In-House Lawyer – Contracts & Regulatory (MACI)

Why an In‑House Legal Role at MACI Could Be the Turning Point of Your Career

In the fast‑evolving world of banking, the line between legal compliance and business strategy is blurring. MACI, a boutique consultancy that partners with an international bank, is looking for two seasoned lawyers to join its Lisbon office as In‑House Lawyers – Contracts & Regulatory. This is not just another job posting; it is a gateway to a niche that blends high‑stakes commercial contracting with cutting‑edge regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). If you have a solid foundation in law and a passion for technology‑driven finance, this role can catapult you into the upper echelons of corporate legal practice.

Decoding the Role: From Procurement to DORA Mastery

The core of the position revolves around contractual stewardship. You will be the legal architect behind the bank’s relationships with suppliers, technology vendors, and service providers. Your day‑to‑day tasks will include:

“Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts, SaaS agreements, cloud‑service licences, and cybersecurity provisions while ensuring they align with the bank’s risk appetite and regulatory obligations.”

Beyond the paperwork, the role demands a strategic lens on regulatory compliance. DORA, the EU’s flagship regulation for digital resilience, is a non‑negotiable requirement. You will need to interpret its clauses, embed them into contracts, and liaise with internal risk teams to guarantee that every third‑party relationship meets the new resilience standards.

Building a Winning CV: The Must‑Have Ingredients

Employers in the financial‑legal space scan CVs for three decisive signals: experience depth, regulatory fluency, and technology awareness. Here’s how to showcase each:

• Quantify your contract experience. Instead of stating “handled commercial contracts,” write “negotiated and executed over €150 million in technology procurement contracts across three jurisdictions.”
• Highlight DORA or similar regulatory projects. If you have worked on GDPR, PSD2, or any resilience‑related initiatives, list them prominently with concrete outcomes.
• Showcase tech‑savvy credentials. Certifications such as ISO 27001, Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) credentials, or even a basic understanding of SaaS licensing models add credibility.
• Language proficiency matters. Fluency in English is mandatory; Spanish is a plus. Mention any legal translation work or cross‑border negotiations you have led.

Tailor your cover letter to MACI’s brief: emphasize your ability to act as a bridge between the bank’s business units and external counsel, and illustrate how you have previously turned regulatory constraints into competitive advantages.

Networking the Lisbon Legal Ecosystem

Lisbon is emerging as a hub for fintech and regulatory tech startups. To increase your odds of landing the MACI role, immerse yourself in the local ecosystem:

• Attend events hosted by the Portuguese Bar Association’s Financial Law Committee.
• Join meet‑ups such as FinTech Portugal or LegalTech Lisboa where senior in‑house counsel share insights on DORA implementation.
• Leverage LinkedIn to connect with current MACI employees; a brief, personalised message referencing a recent MACI case study can open doors.

Remember, referrals at MACI can double your interview chances, as the posting itself notes.

Preparation Blueprint: From Application to Offer

Below is a step‑by‑step guide to navigate the recruitment pipeline efficiently:

1. Application Submission: Use the LinkedIn “Easy Apply” button. Attach a tailored CV and a cover letter that mirrors the language of the job description (e.g., “contractual stewardship,” “regulatory compliance,” “DORA”).
2. Pre‑Screening Assessment: MACI may employ an AI‑driven suitability test. Focus on keywords from the posting; the algorithm rewards exact phrase matches.
3. Technical Interview: Expect scenario‑based questions such as:
   • “How would you structure a cloud‑service agreement to satisfy DORA’s incident‑reporting obligations?”
   • “Walk us through a negotiation where you had to balance GDPR compliance with a vendor’s standard terms.”
4. Behavioural Interview: MACI values autonomy, critical thinking, and attention to detail. Prepare STAR stories that illustrate these traits.
5. Final Assessment: You may be asked to draft a short contract clause or review a sample agreement under time pressure. Practice by reviewing publicly available SaaS contracts and annotating regulatory risk points.
6. Offer Negotiation: Research market salaries for in‑house counsel in Lisbon (typically €45‑70 k for mid‑level, €70‑100 k for senior). Factor in benefits such as remote‑work flexibility and professional development budgets.

Career Trajectory: From In‑House Lawyer to Legal Leader

Joining MACI as an in‑house lawyer is often a springboard to senior leadership roles. Here’s a typical progression:

• Year 1‑2: Master the bank’s procurement processes, build a reputation for delivering risk‑aware contracts quickly.
• Year 3‑4: Lead a cross‑functional team handling high‑value technology contracts; become the go‑to expert on DORA and data‑privacy matters.
• Year 5+: Transition to Head of Legal – Contracts, or move laterally to a regional legal director role within the bank’s global network.

Each step expands your strategic influence, positioning you as a key stakeholder in the bank’s digital transformation agenda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is prior experience in the banking sector mandatory?
A: Not strictly. MACI values solid experience in commercial and technology contracts. A strong background in any regulated industry (e.g., fintech, insurance) combined with DORA knowledge can compensate for the lack of direct banking exposure.

Q: What language proficiency is required?
A: Fluency in English is essential. Portuguese is the local language, but the posting does not list it as a requirement. Spanish is considered a plus and can differentiate you from other candidates.

Q: How does MACI evaluate DORA expertise?
A: Expect scenario‑based interview questions that test your ability to interpret DORA articles, assess vendor resilience, and embed compliance clauses into contracts. Demonstrating practical experience—such as having drafted a DORA‑aligned outsourcing agreement—will be a decisive advantage.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: While the role is based in Lisbon, MACI’s client‑centric model often allows flexible working arrangements. Clarify remote‑work policies during the offer stage.

By aligning your application with the strategic priorities outlined above, you position yourself as the ideal candidate to help MACI’s banking client navigate the complex intersection of contract law and digital regulation.