DGM, Litigation

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Litigation & Dispute Management

1. Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all litigation and dispute matters, including disputes involving contractors, consultants, purchasers, vendors, joint venture partners, regulatory bodies, and authorities.
2. Act as the primary liaison with external solicitors and legal advisors, ensuring cost-effective engagement, high-quality legal representation, and alignment with Group litigation strategies.
3. Formulate and execute effective dispute resolution strategies, including court proceedings, arbitration, adjudication, tribunals, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
4. Represent the Company at court hearings, trials, tribunals, and adjudication proceedings where appropriate.
5. Oversee the assessment and management of claims, providing clear recommendations to senior management on risk exposure, settlement options, and litigation strategy. Risk Management & Advisory
6. Provide proactive legal advice on potential litigation risks arising from contracts, projects, joint ventures, sales operations, and business activities.
7. Review, draft, and advise on contractual terms and risk-mitigation clauses in agreements with contractors, consultants, suppliers, purchasers, and business partners.
8. Establish and maintain systems and reporting mechanisms to track litigation trends, recurring risk areas, exposure levels, and case performance.
9. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, property development regulations, guidelines, and statutory requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

1. Work closely with Project Management, Contracts, Finance, Sales & Marketing, Customer Care, and Operations teams to identify, manage, and resolve disputes at early stages.
2. Advise on legal issues related to the management of housing projects, including disputes involving purchasers, residents’ associations, Joint Management Bodies (JMBs), and Management Corporations (MCs).
3. Liaise with government authorities, regulators, industry bodies, and external stakeholders as required. Leadership & Governance
4. Act as a trusted legal advisor to senior management, providing regular updates on litigation status, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations.
5. Lead, mentor, and develop the in-house litigation and legal team, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, risk awareness, and continuous improvement.
6. Promote collaboration, efficiency, accuracy, and strong governance within the legal function.
7. Perform any additional duties or assignments as directed by Management from time to time.

Qualifications & Experience

1. Education: Professional Degree in Law. A Master’s Degree in Law or related qualification is an added advantage.
2. Experience: Minimum 8–10 years of relevant experience in litigation, dispute resolution, or corporate legal affairs, preferably within the property development, construction, or real estate industry.
3. At least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role, with proven experience handling complex, high-value disputes.

Key Competencies & Skills

1. Strong knowledge of civil, commercial, and property law, including court and tribunal procedures.
2. Demonstrated ability to strategically manage litigation portfolios and external legal counsel.
3. Excellent analytical, advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills.
4. Strong leadership and people management capabilities, with experience mentoring and developing legal professionals.
5. Commercially astute, solutions-oriented, and able to balance legal risk with business priorities.
6. High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.