Legal Counsel

Knight Frank MENA; Dubai; On-site; AED 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Legal Counsel to join their Dubai team. In this pivotal role, you'll provide comprehensive legal support, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations while minimizing risks. You'll be involved in drafting and negotiating contracts, advising on corporate governance, and managing dispute resolutions. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where your legal expertise will directly impact the company's success. If you are a motivated professional with a passion for law and a desire to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in legal practice within the GCC region.
• Admission to the bar as a fully qualified lawyer is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review contracts, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
• Advise on corporate governance and internal policies.
• Support dispute resolution processes including negotiation and arbitration.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Legal Analysis

Contract Negotiation

Problem-Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Law

Advanced Degree in Law

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join our team in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The candidate will be responsible for providing legal advice and support on a wide range of legal matters, including contractual agreements, compliance, corporate governance, and dispute resolution. The legal counsel will play a key role in ensuring that the company operates within legal parameters whilst minimising risks and maximising opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare contractual and commercial risk assessments for requests for proposal and support during the pre-tendering stage.
• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, including but not limited to FIDIC agreements.
• Review and draft internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all statutory or legal requirements.
• Advise on and ensure compliance with internal company processes, procedures, and corporate governance.
• Provide advice on changes in regulations and perform gap analysis.
• Advise on contractual issues, legal matters, and potential risks to support all functions including HR, finance, tax, and operations.
• Manage corporate governance affairs of specific Knight Frank entities, such as license issuance, license renewal, and corporate restructuring.
• Support dispute resolution processes, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, by providing legal analysis, strategy formulation, and liaising with external counsel as needed.
• Identify areas for improvement in existing contracting processes, revise existing procedures and templates, or draft new ones.
• Perform other responsibilities associated with this position as appropriate.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law from an accredited institution; advanced degree preferred.
• Admission to the bar as a fully qualified lawyer is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential; proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.
• Proven experience of at least 4 years in legal practice within the GCC region.
• Experience working in an international company, preferably in real estate or engineering consultancy.
• Excellent knowledge of UAE and KSA laws, corporate governance, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex legal issues and provide practical solutions.
• Proficient in negotiation, influencing, and interpersonal skills.
• Organized, motivated, committed, capable of working under stress, and willing to travel as needed.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Consulting, Management, and Legal

Industries: Construction