Synopsis in Strictly HTML Format
- There is a significant rise in demand for in-house legal professionals with expertise in ESG, regulatory compliance, and market expansion strategies.
- The trend is driven by regulatory shifts, ESG focus, and market expansion strategies.
- Companies are investing in seasoned legal professionals with deep market experience to help navigate the increasing complexities of the business and policy landscape.
MNCs are investing heavily in their in-house legal teams to cope with the changing regulatory environment, escalating tariff conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and India’s ongoing discussions with the EU, the UK, and the US for trade deals.
| Country/Region | Company/Industry | Position | Previous Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | General Catalyst Partners | Head of Legal for India Operations | Legal Director at Peak XV Partners Advisors India |
| India | Beiersdorf AG | General Counsel for India | Unilever |
| India | ArcelorMittal | Head of Legal Department | Talwar Thakore & Associates |
“There has been a 20-25% rise in such mandates over the past year, driven by regulatory shifts, ESG focus, and market expansion strategies,” said Karl Fernandes, senior partner and head of the corporate practice group at Vahura.
“We are currently handling multiple active mandates across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, technology, manufacturing, and financial services,” he added.
Companies are investing in seasoned legal professionals with deep market experience to help navigate the increasing complexities of the business and policy landscape amid changing technologies, escalating tariff conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and India’s ongoing discussions with the EU, the UK, and the US for trade deals.
“Given the evolving regulatory and compliance landscape, and geopolitical scenarios, the expectations from in-house counsels are to be proactive advisors to local and regional management,” said Ritambara Vasudeva, regional director at Michael Page.
Michael Page is handling about half a dozen such mandates from the MNCs, mostly in the manufacturing, consumer, and services sectors, he said.
Some other major movements include Vivek Mittal, who joined Hindustan Unilever in February as executive director, legal and corporate affairs, and Sharad Kumar, who joined Philips as head of the India subcontinent zone after leaving Lexster Law.
Local subsidiaries of foreign companies like to hire leaders who have a deep understanding of regulatory compliance, including company law, labour law, intellectual property law, rights, and tax laws, said Rayan Modi, director at BDO Executive Search.
“The uptick in hiring for senior legal roles is evident not only among Indian subsidiaries of MNCs but also within Indian corporates with significant international footprints,” said Jyoti Bowen Nath, managing partner at Claricent Partners.
Why are MNCs investing in their in-house legal teams?
- Regulatory shifts and ESG focus.
- Market expansion strategies.
- Escalating tariff conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
- India’s ongoing discussions with the EU, the UK, and the US for trade deals.
“We are seeing a rise in demand for in-house legal professionals with expertise in ESG, regulatory compliance, and market expansion strategies,” said Karl Fernandes.
Companies are investing in seasoned legal professionals with deep market experience to help navigate the increasing complexities of the business and policy landscape.
“Given the evolving regulatory and compliance landscape, and geopolitical scenarios, the expectations from in-house counsels are to be proactive advisors to local and regional management,” said Ritambara Vasudeva.
Key companies and executives making moves
- General Catalyst Partners
- Beiersdorf AG
- ArcelorMittal
- Hindustan Unilever
- Philips
Some notable movements include:
- Vivek Mittal, Hindustan Unilever, Executive Director, Legal and Corporate Affairs.
- Sharad Kumar, Philips, Head of the India Subcontinent Zone.
- Heena Singh, ArcelorMittal, Head of the Legal Department.
What does this mean for the Indian economy?
- Increased investment in legal as a function as a result of the growing focus on the Indian market.
- A greater emphasis on regulatory compliance and ESG.
- More opportunities for Indian law firms and legal professionals.
“The uptick in hiring for senior legal roles is evident not only among Indian subsidiaries of MNCs but also within Indian corporates with significant international footprints,” said Jyoti Bowen Nath.
Claricent Partners is currently advising clients on hiring for a couple of such roles.
“Given the evolving regulatory and compliance landscape, and geopolitical scenarios, the expectations from in-house counsels are to be proactive advisors to local and regional management,” said Ritambara Vasudeva.
