Junior/Starter In-House Counsel (Maternity Leave Cover)
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
The Role
Eastman is a global specialty materials company producing a broad range of products found in everyday items. With a strong presence across EMEA, our 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.
Responsibilities
- 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
#LI-Rotterdam
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
Interested in building your in‑house legal career at the intersection of law, technology, and business?
We look forward to hearing from you.
Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.
Eastman is committed to creating a highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.
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