Legal Counsel, Employment Law

Berlin, Germany | Office-first | Full-time

At SumUp, we empower small businesses around the world to succeed. Our fintech solutions help millions of merchants accept payments, manage finances, and grow with confidence. Today, SumUp supports over 4 million merchants across 36 markets, with teams spanning Europe, the US, Latin America, and Australia.

Our culture is built on ownership, collaboration, and trust. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and work closely across functions to build scalable, compliant solutions that support our global growth.

Have you completed your second state examination or do you have a comparable legal background and are you passionate about operational business? Are you looking to start your career or take the next step in your career in a modern, international environment and want to make a difference? Then apply here

About the Team

You'll join the Legal team, reporting directly to the Head of Labor Relations/ Lead Legal Counsel, Labour Law, and work closely with People Operations, People Partners, and business leaders across SumUp. This is a new role, created to strengthen our German employment law operations and ensure high-quality, responsive legal support.

The Role

As an Associate Employment Counsel (Junior Counsel), you will provide day-to-day, practical employment law support to our People Team and business stakeholders in Germany. This is a hands-on in-house role with a focus on creating and standardizing employment documents, drafting contracts, and ensuring compliance with labor law and HR requirements in day-to-day business.

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You will work closely with the Global Legal Team and People functions, supporting smooth and compliant employment operations while enabling senior legal colleagues to focus on strategic labour relations and Works Council topics.

This role is ideal for a junior to mid-level employment lawyer who enjoys working closely with the business, delivering pragmatic advice, and building strong stakeholder relationships.

What You'll Do

• Provide hands-on support in day-to-day legal issues affecting employees, managers, and the People team in Germany — with a strong focus on solutions, compliance, and consistency across cases.
• Draft, review, and maintain employment contracts, amendments, severance agreements, and HR documentation
  
  
• Maintain and further develop contract templates, clause libraries, and policy wording
  
  
• Support employment-related processes such as terminations, investigations, and compliance cases
  
  
• Act as a first point of contact for routine operational employment law questions
  
  
• Collaborate closely with People Ops, People Partner, Data Privacy and Compliance  to ensure consistent, compliant documentation and processes
  
  
• Work alongside senior employment counsel, escalating complex matters when needed
  
  
• Contribute to efficient use of digital HR and contract management systems
  
  

What We're Looking For

Must-have

• Legal qualification suitable for German employment law practice
  
  
• Solid understanding of German individual employment law
  
  
• Experience drafting and reviewing employment agreements and HR documentation
  
  
• Ability to deliver pragmatic, business-oriented legal advice
  
  
• Fluent in German and English
  
  

Nice to have

• Spanish language skills
  
  
• Exposure to compliance investigations or HR casework
  
  
• Familiarity with digital HR or contract management systems
  
  

You'll Thrive Here If You Are

• Pragmatic and solutions-oriented
  
  
• Detail-focused without losing sight of the bigger picture
  
  
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  
  
• Collaborative, curious, and eager to learn
  
  
• Clear and confident in your communication style
  
  

Why Join SumUp (Berlin Benefits)

• Corporate Benefits platform with discounts of up to 60% at 1,500+ brands
  
  
• FutureBen – 10–30% discounts on sustainable goods
  
  
• Sports & wellbeing: Beach volleyball, football, bouldering & running teams
  
  
• Urban Sports Club membership (subsidised) & in-office gym
  
  
• Mobility options: BVG Firmenticket, Navit mobility app, or bike leasing
  
  
• Corporate pension scheme with 20% employer match (up to the social security cap)
  
  
• Free SumUp breakfast every Monday & subsidised lunches (Tue–Thu, €5)
  
  
• In-office drinks, fruit, games, and regular social events
  
  
• Kita cooperation to support working parents