Legal Counsel - Real Estate & Construction

About the role

An established, privately owned Swiss company active in real estate development and construction is looking for a commercially minded Legal Counsel to join its legal function. The company works on complex projects and offers a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with direct exposure to operational and strategic business decisions. The role suits a legal professional who enjoys working close to the business and giving pragmatic, solution-oriented advice.

Key responsibilities

• Act as a trusted legal advisor to management and internal stakeholders on a broad range of legal matters, with a focus on Swiss real estate, construction, contract and corporate law.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, including construction contracts, general contractor agreements, property purchase agreements, lease agreements and other project-related contracts.
• Manage legal disputes and proceedings, including civil litigation, arbitration, debt enforcement and administrative proceedings, especially those linked to real estate and construction projects.
• Identify and assess legal risks and develop commercially viable solutions to support business activities and projects.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel, notaries, public authorities and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to improving internal legal processes, contractual documentation and policies.

Required profile

• Swiss law degree and successful completion of the Swiss Bar Exam.
• Several years of relevant experience in a law firm or in-house legal function, ideally with exposure to real estate and/or construction law.
• Strong knowledge of Swiss contract and corporate law, with an interest in real estate-related legal matters.
• Commercial mindset, able to turn complex legal issues into practical, business-oriented advice.
• Independent, structured and proactive, with a strong sense of ownership.
• Native-level German and fluent written and spoken English; French and/or Italian is an advantage.

What we offer

• A varied and responsible in-house legal role with exposure to interesting real estate and construction projects.
• Closely working with senior management and contributing directly to business decisions.
• An entrepreneurial environment with short decision-making lines and a collaborative team.
• Long-term career prospects within an established and growing organisation.