Associate Legal Counsel

Associate Legal Counsel (Luxury Consumer Corporation) - Private practice candidates welcome Our client is a leading European multinational luxury retail corporation and they are maintaining a strategic North Asia hub in Hong Kong. We are committed to innovation, sustainability, and ethical business practices, serving key markets in Greater China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. We are seeking a Legal Counsel to join our dynamic legal team in Hong Kong, with a primary focus on North Asian operations. Reporting to the Regional General Counsel (North Asia), this role will provide strategic legal advice on complex commercial, regulatory, and corporate matters specific to the region. The ideal candidate will have 9+ years of post-qualification experience (PQE) and a proven track record in advising multinational operations in North Asia, with deep expertise in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, and South Korea. This is a full‑time, permanent position based in our Hong Kong office, offering a hybrid work model to support work‑life balance. Key Responsibilities Provide proactive legal counsel on corporate transactions in North Asia, including mergers & acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, and partnerships in Greater China, Japan, and South Korea. Advise on regulatory compliance matters, including Hong Kong SAR laws, Mainland China regulations (e.g., CSRC, SAMR), data protection laws (e.g., APPI), and fair trade and privacy frameworks. Draft, negotiate, and review high‑value commercial agreements tailored to North Asian markets, such as supply chain contracts, technology licensing deals, and cross‑border vendor agreements. Manage litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution processes under regional frameworks (e.g., HKIAC, CIETAC, JCAA), collaborating with external counsel to mitigate risks and protect company interests. Support corporate governance initiatives, including board resolutions, shareholder matters, and ESG compliance aligned with North Asian standards. Conduct legal due diligence for North Asian expansions and risk assessments for market entries in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Mentor junior legal team members and foster cross‑functional collaboration with North Asia business units, finance, and compliance teams. Stay abreast of evolving legal landscapes in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan to inform strategic decision‑making. Qualifications and Experience Essential Qualified lawyer with 3+ years of PQE from a reputable law firm or in‑house legal department of a multinational organization. Admitted to practice in Hong Kong (SLC‑qualified) or eligible for admission; additional qualifications in England & Wales. Strong expertise in law, corporate transactions, and regulatory compliance in North Asia, with specific experience in Hong Kong/China, Japan, and South Korea markets. Proven ability to handle complex, high‑stakes legal issues in a fast‑paced, international environment with cultural nuances across the region. Excellent command of English (written and spoken); proficiency in Mandarin/Cantonese is essential, with Japanese or Korean language skills a significant advantage for stakeholder engagement. Preferred Experience in Retail Industries with exposure to IP protection, data security, or international trade in North Asian contexts, BUT also open to candidates from private practice . Familiarity with EU regulatory frameworks (e.g., GDPR) and their interplay with North Asian laws. Project management skills, with a track record of leading cross‑border legal projects in the region. Skills and Competencies Exceptional analytical, negotiation, and problem‑solving abilities. Strong commercial acumen and ability to translate legal risks into business‑friendly advice. High integrity, discretion, and a collaborative team‑player mindset with sensitivity to North Asian business cultures. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal tech tools (e.g., contract management software). Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Legal, Management, and Other Industries Retail, Retail Luxury Goods and Jewelry, and Wholesale Luxury Goods and Jewelry #J-18808-Ljbffr