Senior Legal Associate - Technology & Digital Transformation

Confidential; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in the UAE seeks a Senior Legal Associate to provide strategic legal support across technology, digital transformation, software, data privacy, IP, and commercial matters. The role demands 4–7 years of UAE experience, strong contract drafting skills, and proficiency in Arabic and English.

The candidate will manage IP portfolios, assess regulatory risks, and advise business teams during negotiations while ensuring compliance with UAE laws and GCC frameworks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) or equivalent.
• 4–7 years of relevant legal experience within the UAE.
• Native Arabic speaker with strong written and verbal English communication.
• Experience in technology, software, telecommunications, digital services, or innovation sectors.
• Strong drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial and technology contracts.
• Solid UAE law, IP, data protection, and tech‑related legislation knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of commercial and technology‑related agreements.
• Cover software/technology, vendor, joint venture, and LOI agreements.
• Support tendering, procurement, RFQ/RFP processes and contract awards.
• Advise on IP matters including trademarks, copyrights, licensing, and tech transfers.
• Provide practical, business‑oriented legal advice across UAE and GCC.

Skills

Legal drafting

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

IP management

Technology transactions

Cross-border transactions

Education

LLB or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Legal Associate to join our growing legal team in the UAE. The successful candidate should have solid experience in the technology sector and a strong background in commercial contracts, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and technology transactions.

This role will provide strategic legal support across technology, digital transformation, software, data privacy, intellectual property, and commercial matters, ensuring the organization operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations while protecting its business interests and intellectual assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of commercial and technology-related agreements, including:
• Software and Technology Agreements.
• Vendor/Supplier Agreements.
• Joint Venture and Partnership Agreements.
• Pre-award Letters and Letters of Intent.
• Support tendering, procurement, RFQ, RFP, and contract award processes.
• Experience dealing with:
• Technology/IT projects.
• Commercial contracts.
• Procurement.
• Cross-border transactions.
• Compliance and governance matters.
• Policies and procedures.
• Delegation of authority.
• Compliance frameworks.
• Internal investigations.
• Conflict of interest matters.
• Document retention and record management
• The candidate must be able to identify:
• Unlimited liability clauses.
• Intellectual property risks.
• Tax and regulatory risks.
• Binding language in pre-contractual documents.
• Manage and protect the organization's Intellectual Property portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, software assets, and licensing rights.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including licensing, assignment, technology transfer, confidentiality, and co-development agreements.
• Support business teams during commercial negotiations and provide practical, business-oriented legal advice.
• Conduct legal research and monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the technology sector within the UAE and GCC.
• Assess legal and commercial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support corporate governance activities, internal policies, and compliance initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) or equivalent.
• Qualified lawyer or legal professional with 4 to 7 years of relevant legal experience within the UAE.
• Native Arabic speaker with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English.
• Demonstrated experience within the technology, software, telecommunications, digital services, or innovation sectors.
• Strong experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial and technology-related contracts.
• Solid understanding of UAE commercial laws, intellectual property laws, data protection regulations, and technology-related legislation.
• Experience advising on Intellectual Property matters, including trademarks, copyrights, software licensing, and brand protection.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting digital transformation, cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, or emerging technology projects.
• In-house legal experience within a technology or digital business environment.
• Familiarity with GCC legal and regulatory frameworks.