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Job Description:
Job Purpose
The Legal Operations Officer at Sun Life Philippines will play a critical role in optimizing the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance of the Law Department. This role includes oversight of legal processes, financial management, vendor management, corporate secretarial functions, and operational support, with a strong focus on implementing agile ways of working. The Manager will report directly to the Senior Counsel and collaborate closely with the legal team, cross-functional departments, and external service providers to ensure seamless legal operations and compliance with corporate governance standards. Admission to the Philippine bar is required, with at least 7 years of experience in relevant practice areas of law.
Major Accountabilities
Operations & Process Improvement:
- Develop and implement workflows, systems, and tools to streamline legal operations.
- Drive process optimization and automation initiatives within the Law Department.
- Implement agile methodologies to improve flexibility, collaboration, and efficiency in delivering legal services.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements in legal processes.
- Identify and implement legal technology solutions to enhance the department's efficiency.
- Manage the integration and maintenance of legal systems such as contract management tools and e-billing platforms.
- Provide training and support to legal team members on new tools and technologies.
Litigation Management
- Supervise and monitor cases before the Office of the Prosecutor, lower courts, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court which are handled by external counsels;
- Formulate legal strategies, draft pleadings, file complaints attend hearings, and prepare witnesses for cases and complaints involving the Insurance Commission, Anti-Money Laundering Council (Freeze Order/Asset Preservation Order), Family Court (Guardianship Proceeding), National Privacy Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Municipal Trial Courts, Regional Trial Courts, local government units and other enforcement agencies;
- Prepare litigation reports;
- Manage budget for litigation and review billings by external counsels;
- Provide pre-litigation advice to all business units; and
- Assist in handling internal and external fraud matters.
Vendor & Contract Management:
- Manage relationships with external legal service providers, including law firms and consultants.
- Oversee contract negotiation and ensure efficient tracking and administration of contracts.
- Evaluate vendor performance and ensure cost-effective delivery of services.
Financial Management:
- Develop and manage the Law Department's budget and track legal spending.
- Implement cost-control measures and identify opportunities for cost savings.
- Monitor billing and invoicing processes to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies.
Corporate Secretarial Duties:
- Perform corporate secretarial roles and tasks as may be assigned by the Corporate Secretary of SLF Philippine subsidiaries, including the Sun Life Foundation.
- Support and assist the Corporate Secretary in fulfilling governance obligations, including organizing board and committee meetings, preparing agendas, and recording minutes.
- Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements, including the maintenance of statutory registers and corporate filings.
- Prepare and file documents with regulatory authorities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Insurance Commission (IC).
- Manage shareholder communications, including the preparation and dissemination of meeting notices and reports.
- Assist in ensuring adherence to company by-laws and governance frameworks.
Project Management
- Develop, lead and coordinate legal and corporate governance projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely delivery.
- Track progress and provide regular updates to stakeholders.
Risk & Compliance Management:
- Collaborate with the Risk and Compliance team to ensure that legal operations align with regulatory requirements.
- Implement risk management frameworks and policies within the Law Department.
- Provide guidance on compliance and risk issues.
Team Collaboration & Leadership:
- Provide operational support to the legal team, ensuring that they have the resources and tools necessary to perform effectively.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, implementing agile ways of working to promote flexibility and responsiveness.
- Act as a liaison between the legal team and other departments to ensure smooth collaboration.
Performs such other tasks as may be assigned from time to time by the General Counsel and/or Deputy General Counsel, including but not limited to representing SLF Philippines before regulatory bodies, and industry associations.
Specialized knowledge
- Experience in implementing agile methodologies and legal technology solutions.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, contract management software, and e-billing platforms.
- Able to travel in and outside Metro Manila.
Education And Experience
- Bachelors degree in Law and a member in good standing of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in relevant practice areas of law, including litigation, legal operations, corporate governance, or project management gained from a reputable law firm or private corporation.
- Strong knowledge of legal processes, vendor management, and financial oversight in a legal context.
- Experience with corporate secretarial duties, including board governance, regulatory filings, and corporate compliance.
Job Category:
Legal
Posting End Date:
30/01/2025
