Job Description : Corporate & Legal Counsel
Job Summary :
The Corporate & Legal Counsel will oversee the company's legal activities, ensuring compliance with Swiss legal and regulatory requirements, particularly in relation to FINMA.
This role includes supporting the Board of Directors, managing corporate governance, and maintaining company records.
Key Responsibilities :
Legal and Compliance Oversight :
- Manage all legal activities, including drafting and reviewing agreements, prospectuses, and marketing documentation.
- Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including corporate governance and FINMA obligations.
- Monitor relevant legislative changes and ensure the company's compliance with legal obligations.
Board Support and Governance :
- Organize Board of Directors and committee meetings, including preparing agendas, distributing materials, and recording minutes.
- Advise the Board on governance best practices and ensure the implementation of board decisions.
- Maintain corporate documents and records, including statutory registers.
Regulatory Liaison :
- Act as the primary point of contact with regulators, including FINMA, and manage all necessary filings.
- Oversee the company's licensing process with FINMA as an authorized asset manager.
Compliance Management :
- Handle compliance matters, including AML, cross-border activities, and due diligence processes.
- Develop and monitor the company's internal legal framework and provide compliance training to employees.
Additional Responsibilities :
- Establish legal arrangements between companies within the Real Estate Investment Company.
- Serve as Data Protection Officer (DPO) and member of the Risk Committee.
- Act as Secretary of the Board of Directors.
The ideal candidate for the Corporate & Legal Counsel role will be a highly skilled legal professional with a strong background in corporate law, regulatory compliance, and governance, particularly within the Swiss legal framework.
This individual should bring extensive experience in managing corporate secretarial duties, preferably within a multinational or real estate investment environment.
Key Qualifications : Education :
Education :
- Bachelor's degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Professional qualification as a Corporate Secretary (such as ICSA) is preferred.
- Admission to the bar in Switzerland is highly desirable.
Experience :
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a corporate secretarial or legal counsel role, preferably within a multinational organization or real estate investment company.
- Proven experience working with FINMA and handling regulatory matters, including licensing and compliance.
- Strong knowledge of Swiss corporate law, governance practices, and the ability to organize and support board meetings effectively.
Skills and Competencies :
- In-depth understanding of Swiss corporate and regulatory law, with a focus on corporate governance and legal compliance.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in French and English; proficiency in Spanish or German is an advantage.
- Strong interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with regulators, external counsel, and internal stakeholders.
Personal Attributes :
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
- Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing legal and compliance risks.
- Strategic thinker, capable of aligning legal advice with the company's business objectives.
- Collaborative, fostering strong working relationships with senior management, the Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders.