Legal Counsel (m/w/d) – IT & Vertragsrecht at PACE Mobility (via Instaffo)

The legal profession is no longer confined to law firm corridors. As technology reshapes every industry, in-house legal counsel has become the strategic fulcrum of modern enterprises. The Legal Counsel (m/w/d) – IT & Vertragsrecht position at PACE Mobility GmbH, a Karlsruhe-based mobility and connected-car innovator, is a shining example of this evolution. Offered through the recruitment platform Instaffo, this role is not just another legal job—it is a gateway to the fast-paced intersection of law, software, and mobility. Whether you are a seasoned IT lawyer or a legal professional looking to pivot into tech, this opportunity deserves a thorough analysis.

Why PACE Mobility Stands Out in the Legal-Tech Landscape

PACE Mobility has been digitalizing the fuel station experience since 2015. Its products—like the PACE Drive app and white-label solutions—give millions of European drivers the ability to pay for fuel, charge their electric vehicles, and use car washes through a single, seamless interface. The company operates connectedfueling.com, a platform enabling mobile payments at gas stations with almost every payment method. It also runs a manufacturer-independent, cloud-based automotive big data and IoT platform. For a legal counsel, this is not a mundane desk job. It is an opportunity to negotiate contracts that power a connected ecosystem, advise management on regulatory compliance in the payments sector, and shape the data-driven future of mobility.

The company's partner network includes major oil companies, parking operators, and automotive OEMs. As in-house counsel, you will not only draft IT and cooperation agreements but also serve as the bridge between technical teams, business goals, and legal boundaries. This role demands a rare mix of rigorous legal thinking and technological intuition—precisely why it is so valuable for ambitious lawyers.

"Du willst Dinge gestalten, nicht nur absichern." — This line from the job description encapsulates the essence of modern in-house legal work: being a creator, not just a risk-preventer.

Breaking Down the Responsibilities: Beyond Ordinary Contract Law

The position calls for a lawyer who can lead the entire life cycle of IT contracts, cooperation agreements, and service agreements—from drafting through negotiation to ongoing administration. But the role goes far deeper:

• Contract Design & Negotiation: You will be the primary drafter and negotiator of IT contracts, cooperation agreements, and service agreements. This includes preparing, negotiating, and managing contracts to ensure they meet business goals while mitigating legal risk.
• Strategic Advisory to Management: You will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the executive team, delivering legal decision-making frameworks on strategic questions. Your analyses will directly influence how PACE positions itself in a heavily regulated market.
• Compliance and Corporate Governance: In a world of ever-tightening data privacy rules, payment services directives, and corporate compliance requirements, you will keep the company anchored. Your role is to ensure PACE operates with a robust governance structure that inspires partner and investor confidence.
• Technology Interface: The job explicitly requires an understanding of software and data flows. You will use that understanding to translate legal requirements into practical technical measures, potentially with the help of modern AI tools. This is a clear signal that PACE values forward-looking legal tech adoption.
• Collaboration with the Legal Network: You will work closely with the legal team of partner DKV and participate in a semi-annual Legal Day workshop to exchange knowledge with other legal professionals—a rare chance for professional networking at the highest level.

The Ideal Candidate Profile: What You Need to Succeed

Instaffo and PACE Mobility have been transparent about what they expect. The requirements are not merely about litigation or courtroom skills; they focus on practical, business-oriented legal expertise:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience
• Sound expertise in IT law, ideally with additional exposure to payment services or FinTech
• Tech affinity—a natural comfort with software, data flows, and emerging AI technologies
• Fluent German (C1) and English (C1) for clear, precise negotiation in both languages
• A solution-oriented mindset, focused on enabling projects rather than just protecting against risks
• Flexibility to work full-time or part-time, with individual working models welcome

Note: A valid work permit for Germany is required. International applicants should factor in visa processes.

If you meet these criteria, you are already at the top of a very selective candidate pool. But to truly stand out, you need to demonstrate how your past experience counts. Emphasize any work with tech clients, data privacy projects, or payment services. Show that you have not just read about AI but have actively considered its legal implications.

How to Prepare Your Application for This Role

Now that you know what PACE is looking for, the next step is to craft an application that moves the needle. Here are some practical strategies:

• Tailor your CV for keywords: Highlight "IT-Recht," "Vertragsgestaltung," "Compliance," "Zahlungsdienste," and "Data Protection." Use clear, quantified achievements—e.g., "Negotiated contracts worth €2M across cloud and SaaS agreements."
• Showcase your tech affinity: If you use legal tech or AI tools, mention that. A lawyer who understands how APIs work is instantly more valuable in this role.
• Prepare for negotiation-based questions: The job emphasizes deal-making. Be ready to describe your negotiation strategy and how you balance business interests with legal risks.
• Research PACE Mobility: Mention in your cover letter what excites you about connected fueling and digital mobility. This role is highly niche—showing genuine enthusiasm will separate you from generic applicants.

Because the posting is on LinkedIn, you can also leverage the platform to research current employees and even see who has previously held this role. LinkedIn shows that early applicants have a 25% higher chance of receiving a response, so don't delay.

Career Impact: Why This Role Is a Launchpad, Not Just a Job

Taking on this position offers several long-term career benefits. First, you gain deep expertise in IT law within the mobility and FinTech sectors—two of the fastest-growing legal practice areas in Europe. Second, working at a scale-up with "real startup DNA" means your decisions have immediate, visible impact. This is the kind of experience that law firm associates miss. Third, the regular collaboration with DKV's legal team expands your professional network, and the semi-annual Legal Day workshops provide a forum to learn from in-house peers. Finally, the modern, flexible working model (full-time or part-time) signals a progressive employer that values productivity over presence—a quality that the current generation of lawyers increasingly prioritizes.

In the broader legal context, this role reflect a global shift: lawyers are becoming digital enablers. In 2026, companies need counsel who can navigate GDPR, AI regulations, and the upcoming EU Data Act, not just draft boilerplate contracts. A position such as this one—that explicitly asks for AI affinity and data-flow understanding—prepares you to be a leader in the new wave of "legal architects." If you are a lawyer who believes that law should build, not block, this is your call.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Legal Counsel Role

1. Is this an international role, or is it strictly for German-speaking lawyers?

The role requires fluent German (C1) and English (C1) because you will negotiate contracts with German-speaking partners and work with international teams. However, the employer is open to candidates who are not native speakers but meet the C1 requirement. A valid German work permit is mandatory, but the company may sponsor visas for exceptional candidates—this should be discussed directly with the recruiter.

2. What if I don't have FinTech or payment services experience?

While FinTech or payment services experience is "ideal," it is not an absolute requirement. PACE Mobility values a strong foundation in IT law and a willingness to learn. Your application should emphasize transferable skills—for instance, experience with cloud computing contracts, data processing agreements, or regulated industries. The company's onboarding will likely include training on the specific payment and connectivity ecosystem.

3. Is remote work possible?

The job location is Karlsruhe, and the role is primarily on-site because it requires close collaboration with management and technical teams. However, the job posting emphasizes flexible working models, including part-time options. It is reasonable to expect hybrid arrangements, but you should clarify this during the interview process.

4. How should I approach the application process?

Applications go through the LinkedIn job posting or Instaffo's platform. Update your LinkedIn profile and CV to match the job description. Use the "easy apply" if available, but a personalized cover letter is highly recommended. Given the job was posted "1 day ago" (as of the original date), applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, as early applicants often receive priority.