently while closely collaborating with the Asia Geozone Legal team, providing comprehensive legal support and practical guidance to management and stakeholders across all business functions and departments.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial, sales, and service contracts for the oil and gas industry
• Provide general legal advice to the business and liaise with outside counsel as needed
• Manage corporate secretarial support for all Weatherford legal entities in coverage area
• Lead and supervise outside counsel while managing litigation matters and legal expenses
• Conduct due diligence enquiries for agents, sales representatives, distributors, and intermediaries
• Deliver legal training for company personnel and provide ongoing HR support for employment matters
• Handle vendor agreements including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating procurement contracts
• Manage employee disputes before government ministries, departments, and courts
• Maintain corporate governance standards ensuring compliance with security, HSE policies, and regulatory requirements
• Prepare legal reports and coordinate with company-appointed corporate secretarial agents

Qualifications

Essential

• Law degree from reputable university with admission to Malaysian Bar and/or qualification to practice law in common law jurisdiction
• Minimum 5 years post-qualified legal experience in corporate/commercial department of reputable law firm and/or multinational corporation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Malay
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel)
• Strong legal research skills and openness to learning new technology
• Willingness to implement legal and compliance policies and processes

Preferred

• Oil and gas industry or manufacturing experience
• Mandarin language skills (advantageous)
• Experience managing litigation and working with external legal providers

Additional Requirements

• Travel to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand and other Malaysian locations as required (<10% travel)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills
• Disciplined approach with ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters

This role offers the opportunity to work as the primary legal advisor for a major international oil and gas services company, providing diverse legal challenges and direct interaction with senior management across multiple jurisdictions.

Weatherford is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. We place Quality, Health & Safety, Security, and Environmental protection as our core values.

Apply now to join our Asia legal team and contribute to excellence in the oil and gas industry across Malaysia and Brunei.

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.