Senior Legal Counsel (Courts)

About the role

The Senior Legal Counsel (Courts) provides advanced technical and strategic support to the ADGM Courts Registrar and Chief Executive. The role focuses on shaping strategy, legislative frameworks, and dispute‑resolution services while representing the Courts at high‑level meetings.

Key responsibilities

• Advise the Registrar on amendments to ADGM’s Founding Law, Courts’ Regulations, Rules and Practice Directions.
• Draft and implement legislative and regulatory changes in line with policy direction from the Chief Justice and Registrar.
• Collaborate on strategic initiatives for ADGM Courts and broader dispute‑resolution services, including arbitration and mediation.
• Prepare Board papers, liaise with ADGM General Counsel, and attend Board meetings as required.
• Support the judiciary in case management, liaising with law firms and litigants on complex operational issues.
• Represent ADGM Courts at government, stakeholder, UAE and international forums, and act as a speaker on dispute‑resolution topics.
• Manage the Courts’ team during temporary absences of the Registrar.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Law.
• 10‑12+ years of experience in litigation and alternative dispute resolution within a common‑law jurisdiction.
• Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced legal environment with competing demands.
• Strong research, analytical, and time‑management capabilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication, including high‑level drafting.

Required skills

• Legal drafting and legislative analysis.
• Strategic planning and policy development.
• Case‑management liaison with courts, law firms and litigants.
• Public speaking and stakeholder representation.