Legal Director - M&A

Confidential Careers; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a seasoned legal professional for a senior role in investment banking and private equity. This position involves providing strategic legal support for M&A transactions, ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards, and advising various departments on investment structuring. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in corporate law, particularly in leading M&A activities and managing relationships with external legal counsel. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will shape critical business decisions and drive successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ legal experience in corporate M&A transactions.
• Proven ability to lead M&A transactions from inception to closing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough reviews and develop reports for private equity and M&A transactions.
• Advise on structuring and negotiation of direct private equity investments.

Skills

Corporate M&A Transactions

Negotiation Skills

Legal Drafting

Corporate Governance

Analytical Skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

LLB or equivalent legal qualification

Job description

Investment Banking / Private Equity M&A law experience is a must. This senior role reports to the Chief Legal Officer and requires an experienced legal professional to provide strategic legal support, particularly in private equity, fund, and M&A transactions. The successful candidate will be crucial in advising various departments, structuring and negotiating investments, and ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards.

Key Responsibilities :

• Conducting thorough reviews and developing comprehensive reports to support private equity, fund, and M&A transactions, including the preparation of transaction documentation.
• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with partners and lawyers across various sectors and jurisdictions.
• Advising departments on the development, structuring, and negotiation of direct private equity investments and co-investment transactions.
• Providing corporate advice on matters related to corporate law, private equity, incorporation, joint ventures, and financing / refinancing.
• Offering ongoing legal advice on general company law matters, corporate law issues, and corporate governance.
• Lead legal aspects of M&A activities, including due diligence, drafting and negotiation of contracts, and deal structuring.
• Advise executive management on transaction strategies, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance related to mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring efficient and cost-effective delivery of legal services.
• Ensure all M&A activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal corporate governance policies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documents, including share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, joint venture agreements, shareholder agreements, and other corporate documents.
• Collaborate closely with finance, strategy, and operational teams to evaluate and execute potential deals.
• Oversee and manage post-acquisition integration from a legal and compliance perspective.
• Identify, analyze, and mitigate legal and business risks associated with transactions.

Qualifications and Experience :

• Juris Doctor (JD), LLB, or equivalent legal qualification; admitted to practice in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 10 years’ legal experience, with significant exposure to corporate M&A transactions, preferably within a leading law firm or corporate legal department.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in corporate transactions, with a focus on public and private M&A, including private equity transactions.
• Solid experience with acquisition agreements and documentation utilized in M&A and private equity transactions.
• Proven ability to lead M&A transactions from inception to closing, including leading due diligence teams.
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and drafting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with senior executives and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to mentor and develop junior legal team members.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Legal

Banking, Investment Banking, and Investment Management