Senior Legal Officer (Vecākā/ais juriste/s) at Maxima Latvija

Maxima Latvija, one of the Baltic region's most prominent retail chains, is on the lookout for a seasoned legal professional to join its team in Riga. The role, titled 'Vecākā/ais juriste/s' (Senior Legal Officer), offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law, business, and retail innovation. With a competitive salary of €3,000–€3,500 gross per month and a host of benefits, this position is more than just a job—it's a strategic career move for legal professionals ready to take on high-stakes responsibilities in a fast-paced corporate environment.

The Retail Legal Landscape: Why This Role Matters Now

In today's data-driven retail market, legal compliance is no longer a back-office function. With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) reshaping how companies handle customer data, and consumer protection laws evolving across Europe, retailers rely heavily on senior legal officers to mitigate risks. At Maxima Latvija, this role involves directing legal strategy across multiple domains—from drafting complex commercial contracts to ensuring compliance with Latvian and EU regulations. The position has become critical as the company expands its digital footprint and adapts to new omnichannel retail models.

The retail sector in Latvia is particularly sensitive to changes in advertising law, unfair trade practices, and consumer rights. A senior legal officer must therefore be ready to interpret and apply these regulations in real-time, ensuring the company's operations remain compliant while supporting its commercial ambitions. This role is not for someone who merely interprets law—it is for a legal professional who can understand the business, predict regulatory trends, and provide actionable guidance.

What Maxima Latvija Expects From Its Senior Legal Officer

The successful candidate will take ownership of a broad spectrum of legal tasks. Based on the official job description, key responsibilities include:

• Providing legal support and consultations in competition law, commercial law, contract law, consumer protection, and GDPR compliance.
• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, including procurement, marketing, partnership, and other commercial agreements.
• Preparing and improving internal legal documentation to align with regulatory standards.
• Delivering legal opinions and practical, business-friendly solutions to various business units.
• Identifying, assessing, and managing legal risks to support sustainable growth.
• Monitoring legislative changes and coordinating their implementation within the company.
• Representing Maxima Latvija before government institutions, industry organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Participating in company-wide initiatives that require legal expertise for key business decisions.

This is a hands-on, strategic role that requires both deep legal knowledge and a commercial mindset. The ability to juggle multiple priorities while maintaining precision is essential.

The Ideal Candidate: More Than a Law Degree

While a law degree is the foundation, Maxima Latvija is looking for candidates who bring at least five years of professional legal experience to the table. Here's a closer look at the eligibility criteria:

• Higher education in law (LL.B., LL.M., or equivalent).
• A minimum of 5 years of professional practice as a lawyer.
• Deep knowledge of competition law, commercial law, contract law, and administrative law.
• Hands-on experience with GDPR and data protection matters.
• An advantage would be familiarity with legislation specific to the retail sector, including the Unfair Trade Practices Prohibition Law, Consumer Rights Protection Law, and Advertising Law.
• Flawless command of Latvian and professional proficiency in English, as the working environment is international.
• Proven ability to work independently, set priorities, and thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in regulatory implementation and change management.
• Strong communication, argumentation, and collaboration skills.
• A business-oriented mindset that connects legal issues with operational impact.
• Prior experience in a large enterprise, retail operation, or a law firm is considered a bonus.

It is clear that this role demands more than just academic excellence. The ideal candidate is someone who can navigate complex legal frameworks while also engaging with stakeholders across multiple departments. The emphasis on business impact suggests that the position is designed for a lawyer who acts as a true partner to the organisation, not just a legal watchdog.

Compensation and Perks: Beyond the Salary Tag

"We will entrust you with: providing legal support and consultations in various legal areas, including competition law, commercial law, contract law, consumer protection, personal data protection (GDPR), and other matters essential to the company's operations."

Maxima Latvija is not only offering a generous salary of €3,000–€3,500 gross per month; it's also providing a package of benefits designed to attract top talent. These include:

• Health insurance after three months of employment.
• Co-financing for study fees to support continuous learning.
• A vibrant team culture with 'inspiration, support, and shared victories.'
• Flexible working hours to maintain work-life balance.
• A modern workplace at Akropole Rīga business center with easy access.
• Free on-site parking and a secure bicycle parking facility.
• Unparalleled career growth opportunities—if you're willing to push boundaries, the company promises you can 'achieve everything.'

These perks reflect a company culture that values its legal team not as a cost center, but as a core component of its strategic growth. The study fee co-financing, in particular, signals a commitment to long-term professional development.

How to Position Yourself for the Application Process

Given the competitive nature of this role, your application must stand out. Here are some practical steps:

• Tailor your CV to highlight your experience in retail or consumer goods law, GDPR implementations, and contract negotiations.
• Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the retail sector's legal challenges, referencing relevant Latvian legislation.
• Showcase your language skills—emphasize your fluency in Latvian and English, as both are essential.
• Connect with Laura Lobačova, the Operational People person at Maxima Latvija, on LinkedIn. A thoughtful, professional message could bring your profile to her attention.
• Emphasize your ability to translate legal complexities into business-oriented solutions, as this is a recurring theme in the job description.
• If you have experience in-house at a large company, make it the centerpiece of your pitch.

Remember that the company is looking for someone who can not only manage legal risks but also contribute to business opportunities. Your application should reflect a balance between legal expertise and commercial awareness.

Building a Long-Term Legal Career Through In-House Roles

This opportunity at Maxima Latvija isn't just about the immediate salary or perks; it's a pathway to becoming a trusted legal partner in one of the largest retail networks in the Baltics. In-house legal positions offer unique benefits that law firms often lack: you get to see the direct impact of your advice on business outcomes, work cross-functionally with marketing, procurement, and operations teams, and develop specialized expertise in retail law. As the industry confronts new challenges like data privacy, ESG compliance, and digital marketplaces, the demand for senior legal professionals with commercial acumen will only grow. Securing a role like this now positions you for future leadership positions, whether as a General Counsel, Head of Legal, or Compliance Director.

The retail legal sector is evolving rapidly, and being part of a major player like Maxima Latvija provides an unparallelled learning curve. You will be exposed to high-volume contract negotiations, complex regulatory frameworks, and strategic litigation prevention—experience that is invaluable for any ambitious lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the salary range for the Senior Legal Officer role at Maxima Latvija?
A1: The gross salary is between €3,000 and €3,500 per month, depending on experience and competence.

Q2: Is the ability to speak Latvian mandatory?
A2: Yes, the job posting explicitly requires excellent Latvian language skills, along with good English, to work in an international environment.

Q3: Are there opportunities for professional development in this role?
A3: Maxima Latvija offers co-financing for study fees and promotes career growth. Employees are encouraged to continuously develop their skills.

Q4: How can I apply for this position?
A4: While the application link is not publicly available in the listing, interested candidates can reach out to Laura Lobačova on LinkedIn or visit Maxima Latvija's career page for updates.