Senior Attorney will assist the VP, Assistant General Counsel, Europe by providing commercial, regulatory and corporate legal counsel and support related to the Company’s operations in Russia, Poland, Ukraine, CIS, and other Eastern European and emerging markets (the “Territory”). This position will be primarily Russia-focused at the outset, and will be based in Moscow.
Position Functions:
- Commercial Legal Advice. Support the local commercial teams by providing legal advice and support related to the importation, distribution, marketing and sales of the Company’s product portfolio in the Territory. Tasks generally will include drafting, reviewing, negotiating and interpreting importation, distribution, marketing services, and other commercial agreements and arrangements, and advising on marketing communications (including digital marketing and social media). Provide advice related to commercial competition matters arising in the Territory.
- Corporate Legal Advice. Provide general corporate legal advice and support related to local corporate subsidiaries within the Territory. Provide advice related to labor and employment matters and data protection and privacy matters; draft and review corporate resolutions and approvals as needed.
- Compliance Culture. Provide legal oversight of the Company’s activities, policies, business practices, and transactions in the Territory to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations including FCPA, UK Anti-Bribery Act and local anti-corruption laws.Contribute to existing strong compliance culture by providing compliance-related training and implementing compliance-related processes, procedures and controls.
- Beverage Alcohol-Related. Assist with matters related to Russia Alcohol Activity License. Advise regarding Territory laws and regulations that specifically govern beverage alcohol products, including with respect to product labeling matters and marketing communications. (Some markets in the Territory are “dark” markets, where beverage alcohol marketing is restricted in terms of content and/or placement.)
- Regulatory. Monitor Territory markets for legal issues and/or regulatory changes that could impact the Company’s business operations (ex, changes in excise taxes, labeling requirements, data privacy, etc.). Communicate and recommend related response to local and/or regional management.
- Outside Counsel Oversight. Retain and manage outside counsel as needed.
Candidate Requirements:
- JD from an accredited US, UK or Russian law school and admission to the bar either in the US, UK or Russia (other qualifications will be considered).
- Minimum of 5-8 years of relevant legal experience in private law firm and/or corporate legal department.
- Fluency (oral and written) in Russian and English languages.
- Experience with US-based or global corporate clients.
- Extensive experience drafting and negotiating contracts.
- Experience dealing with Russian regulators strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to develop creative solutions that both promote business goals and respect legal environment.
- Strong business sense and ability to work as a partner with business clients.
- Highest quality oral and written communication skills, including in particular, communicating complex legal issues to non-lawyers.
- Persuasive presentation and counseling skills, with demonstrated ability to make and defend firm, well-reasoned recommendations.
- Collegial, positive attitude; self-starter.
- Project management experience; ability to supervise and manage outside counsel relationships.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and prioritize conflicting demands from multiple business partners in a very fast-paced environment.
- Enthusiasm to learn and develop beverage alcohol industry-related expertise.