Legal Counsel Asia (Based in Singapore)

Legal Counsel  

We are looking for a Legal Counsel to join our Legal team in Singapore!   

We offer an unique opportunity to be a legal trusted advisor and participate in the M&A transactions in the Asia-Pacific region acting as the legal anchor on all the legal workstreams.   

Novo Holdings is the holding company of the Novo Group and is a Danish private limited liability company wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. As of year-end 2024, Novo Holdings had total assets of EUR 142 billion.  

Novo Holdings Equity Asia Pte. Ltd. is a wholly owned entity of Novo Holdings in Singapore. It acts as an investment advisor to the Novo Nordisk Foundation (“Foundation”) to deliver a return that the Foundation can distribute for scientific, social, and humanitarian purposes to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet. 

Headquartered in Copenhagen, with offices in London, San Francisco, Boston, Singapore and Shanghai, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life science investor with a focus on creating long-term value. 

The Job  

As Legal Counsel, you will join and collaborate with our Legal team to carry out the day-to-day operations of our deliveries to fulfil the legal key strategic initiatives and goals. This position will be based in Singapore, and you will be part of one global legal team spanning across multiple locations. The Legal team consists of 10 lawyers and currently has a presence in Copenhagen, Boston, San Francisco and Singapore. You will enjoy the opportunity to be a part of a dedicated, international, ambitious, and connected team that is value-driven and who respect and appreciate each other. In this role, you will report to the Head of Legal Asia. 

Your main tasks will be to: 

• Support a broad range of cross-border transactional projects, including mergers, acquisitions & divestments, financing rounds, and follow-up in relation thereto in the Asia-pacific region. 

• Participate in the deal team in the Asia-pacific region acting as the legal support.  

• Support relevant asset teams across Novo Holdings’ portfolio companies based in Asia in, for example, MIP programmes, follow-on investments, and corporate housekeeping tasks. 

• Ensure legal compliance with respect to Novo Holdings’ operations in the region including developing compliance policies and being responsible for certain compliance functions. 

• Address regulatory matters and manage governmental affairs with respect to Novo Holdings’ operations in the region.  

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and external counsel in relation to legal and compliance work streams. 

• Review, continuously optimise and share the best-in-class legal processes and governance practices.  

• Contribute to fulfilling the Legal team’s key strategic initiatives and goals.  

Requirements

Professional Qualifications   

We are looking for a candidate with: 

• Bachelor in Law (LL.B.) or equivalent is required; a Master in Law (LL.M.) is an advantage.  

• 3-6 years of experience from a top tier international law firm or as in-house counsel with significant M&A experience 

• A strong track record of international M&A transactional experience, including deal structuring, negotiation and drafting 

• Experience working across the Asia-pacific region, particularly in China, India, and Southeast Asia 

• Great abilities to interact and build relations with various stakeholders at all levels 

• Strong business understanding  

• Fluency in English, both spoken and written 

Personal Qualifications   

We are looking for a candidate that:   

• Has the ability to grasp and navigate complicated legal issues 

• Maintains a high-level of integrity and always keeps the broader picture at the top of mind 

• Performs effectively under time pressure by prioritising independently and being able to handle multiple projects simultaneously in an organized manner  

• Is curious and ambitious with a strong drive  

• Exercises excellent independent judgment and discretion  

• Has the ability to stand your ground 

• Is a team player that thrives on succeeding together 

• Has well-developed cooperation and “client-relationship” skills 

• Takes responsibility and is honest with both internal and external stakeholders about opportunities and risks, and the mitigation of such 

• Aligns to the Novo Holdings’ values 

Working at Novo Holdings 

At Novo Holdings, we aspire to a set of values that define the way we work. Our values underpin the Novo Holdings culture of high performance with high responsibility and long-term thinking.  

Our work environment is driven by purpose and values, and we strive to be recognised by our stakeholders and people as an exceptional enterprise.  Our aim is to create an environment where our people can develop to their full potential.  

How to apply 

We encourage you to send your CV and application as soon as possible or no later than 25 May, 2025. We will conduct interviews on a running basis.   

To apply, please send CV, cover letter, and university transcripts by clicking on the “Apply” button.