Legal Counsel - Banking/Finance

About the role

We are seeking a Legal Counsel specialized in Banking and Finance to join our Legal team and support the bank’s transactions, product development and initiatives, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory and internal standards.

Key responsibilities

• Support UAE banking transactions by collaborating with internal lawyers and business stakeholders to minimise legal risk.
• Develop and standardise legal documentation and templates for banking and IT products.
• Work with product teams to structure innovative banking products and provide compliance guidance.
• Provide expertise on syndications, derivatives and structured‑finance legal frameworks.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements, including software licensing, services and procurement contracts.
• Prepare and negotiate lending and security documentation for corporate and retail customers, covering credit facilities, term loans, guarantees, mortgages and Islamic finance structures.
• Deliver training to business teams on legal documentation and promote a culture of informed compliance.
• Manage external counsel engagements, ensuring clear scopes, quality output and cost control.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in law (Common Law qualification preferred).
• Minimum 5 years post‑qualification experience in banking and finance law, preferably with both private‑practice and in‑house exposure.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Strong analytical abilities and business acumen to align legal advice with commercial objectives.

Required skills

• Expertise in syndications, derivatives and structured‑finance legal frameworks.
• Working knowledge of Islamic finance documentation structures such as Ijara and Murabaha.
• Solid understanding of UAE corporate, commercial, financing, real‑estate and security laws.