Legal Counsel

Fairview International School; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a Legal Counsel. The successful candidate will manage legal affairs, ensuring compliance and providing expert legal advice, particularly in M&A and international contracts. Ideal applicants will have a law degree, Bar admission in Malaysia and/or the UK, and 2-3 years of relevant experience. Candidates should have strong analytical and communication skills. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to a transformative educational mission.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the Bar in Malaysia and/or the UK.
• Minimum 2-3 years of post-qualification experience focusing on M&A and international contracts.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on contracts and compliance.
• Draft and negotiate local and international agreements.
• Lead legal structuring of M&A transactions and joint ventures.
• Develop compliance frameworks and conduct risk assessments.
• Maintain records of legal actions and generate reports.

Skills

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Compliance management

Analytical skills

Risk management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Law, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Overview

Legal Counsel

About Us:

Fairview Education Group is a transformative educational institution dedicated to pioneering change. As a leading network of 6 International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools and consistently ranked among the global top 100 IB World Schools for the last five consecutive years, we are committed to delivering exceptional IB education to students from diverse backgrounds. At Fairview, we strive to make high-quality education accessible to more families, fostering a global perspective and empowering future leaders. Join us in our mission to make a meaningful impact in education.

Position Overview:

To support our ongoing growth and strategic development, we are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to manage legal and company secretarial affairs across the Fairview Group. This role is essential to ensure full legal and regulatory compliance in both Malaysia and the UK, as a member of a UK public listed company on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The successful candidate will provide expert legal advice, particularly in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and international contracts and agreements, while upholding sound corporate governance practices. The Legal Counsel will work closely with the CFO and senior leadership to safeguard the institution’s legal interests and integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• General Legal Affairs:
• Provide legal advice and strategic support across a range of matters including contracts, institutional policies, and compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex local and international contracts and agreements.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks while ensuring compliance with Malaysian and UK regulations.
• Represent the institution in legal matters and liaise with external counsel when necessary.
• Company Secretarial Duties:
• Ensure compliance with statutory obligations and corporate governance standards.
• Maintain statutory registers and records.
• Prepare and submit regulatory filings.
• Coordinate board meetings and document minutes and follow-up actions.
• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A):
• Lead legal structuring of M&A transactions, joint ventures, and business consolidations.
• Conduct legal due diligence, identifying liabilities and risks.
• Draft and negotiate transaction documents including merger agreements, NDAs, LOIs, and term sheets.
• Advise on legal risks and mitigation strategies during and after transactions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external advisors throughout deal execution.
• Compliance Management:
• Develop and monitor compliance frameworks to meet legal, regulatory, and internal policies.
• Conduct periodic audits and risk assessments.
• Provide training on compliance and regulatory updates.
• Governance and Risk Management:
• Advise on governance frameworks and ethical standards.
• Assist in identifying and mitigating institutional risks.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Maintain detailed records of legal actions, contracts, and compliance matters.
• Generate and present reports for senior management and relevant authorities.

Qualifications

• Degree with high distinction in Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Admitted to the Bar in Malaysia and/or the United Kingdom.
• Minimum 2-3 years of post-qualification experience, with a strong focus on M&A and international contracts/agreements.
• Proven experience in legal drafting, negotiation, compliance, and risk management.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, cross-border legal frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Mandarin is an added advantage.

Personal Attributes

• High integrity and sound judgment.
• Detail-oriented with a strong sense of responsibility and compliance.
• Independent and resourceful with strong multitasking abilities.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

Application Process

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and qualifications to [e-mail].

Please include "Legal Counsel" in the email subject line.

• Fairview International School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.