Senior Counsel – Legal Advisor for Customer Risk Management

About the role

Mastercard is looking for a Senior Counsel (Director) to provide strategic, end‑to‑end legal support to its Brazil business units, especially Customer Risk Management. Based in São Paulo, the role reports to the Head of Legal Brazil and acts as a trusted advisor, balancing risk‑taking with compliance to internal policies and local regulations.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the principal legal advisor on complex, high‑value collateral agreements and risk‑management structures.
• Structure, draft, review and negotiate sophisticated commercial and financial contracts, identifying material legal and business risks.
• Advise on electronic payments and financial‑services legal matters, collaborating with compliance, regulatory, risk, tax, privacy and IP experts.
• Manage and coordinate external counsel on complex cases.
• Mentor and coach junior attorneys, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to regional and global legal projects as required.

Required profile

• Law degree and active registration with the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB).
• 10 + years of post‑qualification legal experience, with strong expertise in complex negotiations and collateral agreements.
• Solid background in financial services; experience in electronic payments is a strong plus.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, balancing legal risk with business objectives.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Leadership mindset with experience mentoring others.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Required skills

• Microsoft Office