Group Investigation & Disputes Counsel

NetEase, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTES and HKEX: 9999) is a global powerhouse in the Internet and video game industry, with a market capitalization of $70+ billion and more than 26,000 employees worldwide. The NetEase group encompasses a range of innovative businesses centered around content creation, including:

• NetEase Games, one of the largest and most renowned game developers worldwide by size, revenue and game offerings. Over the years, NetEase Games has focused on developing high quality content and providing the best experience for gamers around the world;
• Youdao (NYSE: DAO), a majority-controlled subsidiary of NetEase, Inc. and China’s leading technology-focused intelligent learning company;
• Cloud Music (HKEX: 9899), a majority-controlled subsidiary of NetEase, Inc. and China’s leading online music content community;
• Yanxuan, NetEase’s private label consumer lifestyle brand; and
• Other innovative businesses, including, among others, an online payment platform and B-to-B technology solutions.

About this Role:

This is your chance to have a critical impact at a dynamic gaming company in the midst of an exciting globalization journey. You'll be joining the Group International Legal Department which oversees legal matters for the NetEase group and coordinates with the legal teams within each division of the group.

We are looking for a talented Group Investigation & Disputes Counsel to support the business units and functional departments across our group in all aspects with respect to internal investigation matters in our locations in North America, APAC and Europe, as well as assisting in overseeing litigation and arbitration matters. In this role, you will collaborate closely with HR, business departments, Internal Audit, Finance and other legal team members to manage risk.

This position will report to the General Counsel of NetEase, Inc. 

NetEase operates in multiple countries globally, and this role is primarily responsible for:

• Overseeing and conducting legally privileged investigations which includes: defining scope, reviewing documentation, developing investigative plan, notifying appropriate personnel, conducting interviews, compiling investigation status and reports, recommending and implementing proper remedial measures and concluding matters appropriately.
• Providing leadership in, and acting as a subject matter legal expert for, corporate compliance in all jurisdictions in which NetEase operates, including working with local counsel, regulators and law enforcement when required.
• Providing on-site investigation support globally (ex-China) to different business units, including but not limited to whistle blowing matters, employee-related investigations, conduct related cases, third party vendor related complaints, regulatory enquiries and litigation matters.
• Partnering with HR, business managers and legal and compliance teams to drive best practices globally with regards to enforcement of compliance policies, internal investigations and regulatory reporting via the creation, implementation and monitoring & testing of policies, strategies and processes that build a culture of integrity and compliance across geographies in a complex business environment.
• Working with outside counsel to develop litigation risk assessments, including advising on estimated costs of litigation, possibilities of success and scope and nature of risks.
• Assisting with dispute resolution and litigation prior to engagement of outside counsel.
• Ensuring proper and sufficient documentation and record keeping on all investigation cases.
• Proposing solutions and improvements to current processes, including the whistler blowing processes, anti-bribery and corruption program, supplier/vendor due diligence processes, focusing on addressing root causes, support on investigation and compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Creating lessons learned materials and provide post-event training to business and functional departments based on cases handled.
• Ensuring the General Counsel and Company’s executive leadership have an overview of investigation and dispute matters, as well as trends in the jurisdictions in which NetEase operates.
• Assisting in the selection of outside counsel for investigations and matters in litigation/arbitration, managing outside counsel budgets, and collaborating with outside counsel to support litigation/ arbitration matters;

Qualifications:

• Admitted and licensed attorney in U.S. and/or Hong Kong with 8+ years practical post-qualification experience working in both well-regarded law firms and in-house legal teams
• Strong experience working with a variety of international businesses, corporate structures and corporate governance environments
• Strong experience in internal investigations, dispute matters and implementation of internal investigation policies and processes and industry best practices across different regions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the flexibility and cultural sensitivity to connect with colleagues across the globe
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to influence and drive change within the organization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions in complex situations
• High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive employee and business information
• Experienced in managing outside counsel
• Comfortable working with a geographically dispersed team
• Strong advocacy skills and a proven ability to positively influence decision-makers especially with regards to challenging situations involving employees
• Ability to travel to multiple jurisdictions to conduct internal investigations
• Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is a significant plus.
• Preferred Location: Hong Kong, US, Canada or Singapore. 

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