Legal Counsel Expert Pakistan

CMA CGM, a global leader in shipping and logistics operating across more than 420 ports worldwide, is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join its team in Karachi, Pakistan. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this role will provide comprehensive legal and compliance support across various domains including corporate, commercial, transactional, employment, governance, and regulatory matters. The Legal Counsel will ensure the company’s adherence to local laws and Group policies while supporting business growth and managing legal risks. This position is critical in facilitating the safe, compliant, and successful expansion of CMA CGM’s operations within Pakistan.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory & Strategy: Deliver expert legal advice to senior management and business units on corporate, commercial, transactional, antitrust, intellectual property, real estate, tax, employment law, corporate governance, and general business operations. Conduct detailed legal research, interpret relevant laws and regulations, and prepare clear guidance and opinions. Ensure compliance with Pakistani legislation, maritime law, and international trade regulations. Maintain effective liaison with government authorities and regulators such as the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority, Pakistan Customs, and SECP.

Contract Management: Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide range of contracts including real estate, procurement, services, commercial, financial, and logistics agreements. Support cross-border transactions and collaborate with global legal teams on international matters.

Business Development & Projects: Evaluate legal feasibility and provide support for the Group’s organic and external growth initiatives in Pakistan. Prepare and negotiate pre-contractual documents such as MOUs and NDAs, draft definitive agreements, and assist with the launch and development of new operations.

Dispute Resolution & Litigation: Oversee legal disputes, claims, customer complaints, litigation, arbitration, and mediation with the assistance of two direct reports. Coordinate with external counsel on complex matters and represent the company in negotiations and settlements when required.

Corporate Governance: Manage company secretarial duties alongside the Company Secretary, including organizing board meetings, annual general meetings, dividend distribution, and administrative changes. Maintain the Group’s corporate database and ensure timely statutory filings in compliance with local regulations.

Ethics & Compliance: Provide advice on ethics and compliance matters, implement and monitor policies, training, approvals, and recordkeeping in collaboration with the MEG Compliance Team. Design and execute due diligence processes for third parties and oversee compliance controls. Handle internal regulatory queries and support communication and training programs to enhance employee awareness of legal and ethical standards.

Team Leadership & Collaboration: Deliver legal training and guidance to internal teams. Work closely with regional and global Legal, Compliance, Finance, HR, Procurement, and Operations departments to ensure alignment and effective risk management.

Required Qualifications

- LL.B. or postgraduate degree in Law or a related field; admission to Pakistan Bar Council or relevant Provincial Bar Council is mandatory.
- Minimum 5-8 years of post-qualification legal experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of Pakistani laws, shipping laws, port and country regulations, with exposure to maritime, logistics, and trade-related legal matters.
- Experience in government liaison and regulatory issues within Pakistan.
- Excellent command of English; proficiency in additional regional languages is advantageous.
- Demonstrated skills in legal analysis, commercial negotiation, and data analysis.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to balance business objectives and legal requirements.
- Proven leadership and people management capabilities.
- High integrity and strong ethical standards.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders under pressure.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, coupled with proactive judgment and business acumen.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- A Master’s degree in Law is preferred.
- Experience within the maritime/shipping industry or multinational companies/law firms specializing in shipping, logistics, or transportation is highly desirable.

Join CMA CGM and contribute to a pioneering global leader committed to innovation, sustainability, and humanitarian efforts in the shipping and logistics sector.