Manager, Legal Counsel

This role is primarily responsible for leading and managing contentious matters, including high-value litigation and insurance-related disputes. The incumbent will act as a key advisor to the Head of Legal and senior management on litigation strategy and associated commercial and reputational risks, while overseeing external counsel to ensure effective and cost-efficient dispute resolution. In addition, the role will contribute to legal risk management, governance, and internal investigations.

Litigation Leadership

• Develop and execute litigation strategies for major claims and disputes.
• Oversee all aspects of contentious matters.
• Liaise with internal claims teams to align litigation approach with business objectives.

External Counsel Management

• Select, instruct, and manage external counsel for litigation matters.
• Monitor performance, cost, and outcomes to ensure strategic alignment and efficiency.

Risk Advisory

• Advise senior management on litigation risks, commercial implications, and reputational impact.
• Provide input on franchise risk and strategic decision-making.

Pre-Litigation & Risk Prevention

• Draft and review dispute resolution clauses in contracts.
• Conduct early case assessments and advise on settlement strategies.
• Develop playbooks for litigation risk management.

Legal Support for Internal Investigations

• Provide legal support for internal investigations and regulatory inquiries, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies.

Governance & Policy Development

• Strengthen legal risk frameworks and escalation protocols.
• Assist with drafting governance frameworks and internal policies to support corporate governance initiatives.

Training & Knowledge Management

• Deliver training to claims teams on litigation risk and strategy.

Requirements

• Law degree from a recognized institution; admission to practice law in Singapore preferred.
• 6–10 years of post-qualification experience with strong litigation/disputes expertise.
• Proven ability to manage complex litigation and external counsel.
• Insurance or financial services exposure is a strong advantage.

Key Competencies

• Litigation strategy and negotiation under pressure.
• Commercial acumen and risk-based decision-making.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders in high-stakes scenarios.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• High integrity and commitment to ethical standards.
• Detail-oriented with strong sense of ownership; able to prioritize effectively and deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines.