Chief Legal Officer - Real Estate/Infrastructure

Job Title: Chief Legal Officer (CLO) - Real Estate/Infrastructure

Reports To: Chairman & Managing Director

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Summary:

The Chief Legal Officer (CLO) is a critical leadership position within our organization, responsible for safeguarding our legal interests and ensuring compliance in a complex regulatory environment. As the head of our legal department, the CLO will champion proactive strategies to minimize risk, streamline land acquisition and development processes, and ensure swift resolution of disputes in the company's favor.

Key Responsibilities:

- Strategic Legal Counsel: Advise the executive team and Board of Directors on a wide range of legal matters, including corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, employment law, and any emerging legal trends impacting the industry.

- Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Perform meticulous due diligence for potential land acquisitions. Analyze legal complexities, identify potential liabilities, and propose innovative risk mitigation strategies. Collaborate with finance and operations teams on risk-benefit analyses.

- Land Acquisition Expertise: Oversee all stages of the land acquisition process, expertly navigating title searches, drafting and negotiating complex contracts (MoUs, Agreements of Sale, Sale Deeds, Joint Development Agreements, etc.). Manage external legal counsel and coordinate activities with land surveyors and other specialists.

- Regulatory Compliance and Approvals: Possess a deep understanding of zoning regulations, environmental laws, construction permits, and other regulatory requirements. Work in tandem with government agencies and regulatory bodies to expedite approvals while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

- Litigation Management: Direct the company's litigation strategy, representing it before courts, tribunals, and arbitration panels. Build strong cases, negotiate settlements when advantageous, and vigorously defend the company's interests.

- Customer Relations: Oversee the customer plot registration process, championing exceptional customer service. Troubleshoot customer issues with a solution-oriented mindset, ensuring timely resolution and adherence to all legal requirements.

- Department Leadership: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of in-house attorneys and paralegals. Foster a collaborative environment that emphasizes professional development and knowledge sharing. Implement performance metrics and ensure efficiency within the legal department.

- Corporate Governance: Advise on corporate governance matters, maintain board documents, and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Qualifications:

- Advanced law degree (LLB, LLM, or equivalent) with specialization in real estate and/or infrastructure law.

- Minimum of 12-15 years of experience with proven success in a senior corporate legal position, preferably within the real estate or infrastructure sectors.

- Demonstrated expertise in land acquisition, contract law, regulatory compliance, litigation management, and an understanding of construction law.

- A strategic mindset with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into actionable business decisions.

- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to persuasively present legal recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.

Compensation and Benefits:

- Competitive compensation package aligned with qualifications and experience.

- Performance-based bonus structure.

- Comprehensive benefits program including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

- Dynamic and stimulating work environment at the forefront of India's real estate and infrastructure transformation.

Role: Chief Legal Officer (CLO)

Industry Type: Real Estate

Department: Legal & Regulatory

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Role Category: Legal Operations