Legal Counsel - Dispute Resolution

Job Description

Nokia's portfolio of litigation and disputes is broad and varied, ranging from global patent disputes (both offensive and defensive) to commercial litigation with customers, suppliers and others, to complex regulatory and investigative matters. Significant matters may also include enforcement of standard essential patents (SEPs) including possible license (FRAND) defenses. The candidate will primarily focus on European matters but may also be called to assist in matters arising in other parts of the world where Nokia does business.

The position reports to the Head of Global Disputes and Litigation. The successful candidate will work with a team of internal and external attorneys and other professionals, and will work closely with senior lawyers and business leaders across the entire organization.

The person selected will be expected to play an active role in not just maintaining, but strengthening Nokia's litigation function. This should include a rigorous 'early case assessment' process, a hands on approach with outside counsel, close oversight of budgets and spend, maintenance and cultivation of relationships with business and functional leaders across the company, effective use of state of the art litigation management tools and dashboards, creative use of alternative fee arrangements, and more.

While Nokia will always consider settling disputes when it is in the company's best interests to do so, our mindset will always be that we are prepared to try cases in court and take cases on appeal. Accordingly, the ideal candidate will have significant experience as a litigator.

The successful candidate should be able to function in a matrixed organization where hierarchy is minimized. The successful candidate will be boundary‑less and will possess the ability to work collaboratively with numerous stakeholders and to identify those who should be consulted or apprised of significant events or developments. The candidate must be adept at managing work across many time zones while still maintaining a healthy work‑life balance.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop and implement effective and cost‑efficient strategies to obtain optimal outcomes in each case;
• Effectively manage outside counsel relationships and control costs and external spend;
• Implement effective early case assessment procedures;
• Implement effective case management systems and advanced dashboards for reporting on litigation matters for a wide range of interested stakeholders;
• Partner effectively with business leaders to obtain maximum results balanced with sensitivity towards business disruption and impairment of key customer and supplier relationships;
• In collaboration with other functions including Finance, Internal Audit, Ethics & Compliance, Health & Safety and more, responding to government and regulatory agency inquiries, investigations and claims, and interacting with regulators and other government officials in relation thereto;
• Apply strong social and communication skills, and be able to build a network of trusting relationships with management and employees with various backgrounds and different styles;
• Work closely with, and be a resource to other members of the L&C team including professionals with special experience in compliance, regulatory, IPRs, software, hardware and other product related issues;
• Be technology savvy and be able to develop a good understanding of the technologies, the technological trends and developments within Nokia and their legal implications;
• Proactively identify and solve the most complex problems and think beyond existing solutions to create sustainable competitive advantage.

Qualifications

• Legally qualified, ideally in Germany;
• Business fluent in both German and English, additional language skills highly welcome;
• Minimum of 3 years PQE predominantly in a broad range of commercial and IP litigation matters including SEP disputes;
• Experience may be in a global law firm, in house position, or government, or any combination;
• Experience in trials, court procedure, mediations, and arbitrations;
• As many of the most consequential disputes involve highly complex patent disputes, a high level of interest in technology or science is essential;
• Ability to think strategically and to serve as a trusted business partner with senior business leaders;
• Can develop relevant and creative solutions to meet current and evolving business needs.

About Us

Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we're advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Learn more about life at Nokia.

About the Business Group

Nokia's Legal and Compliance organization (L&C) has approximately 300 lawyers, contract managers, compliance specialists and other professionals worldwide. We provide best in class legal advice and support and achieve Nokia's business objectives in a manner that complies with applicable legal and ethical standards and company policies.

Legal practice areas include supporting commercially Nokia's four business groups (Mobile Networks, Network Infrastructure, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies), Ethics & Compliance, Litigation, Corporate Legal, Procurement, Labor & Employment, Intellectual Property, and Mergers and Acquisition.

Our recruitment process

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

If you're interested in this role but don't meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.

The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.

About the Team

Some of our benefits:

• Flexible and hybrid working schemes
• A minimum of 90 days of Maternity and Paternity Leave, with the option to return to work within a year following the birth or adoption of a child (based on eligibility)
• Life insurance to all employees to provide peace of mind and financial security
• Well‑being programs to support your mental and physical health
• Opportunities to join and receive support from Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs)
• Employee Growth Solutions to support your personalized career & skills development
• Diverse pool of Coaches & Mentors to whom you have easy access
• A learning environment which promotes personal growth and professional development - for your role and beyond

Learn about additional benefits in specific countries.