Should we hire a Legal Counsel or use only external counsel?

External counsel handles specialized or sporadic work well. In-house counsel works best if you sign 5+ contracts monthly, face ongoing compliance monitoring, or need regular internal advice. A Pensum of 60–80% often bridges both.

Where do I state language requirements in the job ad?

Language belongs in the requirements section and in the opening paragraph if it is critical to the role. Swiss norm: list the required language(s) and the level (e.g. 'German B2+, English B2'). Always state if one language is a must and others are nice-to-have.

Must I name the canton and city in the job post?

Yes—Swiss jobseekers expect to see the canton and city. If the role is fully remote, say so explicitly. If it is office-based with flexible home-office days, state both the primary location and the home-office policy.

Job Description Template: Legal Counsel

This template helps Swiss employers write a job description for a Legal Counsel role. It covers day-to-day responsibilities, must-have and nice-to-have qualifications, and guidance on what to offer candidates—including Pensum percentage, canton placement, and language requirements.

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A Legal Counsel supports your company's compliance, contracts, and risk management. This role suits SMEs without a dedicated legal department who need regular in-house legal guidance rather than only external counsel.

Use this template to define the scope clearly. Adjust Pensum (typically 80–100%), location by canton, and language requirements to match your actual needs. Always state whether the role reports to management, the board, or another function.

What the Legal Counsel does

The Legal Counsel handles day-to-day legal matters, from contract review to regulatory compliance. They reduce risk, advise internal teams, and escalate complex issues to external legal partners.

This is not a partner-track role; it is an in-house support function. Many SMEs combine this with compliance or corporate governance tasks to justify full-time or near-full-time employment.

Review, draft, and negotiate commercial contracts (service agreements, vendor terms, NDAs)
Monitor applicable laws and regulations; advise on compliance changes
Support HR on employment law questions and document review
Manage litigation coordination and claims; brief external counsel
Maintain corporate records and board documentation
Advise on data protection (GDPR, cantonal data laws) and other sectoral obligations

Must-have and nice-to-have requirements

A qualified Legal Counsel holds a Swiss or equivalent law degree and has 3–8 years of in-house or practice experience. Language ability matters: state if German, French, or Italian is essential.

Nice-to-have skills vary by your sector. A fintech company may value fintech-law experience; a manufacturer may prioritize employment and product-liability law. Be specific, not generic.

Swiss law degree (lic. iur. or equivalent); membership in cantonal bar association
3–8 years in-house counsel or corporate law experience
Fluency in [German/French/Italian] and English (state which is required, which is desired)
Familiarity with your industry or sector (nice-to-have)
Strong communication; comfort explaining legal risk to non-lawyers
Discretion and confidence working alongside the board or ownership

What we offer

Compensation for Legal Counsel in Switzerland ranges from CHF 120,000–160,000 gross annually, depending on Pensum, experience, and region. Be transparent: cite a specific range or say you will discuss salary during recruitment.

Beyond salary, mention Pensum (e.g. 80–100%), benefits (health insurance, pension fund, home-office policy), professional development, and any flexible working arrangements. State location clearly by canton and city.

Salary: CHF [range] per year, based on qualifications and Pensum
Pensum: [80–100%] or flexible arrangement
Location: [City, Canton]; home-office policy
13th-month salary (if applicable); statutory vacation (20 days minimum)
Professional-development budget; bar-association membership support
Pension fund and health insurance; [other benefits: gym, canteen, etc.]

Frequently asked questions

Should we hire a Legal Counsel or use only external counsel?: External counsel handles specialized or sporadic work well. In-house counsel works best if you sign 5+ contracts monthly, face ongoing compliance monitoring, or need regular internal advice. A Pensum of 60–80% often bridges both.
Where do I state language requirements in the job ad?: Language belongs in the requirements section and in the opening paragraph if it is critical to the role. Swiss norm: list the required language(s) and the level (e.g. 'German B2+, English B2'). Always state if one language is a must and others are nice-to-have.
Must I name the canton and city in the job post?: Yes—Swiss jobseekers expect to see the canton and city. If the role is fully remote, say so explicitly. If it is office-based with flexible home-office days, state both the primary location and the home-office policy.

General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.