Legal Counsel

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

Job summary

A leading conglomerate in the UAE is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide comprehensive legal support, manage litigation matters, oversee commercial agreements, and protect intellectual property. The ideal candidate will have 5-8 years of legal experience, strong drafting skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment. This is a great opportunity to contribute to business growth by advising various internal stakeholders and ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in-house.
• Strong experience in litigation and commercial contracts.
• Experience in franchising, retail, or hospitality sectors is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support for litigation and dispute management.
• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts.
• Manage trademarks and IP portfolios.
• Review and negotiate leasing agreements.
• Assist corporate governance matters.

Skills

Excellent drafting and negotiation skills

Strong commercial awareness

Risk assessment ability

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder management skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB or equivalent)

Job description

Overview Of The Role

• The Legal Counsel provides comprehensive legal support to ensure the organization's operations align with legal standards and minimize risk. This involves managing litigation matters, overseeing commercial agreements, and protecting intellectual property. The role acts as a pivotal advisor to business units, offering strategic and practical legal solutions to enhance business growth and efficiency. Success in this role requires balancing risk management with proactive legal counsel to drive business objectives.

What You Will Do

Litigation & Dispute Management

• Manage and oversee litigation matters, including labor, commercial, and civil disputes.
• Coordinate with external counsel, review pleadings, attend hearings when required, and provide strategic litigation advice.
• Advise management on risk exposure, settlement strategies, and dispute prevention.
• Maintain litigation trackers, budgets, and management reports.

Commercial Agreements & Day-to-Day Legal Advice

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts including service agreements, supply agreements, NDAs, SLAs, consultancy agreements, and MOUs.
• Provide ongoing legal advice to business teams on operational and commercial matters.
• Identify legal risks and propose practical, business-oriented solutions.

Trademarks, IP & Brand Protection

• Manage the trademarks portfolio including registration, renewals, oppositions, and enforcement.
• Advise on intellectual property protection, licensing, and brand usage.
• Coordinate with external IP agents and ensure regulatory compliance.

Franchise, Agency & Distribution Agreements

• Draft, review, and negotiate franchise, agency, distribution, and licensing agreements.
• Advise on regulatory and commercial implications of franchise and agency models.
• Support onboarding, renewals, amendments, and termination of franchise relationships.

Leasing & Real Estate

• Review and negotiate lease agreements, amendments, renewals, and termination notices.
• Advise on fit-out obligations, handover conditions, penalties, and exit strategies.
• Coordinate with real estate, finance, and operations teams.

Corporate & Governance Support

• Assist with corporate governance matters including board resolutions and delegated authorities.
• Support compliance with corporate and commercial laws.
• Assist with internal audits and regulatory inquiries.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders.
• Liaise with regulators, authorities, and external legal counsel.
• Contribute to improving legal processes, templates, and internal policies.

Required Skills To Be Successful

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and risk assessment ability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

What Qualifies You For The Role

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB or equivalent).
• 5-8 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in-house.
• Strong experience in litigation, commercial contracts, leasing, and IP matters.
• Experience in franchising, retail, or hospitality sectors is an advantage.