Legal Counsel - Head of Legal Department

Why This Senior Legal Role Demands More Than a Law Degree

The legal profession has evolved far beyond the courtroom. In today's technology-driven economy, the most coveted legal roles are those that combine sharp legal acumen with business strategy, leadership, and regulatory foresight. The Legal Counsel - Head of Legal Department position at EUROPEAN DYNAMICS is a prime example. This is not just another in-house counsel opening; it is a senior leadership role designed for a lawyer who can build, lead, and transform a legal department from the ground up. Located in the vibrant business hub of Marousi, Athens, this opportunity offers a rare chance to shape the legal framework of a multinational IT group operating across Europe and beyond.

For legal professionals eyeing the next big leap in their careers, this role represents the pinnacle of in-house practice. It demands a rare blend of litigation experience, contract negotiation expertise, and people management – all within the fast-paced, multi-country environment of a leading technology company. But what exactly makes this position so challenging and rewarding? Let's break it down.

Inside EUROPEAN DYNAMICS: A Legal Leader's Playground

EUROPEAN DYNAMICS (ED) is not a typical IT company. With over 1,100 engineers, IT experts, and consultants, and a presence in more than 10 countries across four continents, ED is a heavyweight in the European software and information communication technology sector. The company's portfolio includes IT projects worth over €300 million, serving clients such as European Union institutions, international organisations, and national government administrations. For a legal counsel, this means dealing with complex EU public procurement rules, multi-jurisdictional compliance issues, and high-stakes contractual agreements on a daily basis.

”EUROPEAN DYNAMICS is looking for an experienced, senior Legal Counsel who will lead, build and run its Legal Department — recruiting and managing the legal team and organising the department's affairs, workflows and processes.”

The fact that ED is seeking to build a legal department from scratch indicates a period of significant growth and strategic expansion. The successful candidate will not inherit a ready-made structure; they will create it. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a legal professional who thrives on autonomy and wants to leave a lasting organisational footprint.

Decoding the Responsibilities: From Contracts to Courtrooms

The scope of work outlined in the job description is remarkably broad, reflecting the multifaceted nature of a Head of Legal in a global tech firm. Here are the core pillars of the role:

• Team Leadership & Department Building: You will recruit, mentor, and manage legal staff, establishing workflows and policies that support the Group's rapid operations.
• Contract Management: Drafting and negotiating a wide array of agreements – from employment contracts and NDAs to client contracts and teaming agreements.
• Corporate Governance: Drafting Board of Directors and General Assembly minutes, issuing legal documents, and ensuring compliance with corporate formalities.
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Handling litigation before national courts and preparing legal files to seek judicial protection.
• Regulatory & Compliance: Conducting risk assessments, anticipating legislative changes, and supporting GDPR implementation.
• Mergers & Acquisitions: Providing legal support on corporate transactions, due diligence, and IT-specific contracts like software licensing.
• External Counsel Management: Coordinating with law firms across ED's international jurisdictions.
• Strategic Advisory: Reporting directly to the CEO and Executive Management on legal risk, strategy, and department performance.

This is not a role for the faint-hearted. It requires a lawyer who can seamlessly transition from drafting a software license agreement in the morning to presenting a legal strategy to the C-suite in the afternoon. The direct reporting line to the CEO underscores the strategic importance of this position – you are not just a legal advisor, but a key player in the company's decision-making process.

What It Takes to Win This Head of Legal Position

The eligibility criteria for this role are deliberately stringent, designed to filter only the most experienced legal professionals. Let's dissect the key requirements:

• Academic Foundation: A University Degree in Law and membership in a Greek Bar Association is non-negotiable.
• Deep Experience: Over 10 years as a legal counsel, including a proven track record of leading a legal team.
• Bilingual Excellence: Flawless communication in both Greek and English is a must; knowledge of German or French will set you apart.
• Tech Sector Familiarity: Prior experience in high technology is strongly preferred, including familiarity with IT contracts and EU public procurement law.
• Multi-Jurisdictional Exposure: Handling legal matters across borders and managing external counsel in different countries.
• Specialised Knowledge: An LLM or experience in EU law, public procurement, labour law, corporate law, or contract law is considered a significant advantage.

”Professional integrity, efficiency, organizational and creative spirit, multitasking, communication and negotiation skills, and able to work in a fast-paced international business environment.”

What is striking about this profile is the emphasis on soft skills. Leadership, people management, and the ability to run a department independently are not just “nice-to-haves” – they are core competencies. The ideal candidate is someone who has not only practised law but has also built teams and influenced organisational culture.

The Strategic Career Value of Leading an In-House Legal Department

For senior legal professionals, this role offers more than a competitive salary and benefits; it is a career-defining move. In-house legal leadership positions, particularly in the technology sector, are among the most strategically vital roles in modern business. Here's why this opportunity is a game-changer:

• C-Suite Visibility: Reporting directly to the CEO and Executive Management gives you a seat at the table for shaping corporate strategy.
• Entrepreneurial Autonomy: Building a legal department from scratch is akin to running your own practice, but with the resources and stability of a global corporation.
• Multi-Dimensional Expertise: Handling everything from procurement law to M&A makes you a T-shaped legal expert – invaluable for future roles as a General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer.
• Cross-Border Networking: Coordinating with legal teams and law firms across 10+ countries expands your professional ecosystem exponentially.

Furthermore, the benefits package at ED reinforces its commitment to professional growth: private health coverage, flexible working hours, language courses, specialised training, and a dynamic work environment. These are not mere perks; they are investments in your long-term career trajectory.

How to Prepare an Application That Stands Out

Given the high calibre of competition for this role, your application needs to be meticulous. The job description specifically asks for a detailed CV in English, quoting the reference LCHLD/08/26. Here's a strategic guide to crafting an application that captures the attention of ED's Talent Acquisition team:

• Tailor Your CV for Leadership: Do not just list your legal experience. Highlight your people management achievements, team-building initiatives, and department transformations.
• Quantify Your Impact: Use numbers to demonstrate your success – e.g., “Managed a team of 5 lawyers,” “Negotiated contracts worth €20M,” “Reduced legal costs by 15%.”
• Showcase Tech & Procurement Knowledge: Given ED's business model, explicitly mention your experience with IT contracts, GDPR compliance, and EU public procurement directives.
• Emphasise Cross-Border Work: Provide examples of dealing with legal frameworks in multiple jurisdictions and managing external counsel abroad.
• Proofread Ruthlessly: Any typo can undermine your credibility. In a role where attention to detail is paramount, a flawless CV is non-negotiable.

If you meet the criteria and are ready for an electrifying challenge, this is your moment. The fusion of technology, law, and leadership at EUROPEAN DYNAMICS offers a career experience that few other legal roles can match.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this a remote-friendly position?

No. The job description explicitly states that the successful candidate will offer his/her services at the company's premises in Marousi, Athens. While flexible working hours are offered, the role requires a physical presence in Greece.

2. What is the exact application deadline?

The job posting does not specify a deadline. It indicates the role was posted recently, and given the urgency of building a legal department, interested candidates should apply as soon as possible.

3. I have 8 years of experience but strong leadership skills. Should I apply?

The requirement is 10+ years of experience as a legal counsel, which is a hard filter. If you fall short on this metric, it is unlikely you will progress. However, if you possess a unique combination of exceptional LLM credentials and unmatched tech-specialist expertise, it might still be worth a strategic application.

4. Can non-Greek lawyers apply for this role?

The role requires membership in a Greek Bar Association, which is a prerequisite. International lawyers who are eligible to register with the Greek Bar and possess the necessary EU law knowledge are welcome, but assurance of Greek bar membership is essential.