Legal Counsel Expert Pakistan

Req ID: 592245
Posting Start Date: 05/10/2026
Location: Karachi, Pakistan
Company: CMA CGM
Contract Type: Permanent
Employment Type: Full Time

CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, operates across more than 420 ports worldwide and is committed to innovation in shipping, land, air, and logistics solutions. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics and air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the Group is dedicated to sustainable growth and aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050. Present in 160 countries with over 155,000 employees, CMA CGM also actively supports humanitarian efforts through its Foundation.

We are looking for an experienced Legal Counsel to lead all legal and compliance functions for our operations in Pakistan. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this role will provide legal support across corporate, commercial, transactional, employment, governance, and regulatory matters. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with local laws and Group policies, manage contracts, support business development, oversee dispute resolution, and implement ethics and compliance programs. This position requires a trusted advisor who can balance legal risks with business objectives to enable the Group’s safe and compliant growth in Pakistan.

Key Responsibilities
Legal Advisory & Strategy: Provide comprehensive legal counsel to senior management and business units on a wide range of areas including corporate, commercial, antitrust, intellectual property, real estate, tax, employment law, and governance. Conduct legal research and interpret laws and regulations relevant to shipping, maritime, customs, anti-corruption, sanctions, competition, and employment. Liaise 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 various contracts and compliance documents related to real estate, procurement, services, commercial, financial, and logistics agreements. Support cross-border transactions and coordinate with global legal teams on international matters.

Business Development & Projects: Assess legal feasibility for growth initiatives, prepare and negotiate pre-contracts such as MOUs and NDAs, and provide legal support for launching and developing new operations in Pakistan.

Dispute Resolution & Litigation: Manage legal disputes, claims, customer complaints, litigation, arbitration, and mediation with support from direct reports. Coordinate with external counsel and regulators to ensure timely and cost-effective resolution. Represent the company in negotiations and settlements as needed.

Corporate Governance: Oversee company secretarial duties for Group entities in Pakistan, including board meetings, AGMs, dividend distributions, and corporate filings. Ensure compliance with local corporate regulations and maintain accurate corporate records.

Ethics & Compliance: Implement and monitor ethics and compliance policies, including economic sanctions, anti-bribery, and data privacy. Design third-party due diligence processes and oversee compliance programs in coordination with the regional MEG Compliance Team. Provide training and guidance on regulatory requirements and compliance standards.

Team Leadership & Collaboration: Train and guide internal departments on legal risks and compliance. Collaborate closely with regional and global teams across Legal, Compliance, Finance, HR, Procurement, and Operations.

Required Qualifications
- LL.B. or postgraduate degree in Law; admission to the Pakistan Bar Council or relevant Provincial Bar Council is mandatory. A Master’s degree is preferred.
- 5-8 years of post-qualification legal experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial or leadership role. Experience in the maritime or shipping industry is highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of Pakistani laws related to shipping, ports, customs, maritime, logistics, and trade regulations.
- Experience working with multinational companies or law firms specializing in shipping, logistics, or transportation is an advantage.
- Proven experience handling government liaison and regulatory matters in Pakistan.
- Fluency in English is required; additional regional languages are a plus.
- Excellent legal analysis, commercial negotiation, and data interpretation skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance legal risks and business objectives.
- Demonstrated leadership and people management skills.
- High integrity and ethical standards.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
- Strong communication and presentation skills with proactive judgment and business acumen.

Join CMA CGM and be part of a dynamic global leader driving innovation and sustainability in shipping and logistics.