Legal Counsel - Payments & UAE Operations

About the role

A fast-scaling payment orchestration business is looking for an in-house Legal Counsel to act as its day-to-day legal business partner for the commercial, sales, product and HR teams. The role sits at the centre of the business, running commercial contracting end to end and shaping how the company approaches payments regulation, marketing and its UAE operations.

Key responsibilities

• Commercial contracting: draft, negotiate and close agreements such as merchant service agreements, PSP and acquirer agreements, referral and partnership deals, NDAs and vendor terms, owning them end to end.
• Payments and regulatory advice: advise on payments regulation and card scheme rules across operating markets, including scheme compliance, settlement and fund flows and chargebacks.
• Licensing and market entry: support expansion into new markets by working with local counsel, corporate service providers and regulators on applications, filings and ongoing obligations.
• UAE employment: partner with HR on offer letters, employment contracts, MOHRE and free zone requirements, and end of service entitlements.
• UAE commercial law: advise on general corporate and commercial matters, including entity management, licences and commercial transactions.
• Process and scale: build the contract frameworks, playbooks and templates that let the team grow efficiently.

Required profile

• 5 to 7 years of post-qualification experience, including at least 2 years in the UAE, in-house or at a firm.
• Qualified lawyer, preferably in the UK, US, Canada or Australia; law firm training strongly preferred, ideally with payments, fintech or financial services exposure.
• Track record of owning commercial contract negotiations end to end, not just reviewing them.
• Genuine comfort in a cross-border, fast-moving environment.

Required skills

• Practical working knowledge of UAE labour law (MOHRE and free zones), UAE commercial and civil law, and payments law and industry practice.
• Clear, fast, business-oriented and practical legal advice.
• Nice to have: card scheme rules, PSD2 or UK PSRs, DIFC or ADGM contracting experience, contract lifecycle tooling or legal process automation.

What we offer

• Competitive salary package aligned with experience and market standards.
• Medical insurance from day 1.
• Training resources and development opportunities.
• Well-stocked office with snacks and drinks available daily.
• Team-building events, company activities and an employee recognition program.