Legal Counsel - Regional Banking Role

QatarYello; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

International Financial Institution in Dubai seeks a qualified lawyer to provide proactive legal guidance across MEA. You will review complex contracts, manage outsourcing, and advise on banking products within a fast-paced financial services environment.

Ideal candidates have 4+ years PQE, strong MEA regulatory knowledge, and excellent communication for cross-functional collaboration. Arabic skills are a plus; English is essential. This role is on-site in Dubai.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of PQE in private practice or in-house within financial services.
• Strong knowledge of MEA legal and regulatory frameworks, especially banking and finance.
• Experience with commercial contracts, outsourcing, and vendor management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management in a multicultural environment.
• English fluency; Arabic skills are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive legal advice on commercial, transactional, and regulatory matters across MEA.
• Review and negotiate commercial contracts, vendor agreements, and outsourcing arrangements.
• Advise on banking products including trade finance instruments and standard corporate lending documentation.
• Support legal aspects of corporate projects, internal initiatives, and process improvements.
• Conduct legal research on regional laws and regulations and communicate key updates to stakeholders.
• Assist with management of external counsel, including instruction, fee negotiation, and cost monitoring.
• Contribute to governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance across the regional business.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across business units to manage legal and reputational risk.

Skills

Legal advice

Regulatory knowledge

Contract negotiation

Vendor management

Banking products

Stakeholder management

Multicultural communication

English fluent

Job description

Our client is a leading international financial institution with a strong presence across the Middle East and Africa, operating as a regional hub from Dubai. The organisation is known for its commitment to governance, integrity, and delivering sophisticated banking and advisory solutions to corporate clients.

• Provide proactive legal advice on commercial, transactional, and regulatory matters across MEA
• Review and negotiate commercial contracts, vendor agreements, and outsourcing arrangements
• Advise on banking products including trade finance instruments and standard corporate lending documentation
• Support legal aspects of corporate projects, internal initiatives, and process improvements
• Conduct legal research on regional laws and regulations and communicate key updates to stakeholders
• Assist with management of external counsel, including instruction, fee negotiation, and cost monitoring
• Contribute to governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance across the regional business
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across business units to manage legal and reputational risk

• Qualified lawyer with approximately 4+ years' PQE gained in private practice or in-house within financial services
• Strong knowledge of MEA legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly in banking and finance
• Experience with commercial contracts, outsourcing, and vendor management
• Exposure to corporate banking, finance transactions, or capital markets is advantageous
• Practical, hands-on approach with the ability to deliver clear, business-focused legal advice
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills in a multicultural environment
• Fluent English required; Arabic language skills are beneficial but not essential
• Highly organised, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines