Job Description

We are looking for a skilled Legal Counsel with deep experience in the commodities, oil, and gas sector to join our client's high-growth trading startup. This is a unique opportunity to shape the legal framework of a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. You'll work closely with trading, operations, and executive leadership to structure deals, manage risk, and guide the business through a complex regulatory landscape.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Negotiation & Management
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts: purchase/sale agreements, supply deals, transportation & logistics contracts
Focus on transactions involving fuel oil, crude oil, and refined products
Regulatory & Compliance Advisory
Advise on relevant laws and industry regulations: sanctions, anti-corruption, environmental, and export control
Work with compliance teams to ensure operational and legal alignment
Transactional Structuring
Provide legal input on structured deals including trade finance, hedging, JVs, and acquisitions
Balance legal risk with commercial drivers in deal execution
Risk & Dispute Management
Identify legal risks across the trading lifecycle and develop mitigation strategies
Manage or coordinate dispute resolution and litigation, including external counsel engagement when required
Stakeholder Alignment
Act as legal business partner to traders, risk managers, finance, operations, and compliance
Ensure contracts and policies support broader strategic objectives
Internal Policy & Training
Help build legal processes and frameworks from the ground up
Deliver internal training on legal and regulatory topics relevant to the business
Cross-Border Transactions
Oversee legal aspects of international trade and ensure compliance with sanctions regimes, customs laws, and import/export controls

Skills Required