Legal Counsel

Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Legal Counsel to join our legal department in Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive legal advice and support to various business units within our international organization, ensuring compliance with UAE, regional, and international laws and regulations while protecting the company's interests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice and counsel on a wide range of business matters, including contracts, intellectual property, employment law, and corporate governance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements and other legal documents.
• Manage and oversee litigation matters, working closely with external counsel when necessary.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on various issues affecting the organization.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies across all business operations.
• Develop and implement legal strategies to mitigate risks and protect the company's interests.
• Provide guidance on regulatory matters and assist in obtaining necessary approvals and licenses.
• Collaborate with other departments to develop and implement company policies and procedures.
• Advise on corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
• Stay informed about relevant legal developments and industry trends, providing updates to management as needed.
• Conduct training sessions for employees on legal compliance and risk management.
• Manage and mentor junior legal staff as required.
  • Familiarity with UAE legal system and business laws.
• Knowledge of Sharia law principles as they apply to business transactions in the UAE.
  • Proficiency in Arabic and English; additional languages are a plus.
• Understanding of international commercial arbitration and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Advise on UAE and international legal matters affecting the company's operations in the Middle East and globally.
• Stay informed about legal developments in the UAE, GCC region, and relevant international jurisdictions.
• Assist in navigating cross-border transactions and international business operations.
• Provide guidance on compliance with local and international anti-corruption laws, including the UAE Anti-Corruption Law and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
• Support the company's adherence to international trade regulations and sanctions.

Education & Technical Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in law.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in corporate law, preferably in a similar industry.
• Strong knowledge of business law, contract law, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience working in the UAE or other GCC countries.
• Knowledge of international trade laws and regulations.
• Familiarity with DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) legal frameworks.
• Experience in international contract law and cross-border transactions.
• Understanding of international intellectual property laws and treaties.
• Experience in a specific relevant area of law (e.g., intellectual property, employment law, or data privacy).
• In-house counsel experience in a similar industry.
• This position requires occasional international travel and may involve working extended hours to meet business needs across different time zones.
• The successful candidate must be able to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and maintain the highest ethical standards in a multicultural environment.
• Written and spoken English and Arabic is essential. Knowledge of any other language will be an added advantage.

Location: Office based - Abu Dhabi, UAE