Legal Counsel at THEON International

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global defense and security, the role of in-house legal counsel has transformed from a support function to a strategic cornerstone. THEON INTERNATIONAL, a leading manufacturer of night vision and thermal imaging systems, is currently seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join its team in Psikhikón, Greece. This is not merely a legal role; it is an invitation to sit at the intersection of cutting-edge technology, international commerce, and high-stakes corporate strategy. For legal professionals with a robust background in capital markets, M&A, and cross-border transactions, this position offers an unprecedented opportunity to shape the legal framework of a company whose systems are deployed by armed and special forces across 73 countries.

Why This Role Is a Career Defining Move

THEON GROUP, the parent organization, has been a formidable player in the defense sector since 1997. With subsidiaries and production facilities spanning Greece, Cyprus, Germany, the United States, the Gulf States, and beyond, the company's legal needs are as complex as they are critical. The recent listing of THEON INTERNATIONAL PLC on the Euronext stock exchange has accelerated its growth trajectory, making this an ideal moment for a senior legal professional to step in and drive the company's next phase of expansion.

This is not a typical in-house counsel position. The role demands a professional who can navigate the intricacies of capital market regulations while simultaneously delivering pragmatic, commercially focused advice on day-to-day operations. The successful candidate will work directly with senior management, meaning the impact of their work will be visible at the highest levels of the organization. For someone seeking to move beyond the traditional law firm paradigm and become a true business partner, this is a rare opportunity.

Decoding the 7-Year PQE Threshold

The job specification calls for a minimum of 7 years' post-qualification experience (PQE). This threshold is not arbitrary; it signals that THEON is looking for a professional who has not only mastered legal fundamentals but also developed the maturity to handle board-level discussions and multi-jurisdictional challenges. The requirement for a combination of top-tier law firm and in-house experience is particularly telling. It suggests the ideal candidate understands the rigours of private practice but has also internalized the business-first mindset that distinguishes effective in-house counsel.

"We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to support our expanding operations and strategic initiatives, providing pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice across a broad range of complex matters."

If you have spent your career in a prestigious law firm advising on M&A and finance, you already know how to structure deals and manage legal risk. But have you sat on the other side of the table, explaining legal complexities to a CEO in plain language? Have you had to balance legal risk against business opportunity in real-time? This role requires that dual fluency.

The Strategic Pillars: Capital Markets, M&A, and Cross-Border Complexity

The role's focus areas are clearly defined. Let's break them down:

• Capital Markets: With THEON INTERNATIONAL listed on Euronext, the Legal Counsel will be responsible for ensuring compliance with listing rules, advising on securities offerings, and managing disclosure obligations. This is a high-visibility area that directly impacts investor confidence.
• Banking & Finance: The company's global operations require sophisticated financing arrangements. The Legal Counsel will negotiate credit facilities, manage security packages, and liaise with financial institutions across borders.
• M&A and Corporate Transactions: THEON's expansion through subsidiaries and production facilities means that acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances are commonplace. The Legal Counsel will lead these transactions from due diligence to closing, co-ordinating external counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

These pillars are not isolated. A successful transaction in the defense sector often involves intersecting regulatory regimes, export controls, and national security considerations. The Legal Counsel must be adept at spotting issues that could derail a deal and finding creative solutions that keep the business moving forward.

What Winning Looks Like: A Day in the Life

Imagine a typical Tuesday at THEON's offices in Psikhikón. You start the day reviewing a term sheet for a potential acquisition in the Gulf States, then join a conference call with the CFO and external counsel in Germany to discuss a financing structure. By mid-afternoon, you're drafting a governance memo for the board regarding a new subsidiary in South Korea. The pace is relentless, but the intellectual stimulation is unparalleled.

The role explicitly mentions "partnering closely with senior management and business teams." This is not a back-office position. You will be expected to challenge assumptions, offer alternative legal strategies, and take ownership of outcomes. Your ability to build relationships with decision-makers will be as important as your legal acumen.

