Legal Officer

Job RoleA vacancy exists at Hatton National Bank PLC for the post of Legal Officer for Colombo, Central and North Central Regions.This position involves in providing comprehensive legal support to the bank including drafting, reviewing, and negotiation of contracts and security documentation, assessing legal risks, and advising all business units on legal matters. The role also oversees the management of all legal documentation, coordinating with external legal counsel and ensures that the bank’s operations align with regulatory requirements while mitigating potential legal risks, ensuring smooth legal operations, and supporting the institution’s strategic goals in alignment with relevant laws, regulations, and standards, and the bank’s business objectives and mission.Duties & ResponsibilitiesAttend to all contractual and security documentation requirements including but not limited to secured and unsecured lending, overseas transactions, projects and syndications.Contribute to the development and implementation of legal policies, procedures, and guidelines, ensuring a standardized and compliant approach across the bank.Prepare and maintain legal documentation, including legal opinions, memorandums, and reports, ensuring accurate and comprehensive records for reference and legal compliance.Draft new contracts, agreements, MOUs, indemnities, affidavits, etc.Draft court documents and correspondence with regulators and other authoritiesCollaborate with stakeholders to address legal issues and provide guidance on business matters, facilitating smooth contract execution and minimizing legal risksLiaise with external counsel and attend court hearings whenever requiredProvide accurate legal advice and support to various business units within the bank enabling informed decision-making and risk mitigation from a legal standpointImplement approved policies, processes & procedures for legal corporate affairs function and ensure adherence theretoSupport to streamline processes and implement new ways of workingDrive growth in customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional customer service and promptly resolving any issues or concernsServe as a valuable resource of knowledge in legal and related matters, providing expert guidance and support to external and internal clientsActively participate in seminars and conferences to stay updated with industry trends and best practices in legal operationsEducational qualificationsAttorney-at-Law and Notary Public is mandatoryMaster’s degree in lawBachelor of Laws/Post Graduate Qualification in Law, Finance, Business or a related field will be an added advantageProfessional proficiency in Sinhala and English; proficiency in Tamil will be an added advantageProfessional proficiency in Microsoft packages including Word and ExcelWork ExperienceA minimum of 8 years of experience in practicing law with 3+ years of prior experience in a managerial role in providing Legal Services, handling corporate finance and litigation work preferably in a bank or a financial services organizationA minimum of 5 years notarial practice with a license to practice in Colombo in EnglishA minimum of 2 years’ experience handling and managing litigation and court workSkills and CompetenciesLegal research and analysisInterpretation of financial contractsBanking and financial regulations knowledgeLegal documentation and contract reviewLitigation and dispute resolutionStakeholder management (internal and external)Regulatory compliance and risk managementCollaboration and teamworkDocument management and administration