General Counsel – Corporate & Commercial Law

About the role

The General Counsel will serve as the senior legal advisor for a diversified holding group operating across manufacturing, fintech, food & beverage, and retail sectors. Reporting to senior management, the role provides strategic legal guidance on corporate, commercial and regulatory matters for the group, its subsidiaries and joint ventures.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of agreements including shareholder, joint‑venture, service, financing and confidentiality agreements.
• Advise on corporate structuring, incorporation and restructuring in UAE mainland, free zones (DIFC, ADGM, DMCC) and offshore jurisdictions.
• Support mergers and acquisitions through due diligence, transaction structuring, negotiation and execution, including preparation of transaction documents.
• Monitor changes in UAE laws and sector‑specific regulations, ensuring compliance with Central Bank, SCA, ESCA and data protection regimes.
• Develop and maintain corporate governance policies, draft board resolutions, minutes and corporate policies, and identify legal risks with mitigation strategies.
• Liaise with external counsel on disputes, arbitration and litigation, providing internal guidance on dispute resolution.

Required profile

• LLB from a recognised university; LLM preferred.
• 5–10 years of post‑qualification experience in corporate/commercial law, preferably within a holding or multi‑entity environment.
• Licensed to practice law in the UAE or an internationally recognised common‑law jurisdiction (e.g., UK, US, Australia).
• Strong knowledge of UAE Companies Law, DIFC/ADGM legal frameworks and regional business practices.

Required skills

• Analytical and negotiation capabilities.
• Expertise in corporate governance, regulatory compliance and commercial contract management.
• Familiarity with M&A processes and dispute resolution mechanisms.