Lead Counsel / Legal Director

The Orchard Place; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in luxury real estate is seeking a Lead Counsel specializing in construction law. This pivotal role involves managing legal aspects of major projects, ensuring compliance, and guiding teams through complex contractual landscapes. With a focus on strategic legal initiatives, you'll collaborate closely with procurement and project management teams to secure favorable contract terms and mitigate risks. If you are a solution-oriented legal professional with a strong background in construction law and excellent negotiation skills, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in construction law and infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience supporting large-scale construction teams.

Responsibilities

• Advise on legal aspects of construction projects from planning to execution.
• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts and procurement documents.

Skills

Construction Law

Contract Negotiation

Legal Risk Analysis

Dispute Resolution

Compliance Monitoring

Communication Skills

Education

Law Degree (LLB or equivalent)

Job description

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We are seeking a Lead Counsel / Legal Director specialising in the construction and engineering sectors. This is a pivotal leadership role for a commercially astute, solution-oriented legal professional who is ready to drive strategic legal initiatives, manage risk, and guide the business through complex contractual landscapes.

Key Responsibilities :

• Advise on all legal aspects of construction projects from planning to execution, including FIDIC-based contracts and EPC frameworks
• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts, subcontracts, consultancy agreements, and procurement documents
• Provide day-to-day legal support to project managers, engineers, and procurement teams across multiple active and upcoming projects
• Lead contract administration and contract management, including supervision of procurement processes, managing nomination letters, and ensuring alignment with contractual obligations
• Collaborate closely with the procurement team to facilitate contract negotiations, review bid conditions, and secure the most favourable terms for the business
• Lead legal risk analysis, claims prevention, and dispute resolution strategies
• Monitor compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies across project activities
• Participate in project governance meetings and proactively flag legal risks to management
• Support management in shaping legal policies and frameworks in the construction division
• Train project teams on contract terms, claim management, and regulatory issues

Requirements :

• Law degree from a recognized university (LLB or equivalent)
• Minimum 8-10 years of post-qualification experience, with a strong focus on construction law and infrastructure projects
• Proven experience supporting large-scale construction and engineering teams, preferably within a developer, contractor, or engineering consultancy
• Deep knowledge of construction contract frameworks (FIDIC, EPC, Design & Build etc)
• Strong negotiation skills, analytical mindset, and hands-on approach to contract management
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; Arabic language is a plus
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and interface confidently with technical and commercial teams.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming work environment.