Legal Counsel | f/m/d at ERGO – Warsaw

Legal Counsel at ERGO: A Gateway to International Insurance Law

In the fast-evolving world of financial services, in-house legal counsel are no longer just transactional gatekeepers—they are strategic partners who shape business decisions, navigate regulatory labyrinths, and protect the organisation's reputation. The Legal Counsel | f/m/d position at ERGO Technology & Services S.A. in Warsaw is one such role that sits at the intersection of insurance law, corporate governance, and cross-border operations. If you are a lawyer with a strong financial-market background and a desire to work in a multicultural, technology-driven environment, this opportunity deserves your immediate attention.

Understanding the ERGO Technology & Services Ecosystem

ERGO Technology & Services S.A. (ET&S) is a key member of the Munich Re and ERGO Group, delivering integrated IT and business services to international markets. The company combines advanced technology solutions with end-to-end insurance processes, including finance, operations, and underwriting. With offices in Warsaw and Gdańsk, ET&S fosters a dynamic, multicultural environment that promotes diversity and international mobility. This Legal Counsel role is embedded within this ecosystem, requiring you to collaborate with Group Legal, GBS Operations, ERGO International, and various cross-functional stakeholders such as Risk, Compliance, Data Protection, and Finance.

"This is an opportunity for a lawyer with strong financial-market experience who thrives in an international, fast-moving environment."

The role is not merely about giving legal opinions; it is about shaping outsourcing arrangements, liaising with the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) and the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), and ensuring that the organisation remains compliant with ever-changing financial regulations. If you have ever wanted to work for a global insurance giant while staying rooted in Warsaw, this is your chance.

What the Job Really Entails: Beyond the Job Description

The job description lists ten core responsibilities that reflect the true nature of modern in-house legal work. Let us break them down into thematic clusters to give you a clearer picture of what your daily life as Legal Counsel at ERGO would look like:

Outsourcing and Commercial Contracts

You will be responsible for delivering comprehensive outsourcing legal support, drafting and negotiating agreements, and ensuring alignment with financial-sector regulations. This is not just about legal risk mitigation; it is about shaping risk-allocation and service-level frameworks that enable business objectives. You will also structure and negotiate commercial contracts, aligning contractual terms with operational needs, regulatory expectations, and Group standards. The ability to think commercially while maintaining legal rigour is essential.

Regulatory Engagement and Compliance

One of the most critical aspects of this role is liaising with the financial regulator. You will prepare notifications and formal submissions, coordinate responses to supervisory inquiries, and support audits and inspections. In an era of heightened regulatory scrutiny, banks and insurance companies need lawyers who can navigate the intricacies of KNF and BaFin expectations. You will also review internal policies and procedures, strengthen second-line compliance controls, and ensure adherence to sector-specific regulatory frameworks. This is not a behind-the-scenes job; you will be at the forefront of regulatory change.

Insurance Claims and Litigation Support

Another interesting dimension is coordinating insurance-claim processes. You will review claim documentation, advise on coverage and liability, and manage communication with insurers and internal risk teams. This requires a solid understanding of insurance law and the ability to handle disputes in a pragmatic manner. For lawyers who enjoy problem-solving and cross-border collaboration, this responsibility offers plenty of variety.

Labour Law and Corporate Governance

Labour law forms a significant part of the role. You will advise HR on employee-relations topics, guide disciplinary and termination procedures, and shape compliant workplace policies. Additionally, you will support corporate governance by drafting corporate resolutions, maintaining statutory records, and managing fit & proper assessments for management and supervisory bodies. This breadth ensures that no two days are the same, and you will continuously expand your expertise beyond your core area.

Strategic Advisory

Finally, you will provide strategic legal advisory, evaluating legal and regulatory risks, defining acceptable contractual positions, and proposing negotiation strategies that balance risk and business impact. You will interpret financial-market regulations and advise on their operational implications, embedding regulatory requirements into outsourcing, reporting, and business processes. This is the true value-add of a senior legal counsel – turning complex legal constraints into actionable business guidance.

