Junior/Starter In-House Counsel (Maternity Leave Cover)

Eastman’s EMEA Legal team supports the business by providing pragmatic, solution-oriented advice that enables growth while managing risk.

We are looking for a Junior / Starter In-House Counsel to join our EMEA Legal team in Rotterdam to cover a maternity leave until the end of 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for a recently qualified or early-career lawyer who is eager to start an in-house career and actively contribute to the digital transformation of legal operations.

In this role, you will combine solid legal fundamentals with a strong interest in legal innovation. You will help translate legal advice into practical, business-focused solutions and support the adoption and effective use of digital legal tools in day-to-day legal operations.

The position is based in Rotterdam and you will report to the Legal Director, EMEA.

The Role

• Support the EMEA Legal team on a broad range of commercial and operational legal matters
• Assist in reviewing, drafting, and managing contracts and legal documentation
• Translate legal requirements, risks, and concepts into pragmatic, actionable solutions for the business
• Support the implementation and daily use of legal digital tools (e.g. contract management, matter intake, workflow automation, knowledge management)
• Help streamline and improve legal processes, with a focus on efficiency, consistency, and transparency
• Act as a key contact point between Legal and internal stakeholders, using clear and practical communication

Your Profile

• Master’s degree in law
• 0–3 years of relevant experience (law firm, internship, or early-career in-house role) or a strong motivation to start an in-house career
• Practical, solution-oriented, and commercially minded
• Strong ability to translate legal content into clear, pragmatic advice
• Affinity with legal technology, digital tools, and process improvement
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Dutch
• Proactive, hands-on, and comfortable working in a dynamic, international environment

What we offer

• A broad and hands-on in-house legal role with real responsibility
• Direct exposure to the business and senior legal professionals
• The opportunity to help shape and modernize legal operations through digital tools
• A collaborative and international working environment
• A fixed-term position offering strong professional development and valuable in-house experience