Senior Legal Counsel – Retail & Commercial

About the role

We are seeking a highly experienced, commercially minded Senior Legal Counsel to join our retail business in Dubai. The role requires hands‑on expertise in retail leasing, mall agreements, franchise and distribution contracts, and UAE employment law.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate and manage retail lease and mall agreements, including rent increases, renewals, service charges and related disputes.
• Negotiate and oversee franchise, distribution, agency and supply agreements, advising on exclusivity, territory, royalties and termination clauses.
• Provide legal advice on UAE Labour Law, review employment contracts and HR policies, and support HR in grievances, investigations and end‑of‑service matters.
• Prepare legal correspondence, settlement agreements and contractual amendments, and resolve commercial disputes before litigation.

Required profile

• 7–10+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably within the UAE retail sector.
• Proven hands‑on experience dealing directly with shopping mall management and retail landlords in the UAE.
• Strong expertise in retail leasing, commercial contracts, franchise and distribution arrangements.
• Solid knowledge of UAE Labour Law and commercial regulations.

Required skills

• Excellent legal drafting, negotiation and communication abilities.
• Fluency in English; Arabic proficiency highly preferred.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and provide commercially practical solutions.