Legal Counsel – AMEA Region

About the role

Svitzer is seeking a Legal Counsel to join its AMEA team in Dubai. You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, helping the business navigate complex commercial, corporate, maritime and regulatory matters while supporting sustainable growth.

Key responsibilities

• Act as trusted legal adviser to regional leadership and senior stakeholders, translating complex legal and regulatory matters into clear, practical advice.
• Lead drafting, review and negotiation of complex commercial agreements, including charter parties, joint ventures and strategic agreements.
• Provide legal support for tenders, bids, commercial negotiations and new business opportunities, ensuring appropriate risk allocation and compliance.
• Advise on contractual disputes, claims and contentious matters, working towards commercially balanced solutions.
• Oversee corporate governance, entity management and regulatory compliance across the regional portfolio.
• Support M&A, restructurings, joint ventures and other strategic corporate transactions.
• Provide advice on maritime and operational matters such as charter parties, vessel transactions, flag‑state requirements and cabotage regulations.
• Drive best practices, standardisation and continuous improvement of contracting, legal processes and governance.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) and admission to practice law with a recognised regulatory body.
• 5–8 years of post‑qualification legal experience, preferably supporting corporate and commercial matters in an international environment.
• Experience with cross‑border commercial transactions, corporate governance and negotiation of commercial contracts.
• Knowledge of maritime, shipping or logistics industry is desirable; experience in the Middle East is preferred.
• Commercially minded with ability to balance legal risk and business objectives.
• Strong communication skills, proactive, solution‑oriented and highly organised.