PCFC - Legal Researcher

Dubai Government; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation is seeking a legal affairs professional in Dubai to conduct contract law research, draft opinions, and review contracts and related documents for accuracy and risk mitigation. The role requires collaboration with internal stakeholders and staying updated on regulatory changes impacting PCFC operations.

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in law and preferred qualifications such as CLM certification or admission to practice as a lawyer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Legal Studies or related discipline.
• Professional legal qualification or admission to practise as a lawyer desirable.
• CLM certification preferred.
• Experience with contracts, agreements and legal research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct preliminary legal research on contract law and related matters.
• Prepare draft legal opinions in response to contract-related queries.
• Review proposals, contracts, and other legal documents with detailed observations.
• Draft and refine contracts and agreements for supervisor review.
• Research regulatory developments impacting PCFC operations and provide updates.
• Assess liabilities and risks in proposed transactions and suggest mitigations.
• Support advisers in preparation, review, and negotiation of contracts.
• Maintain legal research databases and organise supporting documentation.
• Conduct in-depth research into legal matters and emerging trends.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to gather information and understand business needs.

Skills

Legal research

Contract drafting

Regulatory analysis

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Legal Studies or related discipline

Certified Legal Manager (CLM) certification

Admission to practise as a lawyer (desirable)

Job description

About Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation:

The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) was officially established in 2001, under the authority of the Dubai Government. There are a number of entities and institutions operating under its umbrella, including Port Rashid, Jebel Ali Port, Al Hamriya Port, which are managed by Dubai Ports Authority, in addition to the Department of Planning and Development - Trakhees, the Dubai Maritime Authority and the Office of the Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows, as well as the investment arm and security arm of the corporation, represented by Investment Department and Security Department.

• Conduct preliminary legal research on contract law and related matters, and analyse and interpret legal texts, case law, and regulatory requirements relevant to contracts and agreements.
• Prepare draft legal opinions in response to queries relating to contracts and/or agreements, ensuring accuracy and alignment with the guidelines provided by the supervisor.
• Conduct initial reviews of proposals, contracts, draft agreements, and other legal documents, providing detailed observations and recommendations for improvement.
• Draft and refine various legal documents, including contracts and agreements, for final review and approval by the supervisor.
• Continuously research and analyse legal developments, legislation, regulations, and resolutions that may impact PCFC operations, and provide relevant updates as required.
• Assess potential liabilities, legal restrictions, and risks associated with proposed legal transactions, and recommend practical solutions to mitigate identified risks.
• Support legal advisers and managers in the preparation, review, and negotiation of contracts and agreements, and assist in resolving contractual disputes and related matters.
• Maintain and update legal research databases and resources, ensuring that research findings and supporting documentation are accurately recorded and organised.
• Conduct in-depth research into legal matters and emerging trends to support informed decision-making and strategic planning.
• Liaise and communicate effectively with internal stakeholders to gather relevant information, understand business requirements.

Required (Minimum Experience):

A minimum of two years’ experience in legal affairs.

Preferred:

Previous experience in a legal role involving contracts, agreements, legal research or other relevant legal matters.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required (Minimum Qualification):

A bachelor’s degree in Law, Legal Studies or a related discipline.

Preferred:

A recognised qualification in Contract Management and/or Certified Legal Manager (CLM) certification. Professional legal qualification or admission to practise as a lawyer is desirable.