Legal Counsel

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate firm in Dubai is seeking a Legal Counsel to manage legal interests across transactions, ensuring compliance with UAE property laws and regulations. The ideal candidate will have at least 5-7 years of experience in real estate law and possess strong negotiation and drafting skills. This position offers a dynamic environment and the opportunity to contribute strategically to the company's operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in real estate or property law, with at least 3 years in the UAE.
• Strong knowledge of UAE property laws and RERA regulations.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and legal analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and safeguard the company’s legal interests across all transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for property transactions.
• Ensure compliance with RERA and other regulations.

Skills

Legal expertise

Commercial judgment

Negotiation skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB)

Master’s degree or additional qualification in Real Estate Law

Job description

Overview

The Legal Counsel will be responsible for managing and safeguarding the company’s legal interests across all real estate transactions and operations. Key responsibilities include drafting and reviewing contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, identifying and mitigating legal risks, and providing strategic advice to senior management on matters related to development, leasing, acquisitions, and sales. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong legal expertise, sound commercial judgment, and the ability to operate independently within a dynamic real estate environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts for property sales, purchases, leasing, development
• Ensure accurate and timely property registrations, Oqood processes, and title deed transfers with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and other authorities
• Review and advise on MOUs, and other corporate documents

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with RERA, DLD, municipal, and free zone regulations.
• Monitor changes in property, corporate, and commercial laws affecting the business.
• Develop and implement internal compliance policies and procedures.
• Provide support in the procedures of legal disputes related to property ownership, tenancy, construction, or contractual breaches.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel on litigation, arbitration, and settlement negotiations.
• Prepare legal notices, claims, and responses as required.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and commercial risks in all business activities.
• Implement contractual protections and ensure adequate insurance coverage where applicable.

Contract Management

• Develop and standardize contract templates for recurring transactions.
• Provide legal input on marketing, sales, and leasing documentation to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent; Master’s degree or additional qualification in Real Estate Law preferred.
• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in real estate or property law, with at least 3 years in the UAE.
• Strong knowledge of UAE property laws, RERA regulations, and Dubai Land Department procedures.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and legal analysis skills.
• English fluency is essential; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.

Core Competencies

• Commercial acumen with a strong legal foundation.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• In-depth knowledge of real estate, construction, and commercial law.
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Sound judgment with a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines under pressure.

Additional Notes

• Familiarity with offshore structures, SPVs, escrow laws, and financing instruments is beneficial.
• Role may require coordination with external legal counsel, government bodies, and international legal advisors.