Head of Corporate Legal Counsel (India)

Job Title:

Position 1 - DGM/GM – Real Estate, Transactions

Position 2 - DGM/GM - Litigation & Disputes

Job Purpose

As a senior member of the Legal Team at MHRIL, this role is responsible for end-to-end ownership of the company’s real estate portfolio, strategic commercial transactions, and litigation & dispute resolution matters.

The incumbent will lead complex real estate and commercial transactions, while simultaneously strategizing and managing all litigations and legal disputes, ensuring robust risk management, business alignment, and protection of enterprise interests.

Reporting & Team Management

• Direct Reports: 1 initially (with scope to increase based on performance and responsibilities)
• Role Level: Senior Individual Contributor with people management responsibility

Key Roles & Responsibilities

A. Real Estate Transactions & Strategic Commercial Contracts

1. Lead, negotiate, and independently manage the company’s real estate transactions, including:

• Title due diligences
• Acquisitions, divestments, and leasing transactions
• Inventory arrangements and related documentation

1. Lead and negotiate high-value and complex commercial agreements, including:

• Hotel Management Contracts
• Technical Services Agreements (TSAs)
• Other strategic and operational contracts

1. Provide legal advisory and opinion support on real estate and commercial matters, ensuring alignment with business objectives and risk tolerance.

B. Litigation & Dispute Resolution

1. Own and lead the company’s entire litigation and dispute resolution portfolio, with end-to-end responsibility for strategy, execution, and outcomes.

2. Strategize and manage complex, high-stakes litigations and disputes across forums, including pre-litigation matters.

3. Oversee and guide external counsel to ensure effective representation, cost control, and timely resolution.

4. Proactively identify, mitigate, and manage litigation, regulatory, and reputational risks.

5. Oversee all consumer-related litigations and disputes, ensuring consistency of approach and regulatory compliance.

C. Business Partnership & Risk Management

1. Support business teams with dispute-avoidance strategies and legal risk assessment in commercial and real estate transactions.

2. Act as a trusted legal advisor to senior stakeholders, delivering pragmatic, solution-oriented legal guidance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience:
• 10–20 years of post-qualification experience in legal roles
• Strong mix of law firm and in-house legal experience is mandatory
• At least 5 years’ prior law firm experience, with exposure to:
• Real estate transactions and title due diligences
• Commercial contract negotiation
• Litigation and dispute handling
• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB);

additional qualifications preferred

Key Skills & Competencies

• Proven expertise in leading high-value real estate transactions, including acquisitions and title DDs
• Robust capability to negotiate and close complex commercial and strategic contracts
• Demonstrated track record in managing high-stakes litigations and disputes
• Ability to independently own legal matters end-to-end, delivering high-quality outcomes
• Strong business acumen with a customer-centric, solution-driven mindset
• Excellent stakeholder management, judgment, and communication skills