Job Purpose:

- The Vice President - Litigation will lead the organization's litigation strategy across its diversified financial services businesses including NBFC operations, housing finance, real estate lending, and payment wallet services.

- This senior role is responsible for managing complex litigation matters, mitigating legal risks, and protecting the company's interests while ensuring regulatory compliance across all business verticals.

- This key leadership position requires a litigation specialist who can navigate complex legal challenges across multiple financial services verticals while supporting the organization's growth and risk management objectives.

Reporting:

Group Litigation & Enforcement Head

Key Responsibilities:

A. Litigation Management

- Develop and implement comprehensive litigation strategies for all business verticals including NBFC, housing finance, real estate, and payment services.

- Oversee a diverse portfolio of cases including recovery proceedings, consumer disputes, regulatory actions, and commercial litigation.

- Manage specialized proceedings under SARFAESI Act, DRT/DRAT filings, section 138 cases, arbitration proceedings, and insolvency matters.

- Direct and supervise external counsel while managing litigation budgets effectively.

- Represent the company in high-stakes litigation and settlement negotiations

B. Recovery & Enforcement:

- Design and implement effective recovery strategies for delinquent loans across business segments.

- Oversee legal proceedings for mortgage enforcement, property possession, and auction processes.

- Develop specialized approaches for different asset classes including residential properties, commercial real estate, and MSME assets.

- Monitor and improve recovery timelines and success rates through process optimization.

- Coordinate with business and collection teams to prioritize enforcement actions based on portfolio needs.

C. Regulatory & Compliance

- Provide litigation perspective to compliance initiatives across RBI, NHB, SEBI, and other relevant regulatory frameworks.

- Manage responses to regulatory notices, inquiries, and show-cause proceedings.

- Develop litigation avoidance strategies through proactive compliance measures.

- Keep management informed about litigation-related regulatory developments and their business impact.

- Represent the company before regulatory authorities during hearings and proceedings.

D. External Counsel Management

- Select, engage, and manage relationships with external law firms and litigation counsel.

- Negotiate fee arrangements and billing structures to optimize legal spend.

- Evaluate and monitor performance of outside counsel to ensure quality representation.

- Collaborate with external counsel to develop case strategies and litigation approaches.

E. Internal Consultation & Leadership

- Provide expert legal advice to executive leadership on litigation matters and dispute resolution

- Partner with business leaders to align litigation strategy with overall business objectives.

- Lead and mentor litigation team members, providing professional development opportunities.

- Collaborate cross-functionally with other legal teams (regulatory, compliance, etc.)

F. Case Assessment & Resolution

- Assess merits, risks, and potential outcomes of pending and threatened litigation.

- Determine appropriate dispute resolution approaches (litigation, arbitration, mediation).

- Develop settlement strategies and participate in settlement negotiations.

- Make recommendations regarding when to litigate versus when to settle.

G. Risk Management

- Identify emerging litigation risks across the financial services ecosystem.

- Develop risk mitigation strategies and early warning systems.

- Provide litigation risk assessments for new products, business initiatives, and market expansions.

- Conduct periodic litigation portfolio reviews to identify trends and systemic issues.

- Advise senior management on significant litigation exposures and their potential business impact.

H. Reporting Systems & Documentation

- Develop standardized approaches for common dispute categories.

- Collaborate with business teams to refine documentation and practices that minimize litigation risk.

- Contribute litigation insights to overall legal strategy and departmental planning

I. Reporting & Communication

- Provide regular reporting on litigation matters to senior management and board of directors.

- Develop litigation budgets and monitor expenses against forecasts.

- Create and maintain litigation reporting systems and metrics.

- Communicate potential material litigation risks to appropriate stakeholders.

Education & Experience:

- Law degree from a recognized university; additional qualifications in banking/finance law preferred.

- 15+ years of litigation experience with at least 8 years specializing in financial services litigation.

- Significant experience managing SARFAESI proceedings, DRT/DRAT matters etc, and recovery cases.

- Strong track record in handling complex commercial litigation and regulatory proceedings.

- Experience in managing legal teams and external counsel relationships.

Knowledge & Skills:

- In-depth knowledge of laws and regulations governing NBFCs, HFCs, real estate lending, and payment systems.

- Expertise in recovery laws, debt enforcement, and security realization.

- Strong understanding of RBI, NHB, and payment-related regulatory frameworks.

- Familiarity with court procedures, arbitration processes, and alternative dispute resolution.

Professional Attributes:

- Strategic thinking with ability to balance legal considerations with business objectives.

- Excellent negotiation and dispute resolution skills.

- Superior analytical abilities and judgment in complex legal scenarios.

- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

- Ability to manage high-pressure situations and competing priorities.