Senior Legal Counsel

About the role

The Orchard Place is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to support its real‑estate and construction activities in the UAE. The role involves ensuring compliance with local and international regulations while providing pragmatic legal advice to senior management.

Key responsibilities

• Independently manage day‑to‑day legal matters and advise business teams.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements and other legal documents.
• Provide counsel on UAE civil, commercial and real‑estate law.
• Oversee disputes with purchasers, tenants, brokers, contractors and consultants, coordinating with external counsel as needed.
• Handle rental disputes, cheque execution/enforcement and other claims, applying deep knowledge of Dubai court procedures.
• Advise on UAE employment and labour law matters.
• Review construction contracts, identify risks and work with the contract administration team.
• Identify early legal, contractual and commercial risks and propose practical solutions.
• Support legal matters related to Saudi Arabia and liaise with local counsel when required.

Required profile

• In‑house legal experience, preferably within real‑estate development or construction.
• Strong practical knowledge of UAE civil, commercial, real‑estate and employment law.
• Demonstrated experience handling disputes, rental matters and Dubai court procedures.
• Good understanding of construction contracts and related legal issues.
• Fluency in Arabic and English, with ability to work with bilingual documentation.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and exercise commercial judgment.

Required skills

• Saudi legal and regulatory matters
• UAE employment and labour law
• Dubai court procedures
• Construction contracts