General Counsel (UAEN)

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 650,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in the United Arab Emirates seeks an experienced General Counsel to lead the legal function and provide strategic advice across a diverse business portfolio. The role collaborates with the Board and executive leadership on governance, regulatory matters, and complex commercial transactions.

The candidate will demonstrate deep UAE law expertise, governance acumen, and a proven track record in leading legal teams.

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent and valid Bar qualification.
• Minimum 15 years of legal experience.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role leading legal teams.
• Extensive UAE laws, corporate governance and regulatory expertise.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organization's legal strategy aligned with objectives.
• Advise executive leadership and Board on corporate, regulatory, and governance matters.
• Lead legal risk assessment, mitigation, and dispute management.
• Oversee litigation, arbitration, and external counsel.
• Review and negotiate complex commercial agreements and frameworks.
• Maintain robust compliance and governance frameworks.
• Advise on corporate structuring, M&A, and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor UAE legislation changes and assess impact on operations.
• Lead due diligence for strategic initiatives.
• Manage relationships with regulators and government entities.
• Oversee budgeting, reporting, and legal operations.
• Mentor and develop the legal team and succession planning.

Skills

UAE Law

Corporate Governance

Regulatory Compliance

Contract Negotiation

Litigation Management

Stakeholder Management

Leadership

Education

LLB or equivalent

Bar Association License

Job description

A confidential UAE-based organization is seeking an experienced General Counsel to lead its legal function and provide strategic legal advice across a diverse business portfolio. This executive leadership role is responsible for overseeing corporate legal affairs, governance, litigation, regulatory compliance, contract management, and legal risk while partnering closely with executive leadership and the Board to support business objectives.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in UAE law, corporate governance, commercial transactions, and regulatory matters, with the ability to align legal strategy with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organization's legal strategy in alignment with corporate objectives.
• Serve as the principal legal advisor to executive leadership and the Board on corporate, commercial, regulatory, and governance matters.
• Lead legal risk identification, mitigation strategies, and dispute management.
• Oversee litigation, arbitration, and external legal counsel.
• Review, draft, negotiate, and approve complex commercial agreements and legal frameworks.
• Establish and maintain robust compliance and corporate governance frameworks.
• Advise on corporate structuring, subsidiaries, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives where applicable.
• Monitor changes in UAE legislation and assess their impact on business operations.
• Lead legal due diligence for strategic business initiatives.
• Manage relationships with regulatory authorities, government entities, and external stakeholders.
• Oversee departmental budgeting, reporting, and legal operations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the legal team while supporting succession planning and organizational capability development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent.
• Valid Bar Association License or legal practicing qualification.
• Minimum 15 years of legal experience.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role leading legal teams.
• Strong expertise in:
• UAE Laws
• Commercial & Corporate Law
• Corporate Governance
• Regulatory Compliance
• Contract Negotiation
• Litigation Management
• Experience dealing with government authorities and regulators.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following will be highly regarded:

• IPO transactions
• Corporate restructuring
• Securities regulations
• Governance frameworks
• Government or semi-government organizations