Corporate M&A Legal Counsel – France & International

Our client is a leading international services group operating across several European markets. As part of its continued development and transformation, the Group is seeking a Corporate M&A Legal Counsel to join its central Legal Department.

Reporting to the Head of Corporate & M&A, you will advise the Group on strategic corporate transactions in France and internationally. This role offers significant exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to work on complex, high-profile projects in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Advise on domestic and cross-border acquisitions, disposals, investments, joint ventures and internal restructuring projects.
• Coordinate and contribute to legal due diligence reviews.
• Draft, review and negotiate transaction documentation, including confidentiality agreements, letters of intent, share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, shareholders’ agreements and transitional services agreements.
• Support transaction execution from the preliminary stages through signing, closing and post-closing activities.
• Coordinate external legal counsel and other advisers involved in transactions.
• Monitor post-closing obligations, warranties, indemnities and contractual commitments.

Corporate Law and Governance

• Advise on corporate law matters affecting French and international entities.
• Support corporate reorganisations, mergers, capital transactions and changes in legal structures.
• Prepare and review corporate approvals and documentation related to strategic transactions.
• Contribute to the governance of the Group’s subsidiaries in coordination with local legal teams and external counsel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable corporate laws and internal governance standards.

International Coordination

• Work closely with local legal, finance, tax, strategy and operational teams across the Group’s markets.
• Coordinate multi-jurisdictional legal workstreams and ensure consistency across countries.
• Translate complex legal considerations into clear, pragmatic recommendations for business stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of transaction processes, templates and legal practices.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in Business Law, Corporate Law or M&A from a recognised university or law school.
• Admission to the Bar or an additional qualification such as an LL.M. would be an advantage.
• Between 3 and 5 years of relevant professional experience gained within a leading law firm, an international group, or through a combination of both.
• Strong experience in corporate law and M&A transactions, ideally including cross-border matters.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously and work effectively under demanding timelines.
• Pragmatic, business-oriented and solution-driven approach.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders.
• High level of autonomy, attention to detail and discretion.
• Fluency in both French and English is essential. Knowledge of another European language would be an advantage.

Why Join?

This position offers the opportunity to:

• Work on strategic transactions with direct exposure to senior management.
• Develop strong expertise in both French and international M&A.
• Join a highly collaborative and business-oriented legal team.
• Operate in a dynamic, international environment undergoing significant development and transformation.