Junior Legal Counsel | HYBRID

Your Impact on the Business

The Junior Legal Counsel shall ensure that the Petnet, Inc. operates within the bounds of the law at all times. He or she will report to the Head of Legal Services and will be responsible for providing advice on a variety of legal matters including but not limited to obligations and contracts, financial regulations, data privacy regulations, legal risk management, and corporate governance. He or she will also be responsible for managing and liaising with internal and external stakeholders including the counterparts within the UnionBank conglomerate and external counsels.

Key Functions and Responsibilities:

Legal Advisory and Management

• Render legal advice, opinion, or support to various departments within the Company regarding the interpretation of and compliance with various laws, rules, and regulations affecting its business. 

• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements and contracts to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies. 

• Prepare and review legal documents such as, but not limited to, Secretary’s certification, policies, letters, memoranda. 

• Provide legal assistance on employment-related matters including policies and guidelines relating to terms and conditions of employment and handling of disciplinary action, among others.

Litigation Management

• Assist the Head of Legal Services in the management of all litigation matters including criminal, civil, commercial, and regulatory disputes. 

• Coordinate, liaise, and strategize with internal stakeholders and external legal counsels to ensure efficient and effective handling of legal cases and disputes.

• Initiate appropriate action or remedies to protect Petnet’s rights and interests in judicial, quasi-judicial, regulatory, or administrative agencies. 

• Represent the Company before judicial, quasi-judicial, regulatory, or administrative agencies.

• Create, maintain, and monitor a database for cases, demands, and other related documentation.

• Provide advice on litigation-related risks and opportunities. 

Corporate Governance

• Implement, revise, and review legal policies and manuals. 

• Coordinate and liaise with various counterparts within the UnionBank conglomerate to ensure alignment and compliance with the Group Governance Policy. 

• Perform corporate secretarial and housekeeping duties. 

• Assist in overseeing and managing the corporate housekeeping and secretarial services provider, as necessary. 

• Render legal advice pertaining to corporate governance.

• Prepare and submit regular and ad hoc reports as required under the UnionBank’s Group Governance Policy. 

Stakeholder Management

• Manage and oversee the performance of external counsels to ensure that concerns of referring functional units are fully addressed.

• Collaborate, mentor, and/or coach junior lawyers, paralegals, and/or other members of the Legal Department and/or the Data Protection Office. 

Report Preparation and Management

• Prepare and submit regular and ad hoc reports as required under the UnionBank’s Group Governance Policy.  

• Monitor, report and advise the Management and the Board through the Corporate Governance Committee of potential legal issues and its impact to the Company.

Project Management

• Standardize the contract review process in coordination with the Head of Legal Services by creating, reviewing, and/or revising standard templates for routine business transactions and creating a checklist for contract review and monitoring, among others. 

• Participate in business initiatives which require the engagement of the Legal Department 

Corporate Communications and Training

• Create and deliver learning sessions to educate internal stakeholders on contract negotiations and management, data privacy, and corporate governance.

• Draft and issue memorandum to inform the Company of new laws, rules and regulations which affect the Company and its business operations. 

• Perform gap analyses and collaborate with various business units to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

Job Specification

• Education: Graduate of Law/Juris Doctor;

• Certification: Member of good standing in the Integrated Bar of the Philippines with up-to-date MCLE compliance;

• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years work experience in a law firm or as corporate counsel; 

• Regulatory or legal experience in the financial industry is a plus.

• Working Setup. Hybrid, at least 5 times a month in the HQ located in Legaspi Village, Makati; and

• Working Schedule. Monday to Friday, 44 hours weekly.

Why Join us?

• Our Purpose: To empower and uplift Filipinos by providing access and choices for financial inclusion

• Our Mission: We put the customer first by delivering innovative, reliable, and secure solutions to all our stakeholders and through digital and human touchpoints.

• Our Vision: A nation where financial services are inclusive and borderless

• Industry Leadership: As a subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines, PETNET is backed by a strong financial institution that leads the way in delivering innovative solutions and revolutionizing the banking industry.

• Professional Growth: We foster a culture of continuous learning and personal development. By joining our team, you will have access to training programs, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive work environment that encourages growth and progression.

• Team Collaboration: At PETNET, we believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork. You will have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals, exchange ideas, and contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of financial services.

• Impactful Work: Our services play a crucial role in facilitating global transactions, cross-border payments, and financial inclusivity. By joining us, you will make a tangible impact on individuals, businesses, and communities, both locally and globally.

If you are driven, innovative, and eager to make a difference, we invite you to join our team at PETNET. Be part of an organization that values excellence, fosters growth, and champions transformative solutions in the financial services sector.