Reliance Nippon Life Insurance - General Counsel - Direct Tax

An industry-leading corporate group is looking to appoint a seasoned legal professional to lead its Direct Tax legal function. The role involves managing complex tax advisory, structuring, compliance, and high-stake litigation in direct taxation matters, with a sharp focus on minimizing legal and financial exposure and ensuring robust governance.

Key Responsibilities

Tax Advisory & Structuring

- Provide strategic legal advice on all matters relating to income tax, corporate tax, transfer pricing, and tax treaties.

- Partner with finance and business teams on structuring domestic and international transactions, investments, and cross-border operations.

- Analyze emerging tax legislation and judicial trends to preemptively assess business impact and provide strategic inputs.

Litigation Management

- Lead and oversee high-value tax litigation at various forums including CIT(A), ITAT, High Courts, and the Supreme Court.

- Prepare legal arguments, review submissions, and coordinate closely with internal stakeholders and external counsel.

- Formulate litigation strategy, manage timelines, and ensure consistent legal positions across jurisdictions.

Compliance & Risk Management

- Support finance and tax teams in ensuring legal compliance under the Income Tax Act, including assessments, audits, and reporting requirements.

- Review and strengthen internal controls from a legal risk standpoint.

- Monitor and respond to notices, inquiries, and summons from tax authorities, ensuring timely and effective resolution.

Stakeholder Engagement

- Collaborate with senior leadership, auditors, and external advisors to address key tax-related legal issues.

- Represent the organization in front of tax authorities and policy-making forums as required.

Candidate Profile

- LL.B. from a recognized law school; LL.M. or CA background is an added advantage.

- 12 to 18 years of post-qualification experience in Direct Tax law, including litigation and advisory, preferably in large corporates or top-tier law firms.

- Deep knowledge of Indian direct tax regulations, judicial precedents, and international tax principles.

- Proven expertise in managing complex tax litigation and advisory matters independently.

- Strong analytical, drafting, and advocacy skills with commercial awareness.

- Ability to work under pressure and deliver on tight deadlines in a high-stakes environment.

Preferred Industry Exposure:

- Infrastructure, power, capital projects, or other heavily regulated sectors. Exposure to international tax and cross-border structuring is highly valued.