Job Purpose
The Legal Manager will be responsible for managing and driving the execution of legal
recovery matters across the South region, with a strong focus on Section 138 of the
Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 and SARFAESI-related matters. The role requires a senior
legal professional with hands-on experience in litigation management, coordination with
external counsels, and effective handling of court proceedings across multiple jurisdictions
in South India.
The incumbent will act as a key legal support resource for the recovery function, ensuring
timely legal action, effective case management, and strong representation of the company’s interests in civil and criminal recovery matters.
Key Responsibilities :
- Manage end-to-end execution of Section 138 NI Act cases filed across various courts in India, with a special focus on the South region.
- Handle SARFAESI matters, including notices, possession proceedings, auction-related actions, and borrower challenges.
- Coordinate with recovery managers and internal stakeholders for legal action in stressed and delinquent accounts.
- Ensure timely filing, follow-up, and monitoring of recovery-related litigation.
- Legal Strategy and Case Handling
- Evaluate legal risks and provide practical legal advice on recovery and enforcement matters.
- Support in drafting, vetting, and reviewing legal notices, replies, pleadings, and court documents.
- Oversee litigation strategy for high-value, critical, and contested cases.
- Assist in defending challenges raised by borrowers, guarantors, and third parties against legal recovery actions.
- Court and Counsel Management
- Represent the company in court proceedings, as required, and coordinate closely with external advocates and law firms.
- Identify and onboard suitable local counsels and law firms across South India.
- Negotiate and finalize fee structures in line with company policy.
- Conduct regular case reviews, briefing sessions, and progress discussions with advocates and senior counsels.
- Ensure counsel deliverables are met within timelines and in the best interest of the company.
- Regional Execution and Coordination
- Utilize strong geographical knowledge of South India to manage litigation efficiently across multiple states and courts.
- Build and maintain strong professional relationships with local legal ecosystem partners for smooth execution of matters.
- Provide on-ground legal support in coordination with recovery teams for possession,
- settlement, enforcement, and auction-related actions.
- Maintain accurate status updates of all legal and recovery matters.
- Track important dates, hearings, and developments in a structured manner.
- Prepare and share periodic reports on case progress, pending matters, and critical issues.
- Ensure proper documentation and record management of all litigation files.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Strong hands-on experience in Section 138 NI Act and SARFAESI litigation.
- Excellent litigation handling skills, especially in recovery and enforcement matters.
- Good knowledge of court procedures, documentation, and legal compliance.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and coordination skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple matters across locations.
- Strong network with local advocates and law firms in South India.
- Sound understanding of regional legal processes and practical execution on the ground.
Qualification and Experience
- LL.B. from a recognized university; LL.M. preferred.
- Minimum 5–10 years of relevant experience in banking, NBFC, recovery litigation, or financial services legal work.
- Prior experience in managing Sec 138 and SARFAESI matters across South India is highly preferred.
- Experience in handling court appearances, counsel coordination, and recovery execution matters will be an advantage.