Legal Counsel

As a legal counsel in the Asia Wealth and Asset Management Legal team, you will have the opportunity to advise on legal and regulatory matters in Hong Kong and Singapore, in particular, relating to the institutional business, business development and corporate activities.

Position Responsibilities:

Institutional Business

• Advise on legal and regulatory issues relating to institutional funds, separate accounts and other matters (eg marketing) in connection with the institutional business
• Draft, review, negotiate and advise on legal agreements including investment management agreements and advisory agreements
• Advise on, and draft and review agreements relating to, the establishment and maintenance of institutional funds

Corporate Support

• Draft, review and negotiate a variety of legal agreements with external vendors/outsourcing partners such as engagement letters, subscription agreements, platform agreements, IT contracts and other legal documentation in connection with the Hong Kong and Singapore businesses and entities
• Draft and review intercompany agreements (eg sub-investment management agreements, transfer pricing agreements etc)
• Provide legal advice and support to other control functions including Finance, Risk, HR etc.
• Handle a wide range of operational legal matters

Business Development

• Provide legal advice and support relating to business development initiatives (including strategic M&A opportunities)
• Draft, review and negotiate a variety of legal agreements relating to such business development initiatives

Corporate Governance

• Provide legal support for corporate governance matters including matters relating to the boards in Hong Kong and Singapore, maintaining authorized signatory lists etc.

General Legal Support

• Partner and collaborate with legal teams in other jurisdictions to support global/regional projects and initiatives, including cross border activities
• Participate in industry conferences

Required Qualifications:

• Hong Kong or Singapore qualified lawyer between 3 -5 PQE with law firms or in-house asset management experience
• Solid understanding of, and experience in supporting, institutional funds and mandates
• Solid experience in handling general corporate and commercial work
• Experience in M&A transactions (particularly, strategic M&A transactions) is a plus
• Strong understanding of the Hong Kong and Singapore regulatory environment
• Must be licensed to practice law in Hong Kong or Singapore and a member in good standing
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Strong legal drafting skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders and have strong stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage and work with external counsel
• Proactive work ethic
• Embrace “whole of issue” understanding
• Have a curious and learning mindset
• Sound business judgment
• Strong English skills (verbal and written); Chinese skills (Mandarin and/or Cantonese; verbal and written) is a plus

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.
• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.
• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact [email protected].