Skills and Experience That Will Set You Apart

The minimum requirements are clear: a master's degree in law, advanced business English, and at least 5 years of experience in an international in-house legal team or a reputable law firm. But to truly stand out, you need more than just ticking boxes. Let's look at the competencies that will make you an exceptional candidate:

• Deep understanding of insurance law and financial-market regulation – This is non-negotiable. You need to be comfortable with the Polish and German regulatory frameworks, as well as EU-level directives.
• Outsourcing and shared-services expertise – The role focuses heavily on outsourcing arrangements, so familiarity with outsourcing frameworks and the specific regulatory expectations of KNF/BaFin will set you apart.
• Commercial acumen – You will be negotiating contracts that have real business impact. The ability to assess legal risks and propose pragmatic, business-aligned solutions is critical.
• Stakeholder management – You will interact with senior stakeholders, external counsel, and cross-functional teams. Clear and confident communication is a must.
• Proficiency in drafting and reviewing legal documentation – High attention to detail is essential, but so is the ability to produce clear, concise, and practical documents.
• Independence and prioritisation – Working in a dynamic environment means juggling multiple matters. You must be confident in working independently and prioritising tasks effectively.

If you possess these skills, you are already a strong candidate. But remember, the interview process will likely test not only your legal knowledge but also your ability to think strategically and culturally fit within a multinational team.

Why This Role Could Define Your In-House Legal Career

For many lawyers, moving in-house from a law firm is a major career step. This role at ERGO offers a unique combination of factors that make it highly attractive:

• International exposure: You will cooperate with ERGO International and various global teams, giving you a truly cross-border practice.
• Regulatory depth: Working closely with KNF/BaFin will make you a sought-after expert in financial regulation, a niche with high demand.
• Broad legal scope: From outsourcing to labour law, this role is a mini-MBA in financial services law. The breadth of experience will accelerate your professional growth.
• Technology-driven environment: ET&S is not a traditional insurer; it is a technology and services hub. You will gain exposure to digitalisation, data protection, and innovative business models.
• Work-life balance and benefits: The company clearly values employee wellbeing, offering medical packages, sports cards, flexible working hours, remote work options, and a dog-friendly office. These perks make it easier to sustain a long-term career.

"Let's be diverse – every team member is valued, regardless of gender, nationality, religious beliefs, disability, age, and sexual orientation or identity."

Moreover, being part of Munich Re and ERGO Group means stability, financial security, and a strong brand name on your CV. Whether you plan to stay for decades or build a stepping stone to further leadership roles, this position offers a solid foundation.

How to Apply and Succeed in the Selection Process

The application process is straightforward: click the Apply button on the LinkedIn job posting. Since the deadline is not specified, it is wise to submit your application as soon as possible, especially because the listing indicates that only 25 candidates have applied so far – a small pool, meaning your chances could be higher if you act now.

To succeed, tailor your CV to highlight your experience in insurance law, financial regulation, outsourcing, and international legal work. Use concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to negotiate complex agreements, liaise with regulators, and provide pragmatic legal advice. Since the role requires advanced English, ensure your CV and cover letter are polished and professional – they are your first test. If you are applying from a law firm, emphasise your client management skills and any secondments to financial institutions.

During the interview, expect questions about your knowledge of KNF/BaFin regulations, your experience with outsourcing arrangements, and how you handle conflicts between legal compliance and business objectives. Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you navigated regulatory challenges or mitigated risks in a commercial transaction. Also, think about how you would add value to a technology-driven insurance services company – showing curiosity about digitalisation and data protection will give you an edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the deadline to apply for this Legal Counsel position at ERGO?

The official job posting does not specify an application deadline. It is advisable to apply as soon as possible because the role is currently open and the number of candidates is still limited. Early applications often receive more attention from recruiters.

2. Is proficiency in Polish required for this role?

The job description highlights advanced business English as a key requirement, but does not explicitly mention Polish. However, since the role is based in Warsaw and involves liaison with the Polish financial regulator (KNF) and local corporate governance matters, working knowledge of Polish is likely necessary in practice. It is always safe to mention your Polish proficiency in your application to demonstrate local competence.

3. What are the career growth opportunities after joining ERGO as Legal Counsel?

ERGO Technology & Services is part of a large international group with legal teams across different countries. High performers in this role can progress to senior legal counsel positions, regional legal leadership roles, or specialised roles in compliance and data protection. The company also invests in training and workshops, making it an excellent environment for continuous professional development.

4. Do I need to have prior experience in the insurance sector specifically?

While knowledge of insurance law or financial-market regulation is explicitly required, the posting does not mandate previous insurance-specific employment. Candidates from reputable law firms with a strong financial services practice are encouraged to apply. The key is to demonstrate relevant regulatory expertise and an ability to adapt to the insurance context quickly.