Senior Legal Counsel (Corporate & M&A) at FREENOW

For ambitious corporate lawyers, the journey from law firm associate to in-house counsel at a global tech company is one of the most sought-after career transitions. The Senior Legal Counsel (Corporate & M&A) position at FREENOW in Berlin offers exactly that transformative opportunity. As the mobility sector consolidates and regulatory frameworks evolve, this role places you at the intersection of high-stakes M&A, corporate governance, and the future of urban transport. Whether you are an experienced counsel looking for your next challenge or a law firm attorney eyeing an in-house pivot, this listing deserves your careful attention.

Why In-House M&A Counsel at a Mobility Unicorn is a Career-Defining Move

FREENOW, now a Lyft company, is not just another tech platform. It's a pioneer in European mobility, connecting millions of passengers with taxis, private hire vehicles, carsharing, e-scooters, bikes, and public transport in a single app. With operations across 180+ cities and 9 European markets, the legal complexities are staggering. Following Lyft's acquisition in July 2025, the company is now scaling its autonomous vehicle ambitions across the EU, creating a sophisticated legal landscape that demands world-class corporate and M&A counsel.

“We’re not just moving people - we’re empowering smarter mobility decisions to help people move freely and make cities thrive.” - FREENOW's mission statement

For legal professionals, this is a rare chance to work on cross-border transactions, corporate reorganizations, and regulatory approvals in a sector that is reshaping how cities operate. The role goes beyond standard M&A: you'll be the architectural brain behind FREENOW's corporate structure and M&A execution across Europe. That is why this position is particularly attractive for lawyers who thrive in fast-paced, tech-driven environments.

Unpacking the Legal Architect Role: Corporate Governance and M&A Under One Roof

The daily responsibilities of this position are nothing short of comprehensive. You will not be a specialist confined to one niche; you will command both corporate housekeeping and high-value transactions. The core pillars include:

• Entity Lifecycle Management: Overseeing corporate secretarial matters and board support across European subsidiaries, ensuring statutory compliance and smooth governance.
• Intercompany Agreements & Reorganizations: Drafting and managing agreements between group entities while supporting internal structural changes – critical as FREENOW scales.
• Business Unit Advisory: Providing real-time, actionable legal counsel on corporate law matters to business teams, directly impacting strategic decisions.
• Full M&A Lifecycle Leadership: From LOIs to legal due diligence, negotiating SPAs (Share Purchase Agreements) and TSAs (Transitional Services Agreements), securing regulatory approvals, and guiding deals to completion.
• Post-Acquisition Integration: Architecting legal integration plans to ensure harmonized governance and compliance after closing – the phase where deals truly succeed or fail.
• Outside Counsel Management: Directing external law firms across jurisdictions, managing budgets, timelines, and quality – a skill that becomes essential at a global company.

This breadth means you will be constantly learning and solving multifaceted problems. The role is ideal for someone who loves variety and the thrill of seeing a deal through from conception to integration.

Are You the Legal Architect FREENOW Is Looking For? Eligibility Decoded

FREENOW is asking for a seasoned professional. The formal requirements are clear:

• Qualified lawyer with 5+ years of post-qualification experience (PQE) specializing in both Corporate Law and M&A.
• A blend of top-tier law firm and in-house experience, ideally in a fast-paced, tech-driven environment – this signals they want someone who has seen both sides of the table.
• Fluent English; professional proficiency in German is a significant advantage, given the Berlin base and European scope.
• Strong project management skills to coordinate complex, multi-jurisdictional deal workstreams under tight deadlines.
• Masterful communication and stakeholder influence – you will translate legal complexity into crystal clear business guidance.
• High diligence, proactivity, and a collaborative spirit.

If you check these boxes, the role is ripe for the taking. But even if you are a few years shy of the 5-year PQE mark, this posting gives you a roadmap for what to master to become a top-tier in-house M&A counsel in the tech industry.

How to Position Yourself for This Berlin-Based Opportunity

Landing a role at this level requires a strategic approach. Here's how to increase your chances:

1. Tailor Your CV for In-House Impact

Corporate law firms emphasize billable hours and legal analysis. In-house counsel, by contrast, are valued for business acumen and risk mitigation. When applying, do not just list transactions – highlight your role in deal strategy, integration, and advising clients on real-world trade-offs. Use metrics where possible, such as the value of M&A deals you've supported.

2. Showcase Cross-Border and Tech Economy Experience

FREENOW operates across multiple EU jurisdictions. Any experience with cross-border deals, GDPR, or mobility/tech sector regulations will make you stand out. Even if your previous work was in traditional industries, draw parallels to complex stakeholder management and rapid innovation.

3. Leverage LinkedIn and FREENOW's Network

This posting is live on LinkedIn, so you have a direct route to apply. But also consider reaching out to current FREENOW legal team members for informational interviews. Building a relationship can turn your application into a referral, which doubles your interview chances according to LinkedIn data.

4. Prepare for Behavioral Questions on M&A Integration

The role emphasizes post-close integration and outside counsel management. Be ready to discuss how you've managed conflicts between business teams, handled a tricky regulatory approval, or led a virtual data room. Use structured stories (situation, task, action, result) to demonstrate leadership.

Beyond the Paycheck: Perks and a People-First Culture

FREENOW promotes a culture of flexibility and growth. The benefits package reflects a modern, employee-centric approach:

• Flexible working arrangements
• LinkedIn Learning access for continuous professional development
• Sabbatical and special leave policies
• WeRoad partnership (organized trips for young professionals)
• Extra days off for your birthday, 24th, and 31st December
• A short-term EU work policy – ideal for travel lovers
• Mobility Credit to use on FREENOW services
• Employee assistance program for mental health and wellbeing

The company is also an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and authenticity. This matters for a legal team that must innovate at the speed of technology while maintaining ethical standards.

“We want you to grow and evolve, bring your true self to work.” - FREENOW's inclusivity statement

Frequently Asked Questions About the FREENOW Senior Legal Counsel Role

Q1: What is the application deadline for the Senior Legal Counsel (Corporate & M&A) position at FREENOW?

A: The job posting does not specify a deadline. It is advertised as an active vacancy on LinkedIn. Given the fast-paced nature of tech hiring, it's best to apply as soon as possible. The listing was recently updated, and 50 candidates have already applied, so early application is advised.

Q2: Is German language proficiency mandatory for this role?

A: No. Fluent English is required, and professional proficiency in German is noted as a “significant advantage.” While you can perform the job in English, having German skills will greatly improve your chances, especially since many legal documents and meetings may involve local authorities or German counterparts.

Q3: Can I apply if I'm based outside of Berlin or Germany?

A: The location is explicitly Berlin (or Hamburg). FREENOW offers flexible working arrangements, but the role likely requires regular presence in one of these offices. If you're an international candidate, you would need to secure a work permit for Germany. It's best to consult with FREENOW's HR team about relocation support – the job description does not mention sponsorship.

Q4: What does the career progression look like for a Senior Legal Counsel at FREENOW?

A: While the posting doesn't outline a specific career ladder, working as Senior Legal Counsel at a Lyft-owned mobility giant exposes you to a vast array of legal and business challenges. You can grow into a Director or Head of Legal role, especially if you lead complex cross-border M&A and integration. The cross-functional exposure and global network are invaluable for a long-term legal leadership career.

In summary, this opportunity is more than a job – it's a strategic career move into the heart of European tech mobility. With the right preparation, you can position yourself to ride the wave of change in how the world moves. If you have the corporate and M&A chops, do not let this ride pass you by.