Legal Counsel - Technology, AI & Cybersecurity

About the role

This Legal Counsel position supports the Legal Function across commercial contracting, technology, corporate and M&A, intellectual property and disputes, and in the operation of data-privacy, AI-governance, cybersecurity and compliance programmes. It is based in Abu Dhabi and operates under direct supervision, with a development pathway towards independent portfolio responsibility over 18-24 months.

Key responsibilities

• Commercial and technology: negotiate and draft commercial agreements (MSAs, teaming, referral, supply contracts), manage the contract register and signature workflows, and support vendor and customer negotiations.
• Technology, AI and cybersecurity: draft and negotiate technology agreements (software licensing, cloud, data-centre, managed services, SLAs) with information-security, data-protection and AI provisions, and support IT procurement and InfoSec documentation.
• M&A and corporate: support due diligence, document review and transaction documents, and handle shareholder resolutions, notarisations and corporate administration.
• Intellectual property: manage trademark and copyright applications and renewals, liaise with patent agents and support intra-group IP assignments and licensing.
• Disputes: collect documents, draft responses and demand letters, and liaise with external counsel on routine matters.
• Data privacy and regulatory: maintain records of processing activities, support DPIAs, monitor UAE PDPL, ADGM, KSA PDPL, GDPR and AI governance, and support KYC, sanctions screening and audit document collection.
• Compliance: support AML, ABAC, anti-competition, whistle-blowing and responsible sourcing policy refreshes, and deliver internal training on privacy, AML, sanctions and cyber awareness.
• Advisory and legal operations: act as first point of contact for legal queries, and maintain the template suite, clause library and legal KPI dashboard.

Required profile

• LLB from a recognised institution and bar admission to a recognised jurisdiction.
• 5-8 years post-qualification experience, ideally including 3-5 years of UAE in-house or law firm exposure.
• Privacy credential (CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent) desirable.
• Full professional English, with strong analytical and drafting discipline.