Legal Manager (Projects and Construction)

Big Fish Consult; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Big Fish Consult in Abu Dhabi is seeking a commercially minded Legal Manager (Projects & Construction) to support major development, construction, infrastructure and procurement projects. The role requires advising on complex construction matters, negotiating contracts, and managing disputes within an in-house team.

The successful candidate will guide project delivery teams, coordinate external counsel, and contribute to templates and best practices while mentoring junior lawyers and delivering

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent law degree is required.
• Qualified lawyer with current Bar membership.
• Minimum 4 years of legal experience in construction, real estate, development or infrastructure.
• Experience with an international law firm or leading corporate department preferred.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support on construction, procurement, development, and real estate matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts including consultant, contractor, supplier and commercial agreements.
• Advise project delivery and procurement teams on contractual and legal risks.
• Manage disputes, litigation, arbitration and other dispute resolution processes.
• Coordinate external counsel to ensure cost-effective, high-quality support.
• Develop and maintain legal templates, guidance notes and best practices.
• Provide practical, commercially focused legal advice to business stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop junior legal team members.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Dispute resolution

Stakeholder management

Education

LLB or equivalent

Bar admission

Job description

A leading developer in the UAE is seeking an experienced Legal Manager (Projects & Construction) to join its in-house legal team and support the delivery of major development, construction, infrastructure, and procurement projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded legal professional to play a key role in advising on complex construction matters, contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and strategic development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal support on construction, procurement, development, and real estate matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including consultant, contractor, supplier, and commercial agreements.
• Advise project delivery and procurement teams on contractual and legal risks.
• Manage disputes, litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution processes.
• Coordinate and oversee external legal counsel to ensure cost-effective, high-quality legal support.
• Develop and maintain legal templates, guidance notes, and best practice frameworks.
• Support business stakeholders by providing practical, commercially focused legal advice.
• Mentor and develop junior legal team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent.
• Qualified Lawyer with current Bar membership.
• Minimum 4 years of legal experience within construction, real estate, development, or infrastructure sectors.
• Previous experience with a reputable international law firm or leading corporate legal department is essential.
• Strong expertise in construction contracts, procurement, dispute resolution, and project delivery.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.