Sr. Associate Counsel

About the Role

The Senior Associate Counsel will join Visa's CEMEA Legal team to support Visa's Value-added Services (VAS), Products, Marketing, Commercial and Money Movement (CMS), and Sourcing functions in the CEMEA region. This role reports to the Visa VP Legal heading the VPCM legal team and requires expertise in technology/payments, marketing/advertising, IP/technology, and commercial business law. The ideal candidate will understand Visa's business model, technology, and contracting processes, assess new initiatives, conduct regulatory reviews, and draft, negotiate, and review contracts to a high standard.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary legal advisor for VAS, Products, Marketing, CMS, and Sourcing matters in CEMEA.
• Provide strategic legal counsel to business teams on solution structuring, legislative requirements, and common approaches.
• Leverage AI tools to enhance work efficiency and optimize resources.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts, and develop or adapt regional templates and standard documents.
• Support business teams in CEMEA on regulatory assessments, marketing activities, new product offerings, money movement, and contracting matters.
• Coordinate and supervise outside counsel for timeliness, cost-effectiveness, and quality of work.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise on their business impact.
• Streamline, optimize, and automate legal processes, including contracting and routine legal tasks.
• Review publicly facing external materials, communications, and presentations.
• Participate in strategic initiatives, policy development, and process improvements to meet business objectives.
• Collaborate with global, regional, and functional colleagues on project deployment.

Some travel may be required. Visa requires at least 3 days in-office per week; specific expectations will be confirmed by your Hiring Manager.

Requirements

• Law degree and qualification allowing for in-house practice in the applicable jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience with an international law firm or multinational organization.
• Experience in the payments industry and advertising is advantageous.
• Excellent core legal skills with the ability to integrate legal advice and business knowledge.
• Strong contract review and drafting skills, as well as legal assessments.
• Proficiency in using AI tools, including legal applications.
• Experience working in a multinational or highly matrixed organization is preferred.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and implement projects.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Global mindset and ability to work well under deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with various stakeholders and as part of a team.
• Good commercial and legal risk judgment.