About us

What if your work could drive change in a globally established industry, shaping processes that touch every corner of the world? At Forto, we are at the forefront of change, harnessing the power of AI to revolutionise logistics. We want to reinvent digital supply chains to be transparent, frictionless and sustainable. From day one, our mission has been to simplify global trade – creating a seamless and efficient logistics process.  

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel (f/m/d) to join our legal team. As a key member of the legal department, you will provide strategic legal guidance and support to the global business, focusing on complex legal matters, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. The ideal candidate will be an entrepreneurial, hands-on senior lawyer with experience in corporate law and/or commercial contracts, and the ability to work closely with senior leadership to mitigate legal risks and drive business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Legal Advisory: Provide expert legal counsel on a broad range of legal matters, including corporate governance, labour law, commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.

  • Contract Negotiation & Drafting: Review, negotiate, and draft complex commercial contracts with clients, vendors, and partners. Ensure the company’s interests are protected and that contracts are compliant with applicable laws.

  • Risk Management & Compliance: Implement and monitor policies, guidelines and strategies to mitigate legal risks, monitor compliance with applicable regulations, and assist in providing training to business units on best practices and risk mitigation.

  • Dispute Resolution: Manage and oversee legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation, liaising with external counsel as necessary.

  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Act as a trusted advisor to senior management, business units, and other stakeholders on legal and regulatory matters, ensuring legal considerations are integrated into decision-making processes.

  • M&A & Corporate Transactions: Support the legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions, ensuring smooth execution and compliance with relevant laws.

  • Legal Research & Monitoring: Stay up to date on legal developments, changes in applicable laws, and industry-specific regulations that could impact the company.

  • Guidance & Mentorship: Advocating legal topics throughout the whole company and all levels, mentor and train relevant stakeholders on legal matters and provide guidance and consultation.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Education & Legal Expertise: Fully qualified German lawyer (2nd State Examination) with specialization in corporate, commercial, or related legal fields. In-depth knowledge of German commercial law, corporate governance, labor law, competition law, and regulatory frameworks.

  • Experience: 4-5 years as in-house counsel in a highly regulated industry or law firm, with expertise in M&A and commercial contracts.

  • Language & Technical Skills: Fluent in German and English (spoken & written). Strong proficiency in legal research tools.

  • Business & Leadership Acumen: Strong understanding of business operations, with the ability to align legal strategies with company objectives. Proven leadership in mentoring, managing projects, and advising senior stakeholders.

  • Interpersonal & Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to mitigating legal risks.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Experience in technology, logistics, or a highly regulated industry.

  • Previous experience managing cross-functional teams or global legal matters is a plus.

Don’t fit all of our criteria? That’s okay! We know that you might be hesitant to apply if you don’t meet all our requirements, but here at Forto, we pride ourselves on embracing diverse perspectives and celebrating potential. If you are passionate about this position and the Forto values, please apply anyway. There could be a place for you in this role – or another one that’s a perfect fit! 

Why work with us?

Our team is hard-working, constantly seeking to maximise the impact of their work, but we put our people first, always winning with care. We value efficient systems and swift, direct communication. We want everyone to have their time to speak, so that we can embrace diverse perspectives to help drive towards solutions always.