In-house Corporate Counsel

Legal Route - Global Legal Recruitment; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A diversified conglomerate in Dubai seeks a Corporate Lawyer with 8–10 years of experience. This role involves leading corporate legal matters and advising business units on governance. The ideal candidate will have proven skills in drafting and negotiation, and experience in commercial law is essential. You will work closely with senior leadership and manage junior staff, offering significant career impact and growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive package commensurate with experience

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with 8–10 years' post-qualification experience in corporate/commercial law.
• Solid experience with joint ventures, SPAs, commercial contracts, and corporate governance.
• Desirable experience in construction or real estate.

Responsibilities

• Lead on corporate legal matters like due diligence, drafting contracts, and joint ventures.
• Advise on corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.
• Draft and review commercial agreements across various sectors.

Skills

Excellent drafting and negotiation skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Able to work autonomously

Commercially minded

Resilient and solutions-focused

Education

British or Commonwealth legal qualification

Job description

Job Specification – Corporate Lawyer

Location: Dubai, UAE

Department: Legal / In-House

Reporting to: General Counsel

Team: Small team (1 senior + couple of junior lawyers)

About the Organisation

Our client is a highly respected, diversified Dubai-based family office / conglomerate with deep roots in the UAE and a long-standing reputation for professionalism and quality. The group operates across construction, real estate, trading, logistics, hospitality, and industrial sectors, and is known for a people-first, family-focused culture and a long-term strategic vision.

The legal team is small but high-calibre, providing an excellent opportunity for hands‑on exposure across multiple sectors and direct collaboration with senior leadership.

Role Overview

The Corporate Lawyer will provide broad corporate and commercial legal support across the organisation’s diverse business interests. This is a high-responsibility, hands‑on role in a small team, offering significant exposure to commercial transactions, joint ventures, and corporate governance matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on corporate legal matters, including due diligence, drafting and negotiating contracts, joint ventures, and shareholder agreements.
• Advise business units on corporate governance, compliance, regulatory issues, and risk management.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements across sectors, including construction, real estate, trading, and logistics.
• Work closely with the General Counsel and external advisors to ensure high-quality legal guidance.
• Support strategic initiatives and contribute to policy and process improvements across the organisation.
• Manage junior legal staff and coordinate with external law firms as needed.

Candidate Profile Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified lawyer with 8–10 years’ post‑qualification experience in corporate/commercial law (in‑house or law firm background).
• Solid experience with joint ventures, SPAs, commercial contracts, and corporate governance.
• Experience in construction or real estate is desirable.
• Exposure to multi‑jurisdictional transactions or regional work in MENA is an advantage.
• British or Commonwealth legal qualification preferred.

Skills & Attributes

• Commercially minded with excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Able to work autonomously and manage multiple live matters in a fast‑moving environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, comfortable working with senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, high‑energy, pragmatic, and solutions‑focused.

Why This Role is Attractive

• Opportunity to join a highly respected, diversified organisation with strong regional reputation.
• Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic commercial decision‑making.
• Hands‑on work across multiple sectors and complex transactions.
• Small legal team allows significant autonomy, visibility, and career impact.

Package & Benefits

Competitive package (commensurate with experience)

Location

Based in Dubai, UAE

Growth & Exposure

Opportunities for professional growth and exposure across multiple business sectors

Application / Contact

For a confidential conversation, please contact Nigel Byrne [e-mail]