Legal Counsel

About the role

This Legal Counsel position acts as the primary local legal liaison, ensuring that legal advice, documentation, negotiations, regulatory matters, risk assessments, transactions, contracts and other legal matters are coordinated with and reviewed by the Legal Department at Headquarters. Matters are negotiated, executed and delivered in compliance with applicable laws, internal policies, Legal Department requirements and agreed timelines, while providing legal support to Regional Operations Directors on jurisdiction-specific requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Analyze, manage and advise on legal and compliance matters, escalating material or complex issues to Headquarters for guidance, review and approval
• Draft and review contracts and legal documents, including routine operational documents and complex commercial agreements, in line with approved standards and risk management requirements
• Support the implementation of approved contract templates and administer the full contract lifecycle, from initiation to termination
• Perform company secretarial functions such as meeting agendas, minutes and record keeping, and support statutory and governance compliance
• Conduct legal research, prepare documentation and coordinate legal matters across jurisdictions; monitor legislative and regulatory developments and inform Headquarters promptly
• Provide legal and administrative support to operational teams, including clerical tasks, legal records, document repositories and legal process administration
• Identify, assess and report legal risks related to business activities, transactions and strategic initiatives
• Assist with incorporation, restructuring and maintenance of local, regional and international entities, including coordination with external counsel
• Support project managers and Regional Operations Directors on contract implementation and compliance with contractual obligations and milestones
• Liaise with regulators, governmental authorities and external counsel, and advise operations on regulatory compliance, contracts, governance, disputes and legal risk

Required profile

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.); a Master's degree in law is a plus
• At least 6-7 years as an in-house legal consultant in a corporate setting
• Experience across multiple jurisdictions is an advantage
• Professional behaviour, ethical conduct, sound professional judgment and diligence
• Results orientation, continuous improvement, accountability and ownership

Required skills

• Strong understanding of the UAE/GCC legal and regulatory landscape, including federal and Emirate-level laws, mainland and free zone regimes, licensing and government approvals, corporate and commercial law, governance, employment, immigration, data protection and education-sector regulations
• Understanding of the interaction between civil law and common law free zone systems