Counsel Litigation

Be a part of a progressive change!

Times are changing at Philip Morris International (PMI). We’ve chosen to do something incredible. The world expects us to act responsibly. We are doing just that by redefining our business and building our future on one clear purpose – to deliver a smoke-free future.

This transformation will redefine every area of our business: the products we sell, where we sell them, and how they’re manufactured and delivered. The way we talk to our customers and engage with society.

With huge change, comes huge opportunity. So, you’ll enjoy dreaming up and delivering better, brighter solutions and the space to move your career forward in endlessly different directions.

Role Summary

This role is for a Counsel in PMI’s Litigation and Investigations Group (L&I), which is part of PMI’s Legal & Compliance (“L&C”) Department.

PMI’s Litigation and Investigations Group is responsible for (i) managing litigation on behalf of Philip Morris International Inc. and its affiliates (PMI) globally, (ii) providing trusted business partnership and counselling on litigation decisions of importance to the Company and, as appropriate, contributing to the corporate strategy planning process, (iii) leading and conducting internal investigations, and (iv) providing litigation support services.

The Counsel – Litigation will require a seasoned legal professional with excellent judgment and a demonstrated ability to run complex litigation and to provide mentorship to business and functional leaders across the organization on strategies for mitigating legal risk. The role-holder will report to the Assistant General Counsel – Litigation, who is based in Lausanne, CH.

Key Responsibilities

• Helps be responsible for PMI’s product liability and regulatory litigation caseload and other cases of company-wide significance.
• Develops and implements with other members of PMI’s L&I group PMI’s litigation strategy, leads outside counsel, handles discovery obligations, resolves proper case disposition, and monitors litigation budgets.
• Evaluates and handles pre-litigation disputes arising from the use of PMI products.
• Leads or participates in significant internal investigations.
• Assists in the identification, selection, and management of outside counsel to assure legal services are rendered to PMI that are results-oriented, timely, competent, and cost efficient.
• Prepares regular summaries and update memos and presentations on litigation activities.
• Works with other functional groups in the L&C Department as needed that have expertise in the subject matter of the litigation.
• Anticipates and mitigates potential legal problems within the organization as they pertain to special litigation matters and develops strategies to avoid costly litigation and reduce potential areas of risk.
• Helps business partners understand the risks and consequences of a given situation and develops alternatives to manage identified risks.
• Provides legal risk analysis of Company policies and initiatives.
• Keeps up-to-date with legal developments, standard methodologies, and benchmarks in the relevant areas of law.
• Acts as a great teammate and role model for the legal function, encouraging collaboration and upholding standards of excellence.

Critical Skills

• Quickly grasps key drivers of the business and industry and able to quickly become immersed in the most important business issues facing the Company.
• Demonstrates a strategic, innovative, creative, and inquisitive frame of mind, with strong business insight and judgment.
• Speaks fluently in lay terms to a diverse range of audiences with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates the detail orientation and the technical, planning and project management skills to ensure detailed execution.
• Takes initiative and operates with a sense of urgency, decisiveness and responsiveness.
• Possesses strong work ethic with ability to work independently in a fast-paced work environment.
• Able to solve problems and offer creative solutions. Anticipates and proactively addresses emerging issues.
• Makes well considered recommendations and business decisions based on facts and mastery of the legal and regulatory environment.
• Demonstrates self-motivation and initiative to prioritize work and otherwise perform the job with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates outstanding communications skills, including presenting to, advising and educating internal colleagues as well as engaging with external partners.
• Able to operate calmly in a dynamic environment with a demonstrated ability to handle crises.
• Strong organizational skills reflected by planning and communicating in a dynamic environment.

Desired Profile

• Juris Doctor and licensed to practice law in one or more jurisdictions.
• At least five years of concentrated litigation experience in industry or private practice which demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and applied understanding of area of expertise; both in-house and major law firm experience preferred.
• Solid working knowledge of litigation practice and procedures.
• Previous experience with FMCG, life sciences or technology industry preferred. Experience of working in a highly regulated industry is desirable.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple / conflicting priorities while managing a substantial workload and client expectations.
• Robust interpersonal, networking, public speaking, and writing skills, with the confidence and credibility to act quickly, communicate effectively with diplomacy and civility, and command respect of both internal and external audiences.
• Ability to review and revise legal documents in English at first-rate level. Working fluency in other languages is a plus.
• Ability to travel as necessary.

Why Join Us?

At Philip Morris International, you will:

• Be part of an ambitious team driving significant change in the industry.
• Work in a dynamic and inclusive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Have the opportunity to develop your career in numerous directions, with access to world-class training and development programs.
• Enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Join us in our mission to deliver a smoke-free future and make a tangible impact on the world. If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, we would love to hear from you!