Law students love to say, “I’ll do corporate law.” But when the actual offers come, they’re either long hours in a Tier-1 law firm or endless drafting in some unknown office. Now, here’s a rare mix: a Senior Legal Associate job in the fashion startup ecosystem. Yes, you read that right — law meets fashion, and the stage is in Okhla, New Delhi.
This isn’t just about advising on the Companies Act, 2013 or brushing up FEMA regulations. It’s about structuring deals, managing startup investments, and being the lawyer who makes fashion entrepreneurs feel legally bulletproof.
Job Snapshot — Senior Legal Associate at FEF (Okhla)
The Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF) is not your regular corporate. They fund and mentor fashion startups, which means legal support here is more dynamic than the usual corporate cubicle grind.
- Role: Senior Legal Associate (in-house, on-site)
- Location: Okhla Phase-3, New Delhi
- Eligibility: LLB + 3–4 years’ PQE
- Core Work: Investments, M&A, transaction support
If your law school internships were filled with drafting NDAs, vetting SHA clauses, and due diligence checklists, this job will feel like a natural extension — except, here you’ll be leading the game.
What Will You Actually Do Here?
Let’s cut the jargon and simplify what this role really demands:
- Transaction Drafting & Negotiation: You’ll handle Share Subscription Agreements (SSAs), Shareholders’ Agreements (SHAs), NDAs, and MOUs. In short, the backbone of corporate deals.
- Due Diligence: Whether it’s a startup raising seed funding or a brand scaling globally, you’ll comb through compliance, litigation history, and hidden liabilities.
- Regulatory Compliance: From Companies Act, 2013, FEMA, 1999 (foreign direct investment norms), to SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, you’ll ensure nothing slips through.
- Advisory Role: Structuring deals, mitigating risks, and sometimes, saying that unpopular “NO” when business wants a shortcut.
This is not a clerical compliance filing. This is core corporate advisory in the fashion startup world.
Why This Job Is a Big Deal for Young Lawyers
In law school, we’re fed the binary dream: litigation or law firm. But this role breaks the monotony. Here’s why it matters:
- Startup Exposure: India’s fashion-tech market is booming. As in-house counsel, you’ll witness how investment flows, term sheets evolve, and founders negotiate.
- Ownership of Work: Unlike law firms where you’re “the junior on the deal,” here you’re the point-person coordinating with both internal teams and external counsels.
- Regulatory Depth: Hands-on compliance under FEMA, SEBI, and corporate restructuring is a skill law firms actively poach later.
This job isn’t just about money (salary not disclosed, but expect startup + investment-level pay). It’s about career positioning.
Application Process — How to Apply Smartly
The process is straightforward:
- Send your CV to: arsh@thefef.net
- No last date mentioned — but in startup hiring, earlier is always better.
- Only shortlisted candidates get a callback.
💡 Law student tip: If you’re applying, don’t just send a CV. Highlight your transactional drafting, due diligence, and regulatory exposure in internships. This isn’t litigation-heavy; it’s deal-heavy.
The Legal Lens — Indian Laws in Play
To impress at the interview, brush up on:
- Companies Act, 2013 — Sections 42 (Private Placement), 62 (Further Issue of Share Capital).
- FEMA Regulations — especially on FDI in retail and e-commerce.
- SEBI Regulations — disclosure norms and investor protection frameworks.
- Contract Act, 1872 — enforceability of NDAs, indemnity, and liability clauses.
Remember: They want a deal lawyer, not a court lawyer.
Closing: Law + Fashion = The Future?
Corporate law is no longer chained to traditional sectors. Fashion, entertainment, sports, startups — every industry now needs sharp lawyers who can negotiate, draft, and strategize.
So, if you’re tired of chasing adjournments or stuck proofreading at a law firm, this might be your cue. Apply. Experiment. Build a niche. Because the lawyer who can speak both legalese and business will always stay in demand.
