RSM India—Contracts Counsel

Job description

Description: We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, inclusive culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM. Job Summary: The Contracts Counsel – India will support the Office of General Counsel as the primary point of contact for contract drafting, review, negotiation and contract-related legal support across multiple jurisdictions, including but not limited to US, Canada, El Salvador, India & Chile. The role will provide practical, business-aligned legal advice on a broad range of agreements, including general corporate contracts, employment-related agreements, real estate leases, independent contractor arrangements, extended workforce contracts, vendor agreements, services agreements, NDAs, statements of work, amendments and related documentation. This position will partner closely with stakeholders across the General Counsel’s Office, Strategic Sourcing, Talent, Finance, Risk Management, Real Estate/Location Services, IT and business teams to enable timely contracting outcomes, manage legal and commercial risk, improve contract processes and ensure consistency with applicable laws, firm policies, approval requirements and global contracting standards. Essentials Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation - Draft, review, redline and negotiate a broad range of contracts for RSM US LLP and its affiliates across jurisdictions, ensuring clear documentation of rights, obligations, risk allocation and business intent - Handle general corporate agreements, services agreements, vendor and procurement contracts, NDAs, statements of work, amendments, addenda, order forms and other commercial documentation - Support employment-related contracts, independent contractor arrangements, extended workforce contracts and staffing/vendor documentation in coordination with Talent, Strategic Sourcing and relevant legal stakeholders - Review and negotiate real estate leases, leave and license arrangements, facilities-related contracts and location services documentation, coordinating with business and external counsel as needed - Advise on key contract provisions including indemnities, limitation of liability, confidentiality, data protection, intellectual property, insurance, termination, dispute resolution, governing law, audit rights and compliance obligations - Negotiate directly with counterparties or their counsel where appropriate and provide practical fallback positions to support efficient deal closure Contract Risk Advisory & Legal Support - Serve as the sole or primary Office of General Counsel contact for assigned contract matters, ensuring timely triage, review, escalation and resolution - Provide business-oriented legal advice on contractual risks, deviations from templates, approval requirements and mitigation strategies - Coordinate with U.S. and international legal stakeholders on matters involving multiple jurisdictions, cross-border contractual obligations or non-standard risk positions - Identify issues relating to privacy, information security, intellectual property, employment classification, tax, regulatory compliance, procurement, auditor independence and professional standards and route matters to appropriate subject matter experts where needed - Support contract-related disputes, claims, termination discussions, renewal issues and interpretation questions by reviewing obligations and advising on available contractual remedies - Ensure contracting positions are consistent with firm policies, delegated authority, risk appetite and applicable legal and regulatory requirements Contracting Process, Templates & Knowledge Management - Develop, maintain and improve standard contract templates, clause libraries, playbooks, fallback positions and contracting guidance in coordination with the Office of General Counsel and relevant business teams - Promote consistency in contracting standards, approval processes, records management and use of approved forms across contract types and jurisdictions - Partner with Strategic Sourcing, Talent, Finance, IT, Real Estate/Location Services, Risk Management and other internal teams to streamline intake, review, negotiation, execution and renewal workflows - Support adoption and effective use of contract lifecycle management systems, AI contracting tools, tracking tools and reporting mechanisms - Prepare practical guidance, trainings and communications for stakeholders on contract review requirements, common risk issues and escalation protocols Stakeholder Management & Cross-Border Collaboration - Build trusted relationships with internal stakeholders and act as a responsive, practical and solutions-oriented legal partner for contracting matters - Collaborate with attorneys and business teams in the United States, India and other supported jurisdictions to align contracting outcomes with business priorities and legal standards - Manage competing contract priorities, communicate status clearly and escalate high-risk or time-sensitive issues appropriately - Support reporting to the Office of General Counsel on contract volumes, risk themes, bottlenecks, improvement opportunities and stakeholder service levels Legal Research, Regulatory Awareness & Other Support - Monitor legal, regulatory and market developments relevant to contracting, cross-border services, privacy, employment classification, real estate and vendor risk management - Conduct legal research and prepare concise summaries or recommendations on contract-related legal issues as required - Support other Office of General Counsel initiatives, special projects and contract-related governance activities as assigned EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in Law from a recognized Indian university (required) - Current Bar Council enrolment or eligibility to practice law in India (required) - Additional certification or demonstrated training in contract drafting, commercial law, privacy, technology contracting or negotiation (preferred) EXPERIENCE - 10 years of post-qualification legal experience, preferably in an in-house legal department, multinational organization, professional services firm or reputed law firm with a strong commercial contracts practice (required) - Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements, vendor contracts, services agreements, NDAs, statements of work, employment-related agreements and independent contractor arrangements (required) - Experience advising stakeholders directly on contractual risks, fallback positions, approval requirements and practical negotiation strategy (required) - Experience supporting cross-border contracting matters or working with international or matrixed legal teams (strongly preferred) - Experience coordinating with procurement, sourcing, HR/Talent, finance, IT, real estate/location services, risk management and external counsel teams (preferred) - Exposure to data privacy, information security, auditor independence, professional services, technology, outsourcing or extended workforce contracting issues (preferred LEADERSHIP SKILLS - Ability to act as a senior individual contributor and trusted legal advisor for contract matters with limited supervision (required) - Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to build credibility with legal, business and functional leaders across jurisdictions (required) - Proven ability to prioritize competing requests, manage urgent deadlines and communicate status and risk clearly (required) - Business-minded, pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability (required) - High degree of integrity, confidentiality, professionalism and sound judgment (required) TECHNICAL/SOFT SKILLS - Strong knowledge of contract law principles and experience with commercial contracting across multiple agreement types and jurisdictions (required) - Excellent drafting, redlining, negotiation and legal analytical skills, with the ability to identify legal and commercial risks and propose practical solutions (required) - Working knowledge of key contractual concepts including liability allocation, indemnity, termination, confidentiality, data protection & privacy, intellectual property, service levels, audit rights, insurance, governing law and dispute resolution (required) - Ability to support contracting matters involving procurement, employment, independent contractors, extended workforce, real estate leases, technology, professional services and general corporate arrangements (most or all areas required) - Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain legal concepts and contract risks in concise, business-friendly terms (required) - High attention to detail, sound judgment, strong ownership and ability to manage multiple matters independently in a deadline-driven environment (required - Experience effectively leveraging AI tools in connection with contract drafting, redlining, analysis and negotiation (strongly preferred) - Experience with contract lifecycle management tools, template management, matter tracking and Microsoft Office applications (preferred) At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/india.html. RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; colour; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender (including gender identity and/or gender expression); sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the Indian Armed Forces; Indian Armed Forces Veterans, and Indian Armed Forces Personnel status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable provincial employment legislation. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please send us an email at careers@rsmus.com.