Legal Counsel, Mining
ArcelorMittalThe Legal Counsel – Mining will provide hands-on legal support to ArcelorMittal’s mining operations, focusing on contract law, commercial transactions, and regulatory compliance. This role requires close collaboration with internal teams, external counsel, and project stakeholders. The position involves supporting expansion projects, advising on sales contracts, assisting with entity formation, and ensuring adherence to local and international laws. Occasional travel to Liberia, Canada, or other operational sites may be required.
Key Responsibilities
• Contract Advisory – Draft, review, and negotiate contracts including construction agreements, services agreements, purchase agreements, NDAs, LOIs, and settlement agreements; identify legal risks and propose mitigation measures.
• Project Support – Provide legal guidance to project teams during contract execution, including negotiation of tax provisions, bonds, and insurance clauses.
• Commercial Legal Support – Advise on FOB and CFR sales contracts and related agreements; draft and review commercial documentation and correspondence.
• Entity Formation – Assist with the creation of new entities as required by the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) and provide legal advice regarding the Amended and Restated MDA.
• External Counsel Management – Retain, monitor, and report on external law firms and related costs.
• Regulatory Compliance – Stay updated on legal and regulatory changes and provide guidance to ensure operational compliance.
• Dispute Resolution - Support and manage pre-litigation and litigation matters in coordination with the in-house litigation team and external counsel.
• Compliance & Ethics: Conducting compliance and due diligence reviews for suppliers, contractors and customers and supporting internal compliance programs where necessary.
• Collaboration – Work closely with other Legal, Compliance, and Company Secretary team members; maintain communication with Group Legal on relevant matters.
Qualifications & Profile
• Qualified solicitor [or barrister] in the United Kingdom (or common law jurisdiction).
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in an international law firm and/or as in-house counsel; mining industry experience is an asset
• Strong generalist legal experience across business law areas (contract law, intellectual property, insurance, labour, litigation)
• Solid expertise in contract law, especially relating to construction, mines, ports, and railways
• Experience in West Africa-related matters is advantageous
• Fluent English; French is a plus
• Hands-on, proactive, and energetic legal professional with strong business acumen
• Contract Expertise – Deep knowledge of contract law, including mining, rail, and port agreements.
• Analytical Skills – Ability to identify, analyze, and mitigate legal risks effectively.
• Business Acumen – Understands business operations and aligns legal advice with commercial objectives.
• Collaboration – Works seamlessly with internal teams, external counsel, and stakeholders.
• Proactive Approach – Hands-on, energetic, and solution-oriented in handling legal matters.
• Communication – Strong ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly in an international environment.
• Adaptability – Flexible, stress-resistant, and able to operate in a dynamic, changing business environment.
The ideal candidate is an experienced and versatile lawyer with deep expertise in contract law and commercial legal matters. They are independent, proactive, and capable of navigating complex legal issues in an international environment. They work collaboratively, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and are willing to engage directly in project and operational legal matters.