Legal Counsel at Holafly, Ireland

For legal professionals eyeing a move into the high-growth world of global connectivity, the Legal Counsel opening at Holafly is more than a job listing—it’s a career-defining opportunity. Holafly, a scale-up that has enabled secure eSIM connectivity for travellers in over 200 destinations, is looking for a Commercial Legal Counsel to protect and propel its global expansion. With a distributed team of 800+ across multiple countries, the role offers an unmatched platform at the intersection of technology, telecom, and international trade. This guide unpacks the role, the qualifications, and how you can chart your own path to a role like this.

Why This In-House Telecom Role Matters

Holafly was founded in 2018 to simplify global travel connectivity through eSIM solutions. The company’s legal team is not a support function; it is a critical business partner. The counsel hired will drive commercial strategy, ensure regulatory compliance, and shield the company’s assets across jurisdictions. This role is essential to Holafly’s ability to launch products in over 200 destinations while navigating divergent telecom laws and consumer protection rules. As eSIM usage explodes, the legal function becomes the backbone that enables safe and rapid scaling.

“Holafly is a high-growth scale-up revolutionising how businesses and travellers connect to the internet abroad. Since 2018, we've empowered travellers in over 200 destinations worldwide with secure and reliable eSIM solutions.” — Holafly

Beyond the Job Description: What You’ll Actually Own

The successful candidate will lead end-to-end negotiations for high-value commercial, marketing, service, and strategic partnership agreements. That means drafting and negotiating MSAs, NDAs, and IP licensing contracts while advising on technology, consumer law, and telecom regulations. The counsel will also mitigate corporate risk across international jurisdictions and manage data protection compliance. This is a role for a lawyer who enjoys being at the centre of business decisions, not just reviewing documents.

Beyond contracts, you’ll need to understand how eSIM provisioning is regulated in different markets, how consumer protection rules apply to digital travel products, and how GDPR shapes cross-border data flows. You’ll translate those rules into practical advice for product managers and business development teams. Every new market entry will present a fresh legal puzzle, making this a dynamic and intellectually stimulating position.

The Candidate Profile: Do You Have the Legal Toolkit?

Holafly requires a qualified lawyer in Ireland, the UK, or Portugal with 2–3 years of PQE. You must have a proven track record of independently drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements. Strong technical command of data privacy (GDPR), intellectual property, and commercial contract principles is essential. Exceptional communication skills are non-negotiable. Bilingual Spanish/English is a distinct advantage, as is prior experience in high-growth start-ups, technology, or telecom sectors. If you’ve handled EU regulatory frameworks, even better.

The company is looking for someone who can operate independently and think commercially. It’s not enough to spot legal risks; you need to offer solutions that keep the business moving. In interviews, be ready to discuss specific deals you’ve closed, how you handled oppositions, and how you managed stakeholder expectations. Use numbers: value of contracts negotiated, time saved, or markets advised.

Benefits That Go Beyond the Paycheck

The compensation package includes a competitive base salary plus performance bonus, a comprehensive pension scheme, and premium health insurance. Holafly offers a fully remote model, with the option to use offices in Dublin or Lisbon. The company also provides a dedicated budget for professional training and development—a clear sign it wants to invest in your long-term growth. For an in-house role, this is an exceptional package. You get the agility of a start-up with the stability of a well-funded global company.

Moreover, working at Holafly means collaborating with professionals across multiple countries and cultures. The company’s growth mindset means your responsibilities can expand quickly, and you’ll have the opportunity to develop expertise in emerging areas like eSIM regulation and international data transfers.

How to Position Yourself for This Role

Although this LinkedIn posting is no longer accepting applications, similar roles at Holafly and other eSIM/telecom scale-ups are likely to appear. To prepare, deepen your knowledge of eSIM regulation, the European Electronic Communications Code, and cross-border data transfer mechanisms under GDPR. Strengthen your drafting and negotiation skills by practising on standard MSAs and NDAs. Build a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to handle international contracts. Networking is critical: follow Holafly on LinkedIn, connect with current or former team members, and set up job alerts for “legal counsel” and “commercial counsel” roles in Ireland. Referrals can double your chances of an interview, so don’t hesitate to ask for introductions.

Also, invest in your professional brand. Write articles or LinkedIn posts about telecom law, data privacy, or eSIM industry trends. Speaking at webinars or participating in legal tech communities can increase your visibility. When you apply, tailor your CV to highlight contract drafting, data privacy, and international exposure. Use specific metrics: number of agreements drafted, percentage of deals closed with your support, or jurisdictions you have covered.

Not Just a Job—A Career Launchpad

This role is about more than legal work. It’s about shaping the rules of a digital borderless world. As eSIM technology becomes standard, lawyers who understand this niche will be in high demand. The experience gained at Holafly—advising on global partnerships, product rollouts, and data privacy—will position you for senior in-house roles at tech companies, telecom providers, and beyond. Even if you missed this specific posting, use it as a benchmark. Master the skills it demands, tailor your CV to highlight international commercial experience, and the next opportunity will be yours.

The legal job market in Ireland remains strong, particularly in the technology and telecommunications sectors. Roles like this one are stepping stones to general counsel positions, and the practical exposure you gain to multi-jurisdictional issues is invaluable. If you are ready to embrace the challenge, the rewards—both financial and professional—are substantial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed for the Holafly Legal Counsel role?

You must be a qualified lawyer in Ireland, the UK, or Portugal with 2–3 years of PQE, plus proven commercial contract drafting and negotiation experience, data privacy expertise, and strong communication skills.

Is the Holafly Legal Counsel role remote?

Yes, Holafly offers a fully remote setup, with the option to work from offices in Dublin or Lisbon if you are located nearby.

Does Holafly accept applications from lawyers without telecom experience?

Telecom experience is preferred but not mandatory. Experience in high-growth start-ups or technology sectors, plus familiarity with EU regulations, is valuable.

What does a Commercial Legal Counsel at Holafly do daily?

You’ll draft and negotiate commercial agreements, advise on data protection and IP, ensure regulatory compliance for products, and support business teams across multiple jurisdictions.