Corporate Lawyer – Litigation

SM Investments; Pasay; On-site; PHP 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

SM Investments Corporation in Pasay, Metro Manila, is seeking a Corporate Lawyer – Litigation to manage civil, criminal, and regulatory matters and provide strategic legal advice across the business. You will draft pleadings, negotiate disputes, and coordinate with external counsel while ensuring compliance with Philippine law.

The role requires at least 5 years of litigation-focused experience in corporate settings, strong drafting and advocacy skills, and an ability to balance legal risk with

Qualifications

• Must be a member of the Philippine Bar in good standing.
• At least 5 years of relevant legal experience with substantial exposure to litigation.
• Experience handling civil, criminal, commercial, labor, and administrative cases is preferred.
• Experience representing corporate clients before courts, quasi-judicial bodies, and regulatory agencies.
• Strong knowledge of Philippine procedural laws, Rules of Court, and relevant jurisprudence.

Responsibilities

• Handle civil, criminal, commercial, labor, and administrative cases involving the company and its subsidiaries or affiliates.
• Prepare, review, and draft pleadings, motions, affidavits, position papers, legal memoranda, and other litigation-related documents.
• Represent the company before courts, tribunals, regulatory bodies, and government agencies, as authorized.
• Monitor case developments, court hearings, filing deadlines, and litigation strategies.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel on case preparation, legal proceedings, and dispute resolution.
• Evaluate litigation risks and recommend appropriate legal strategies to protect the company's interests.
• Review and draft contracts, agreements, demand letters, legal notices, and other corporate legal documents.
• Provide legal assistance on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial matters.
• Assist in investigating complaints, contractual disputes, and potential violations of company policies.
• Coordinate with internal departments in gathering documents, evidence, and information relevant to legal proceedings.
• Ensure that legal documentation and litigation records are properly maintained and secured.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Philippine laws, regulations, and legal requirements.

Skills

Litigation management

Legal research

Pleadings drafting

Negotiation

Oral advocacy

Corporate law

Regulatory compliance

Contract review

Case management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Law / Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Corporate Lawyer – Litigation is responsible for managing and handling the company's litigation matters, providing legal advice, and representing the organization's interests in judicial, quasi-judicial, administrative, and regulatory proceedings. The position ensures effective management of legal disputes, mitigation of legal risks, and compliance with applicable Philippine laws and regulations.

The role involves close coordination with internal stakeholders, external legal counsel, and government agencies to protect the company's legal and business interests.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Litigation Management

• Handle and manage civil, criminal, commercial, labor, and administrative cases involving the company and its subsidiaries or affiliates.
• Prepare, review, and draft pleadings, motions, affidavits, position papers, legal memoranda, and other litigation-related documents.
• Represent the company before courts, tribunals, regulatory bodies, and government agencies, as authorized.
• Monitor case developments, court hearings, filing deadlines, and litigation strategies.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel on case preparation, legal proceedings, and dispute resolution.
• Evaluate litigation risks and recommend appropriate legal strategies to protect the company's interests.

2. Legal Advisory and Risk Management

• Provide legal opinions and recommendations on litigation-related concerns and potential legal disputes.
• Assess legal exposure and recommend preventive measures to minimize litigation risks.
• Conduct legal research on relevant laws, jurisprudence, regulations, and legal developments.
• Advise management and business units on legal implications of business decisions and transactions.
• Support dispute resolution efforts, including negotiations, mediation, arbitration, and settlement discussions.

3. Corporate Legal Support

• Review and draft contracts, agreements, demand letters, legal notices, and other corporate legal documents.
• Provide legal assistance on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial matters.
• Assist in investigating complaints, contractual disputes, and potential violations of company policies.
• Coordinate with internal departments in gathering documents, evidence, and information relevant to legal proceedings.
• Ensure that legal documentation and litigation records are properly maintained and secured.

4. Regulatory Compliance and Coordination

• Ensure compliance with applicable Philippine laws, regulations, and legal requirements.
• Coordinate with relevant government agencies, regulatory bodies, and external legal representatives.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations that may affect the company's operations and legal exposure.
• Assist in responding to regulatory inquiries, complaints, and legal notices.

5. Reporting and Documentation

• Maintain an updated litigation case monitoring system and legal case database.
• Prepare periodic litigation status reports for management, highlighting case developments, risks, and recommended actions.
• Monitor external legal counsel performance, litigation expenses, and case-related budgets.
• Ensure timely submission of legal reports and documents to relevant stakeholders.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Background

• Bachelor's Degree in Law / Juris Doctor (JD) from a recognized law school.
• Must be a member of the Philippine Bar in good standing.

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant legal experience, with substantial exposure to litigation, dispute resolution, and corporate legal practice.
• Experience in handling civil, commercial, criminal, labor, and administrative cases is preferred.
• Experience gained from a reputable law firm or an in‑house corporate legal department is highly advantageous.
• Experience representing corporate clients before courts, quasi‑judicial bodies, and regulatory agencies.
• Background in corporate law, contracts, and regulatory compliance is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of Philippine procedural laws, Rules of Court, and relevant jurisprudence.
• Proficiency in litigation strategy, legal research, drafting of pleadings, and case management.
• Familiarity with corporate and commercial laws, labor laws, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical skills in evaluating legal risks and recommending appropriate legal solutions.
• Excellent legal writing, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and legal research platforms.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and sound legal judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, competing priorities, and strict deadlines.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and capable of working independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with senior management and cross‑functional teams.
• Business‑oriented mindset with the ability to balance legal risks and commercial objectives.
• Timely preparation and submission of pleadings and other legal requirements.
• Effective management and monitoring of litigation cases and deadlines.
• Quality and accuracy of legal advice, opinions, and litigation documentation.
• Effectiveness of litigation strategies and dispute resolution efforts.
• Timely reporting of case developments and legal risks to management.
• Effective coordination with external counsel and internal stakeholders.
• Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal legal procedures.

PREFERRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

A highly competent Philippine‑qualified lawyer with strong litigation experience, excellent legal drafting and advocacy skills, and the ability to independently manage complex legal disputes. The ideal candidate possesses a solid understanding of corporate and commercial law, demonstrates sound legal judgment, and can provide practical, business‑oriented legal solutions while safeguarding the company's interests.