The Career Acceleration Potential

Taking this role is not just about the job itself; it's about where it can take you. Legal Counsel positions in high-growth, internationally focused companies are renowned for their career trajectory. Here are three ways this role can accelerate your professional development:

1. Board-Ready Exposure: Working directly with senior leadership on M&A and capital markets matters gives you the corporate governance experience that boards look for in future general counsels.
2. International Network: Coordinating external counsel across jurisdictions will build your network of contacts in legal and financial circles around the world, a resource that will pay dividends for decades.
3. Commercial Acumen: In-house counsel in a dynamic company quickly learns how to evaluate risk through a commercial lens—a skill that distinguishes true leaders from mere technicians.

The company also promises "exposure to high-profile domestic and international transactions." This means your CV will contain deals that will impress any future employer, whether you choose to stay in the defense sector or pivot to another industry.

How to Position Yourself as the Ideal Candidate

Given the demanding requirements, your application needs to demonstrate more than just legal experience. Here's a practical playbook:

• Quantify Your Experience: Don't just list M&A deals; highlight the value of the transactions, the cross-border elements, and your specific role in driving them to closure.
• Show Business Impact: Use examples where your legal advice led to a commercial win, such as a faster closing, a reduced liability, or a new market entry.
• Tailor Your CV to the Defense Sector: If you lack direct defense experience, emphasize your ability to handle regulated industries, government contracts, or complex technology transactions.
• Leverage LinkedIn: The posting is active on LinkedIn, and the named recruiter, Giannis Karagiannidis, is the Talent Acquisition Partner. Send a polite connection request with a personalized note that references your relevant experience and interest in THEON's mission.
• Prepare for a Commercial Interview: Expect case studies or hypothetical scenarios that test your ability to balance legal risk with business objectives. Practice articulating your thought process out loud.

Fluency in English is a given, but you should also be prepared to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers. Your negotiation skills will be tested in front of external counsel, so bring examples of successful precedent.

The Broader Context: Why Defense Law Matters Now

The global defense industry is undergoing a renaissance. Geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and shifting security alliances have created a surge in demand for military-grade equipment. Companies like THEON are at the forefront, and their legal teams are critical to navigating export controls, sanctions, and international trade laws. For an ambitious lawyer, this is an opportunity to work on matters that genuinely matter on the world stage.

When you join THEON, you are not just joining a company; you are joining a mission. The systems you help deploy will be used to protect soldiers, secure borders, and maintain peace. That sense of purpose, combined with exceptional professional growth, makes this role a standout in the legal job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the deadline to apply for the Legal Counsel position at THEON?
Unfortunately, the job posting does not specify a deadline. It is best to apply as soon as possible, as roles like this often fill quickly. The posting is active on LinkedIn, so check the listing for any updates.

2. Is fluency in Greek required for this role?
The job description does not mention Greek language requirements. It explicitly states that fluency in English is required, but given the company's Greek roots and local location, some knowledge of Greek may be helpful in daily interactions, though it is not listed as a key requirement.

3. Can lawyers from law firms apply without in-house experience?
The requirement says "combination of top-tier law firm and in-house experience." While the ideal candidate will have both, if you have extensive law firm experience in capital markets and M&A, you should still consider applying if you can demonstrate strong commercial awareness and a desire to transition in-house. Emphasize transferable skills in your application.

4. What can I expect in the interview process?
Based on the role's seniority, you can likely expect a multi-stage process: first a screening with Talent Acquisition, then a technical interview with a senior legal or business leader, and finally a panel interview with members of the executive team. The recruiter Giannis Karagiannidis can provide more specific guidance if you reach out.

In summary, the Legal Counsel role at THEON INTERNATIONAL is a prime opportunity for a seasoned corporate lawyer ready to take on high-impact work in the defense sector. It offers a combination of strategic influence, international exposure, and career acceleration that is rare in today's legal market. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for a challenge, don't hesitate to apply.