Legal Counsel Specialist - EU

UNIQLO is a leading brand of the Fast Retailing Group, one of the largest apparel retailers in the world. UNIQLO respects the individuality and lifestyle of all customers and takes pride in creating high quality, long-lasting, innovative clothing at an affordable price.

We are currently recruiting for a Legal Counsel Specialist - Real Estate to sit within the EU team, based in our newly redesigned Paris office. You will be reporting into the Legal Director (Store Development), working closely with the wider EU and Global Legal teams, the Legal & Compliance department, the Headquarters in UK and France, as well as with external suppliers and legal advisory firms.

This is an exciting opportunity to support an ever-growing business across the EU markets. You will be responsible for contract drafting, reviewing, and negotiating lease agreements in Europe in relation with the expansion of the brand, as well as supporting assets management – working closely with both the store development and construction teams internally. Your role will all be managing litigation and legal disputes with regards to new stores.

What you will be responsible for:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts in relation with the store expansion such as lease agreements design and build agreements and other related services
• Negotiating contracts with vendors in coordination with business teams (Store Development, Design, Construction and Maintenance teams)
• Obtaining internal approvals for signatures / seals on legal documentation
• Supporting Store Development and Construction teams in applying and obtaining administrative permits (advising in planning legislation)
• Filing documents and perform related administrative tasks
• Advising the Store Development and Construction teams on insurance matters in relation with the Finance team
• Providing support to Store Development team in managing the lease agreements portfolio (break options, termination or renewal notices)
• Proactively engaging with internal stakeholders and identify legal risks within business; propose and implement solutions
• Handling various litigation and disputes arising within business in relation with the services rendered to Store Development, Design, Construction and Maintenance teams
• Managing disputes in relation with the rent renewal value
• Implementing low-cost and practical solutions for obtaining external legal support when necessary, including selecting and coordinating with law firms

Skills, Experience and Attributes:

• Admitted to practice law in France
• Minimum 5 years of post-qualification experience at a law firm or in-house
• Significant experience in commercial tenancy law
• Experience working for a retail company preferred
• Experience working in a global, multi-cultural environment preferred
• Full professional proficiency in English
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with short deadlines
• High flexibility and autonomy in dealing with and prioritizing work scope
• Willingness to readily respond to changing circumstances and expectations
• Ability to work under tight budget constraints and minimize spending for legal advice
• Open to domestic and overseas travels when required

What we can offer you

• 25 days holiday + RTT
• Hybrid working, 2 days from home, 3 days in the office
• Social events throughout the year
• 13TH month payment
• Volunteer Day – twice a year
• Bonus twice per year based on objectives and performance
• Lunch vouchers, 60% funded by the company
• 50% payback of transportation costs
• 30% product discount
• Private medical care
• Private pension scheme
• Great location – Opera area (IX District)

Please make sure you upload a CV in English, as well as a portfolio in your application (if applicable).

UNIQLO is an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from all profiles, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities or background.

We take data protection very seriously and understand the importance of protecting your privacy and Personal Information. For the recruitment process, you can find the applicable privacy policy on our site: https://www.fastretailing.com/eng/privacy/eurecruitment.html