Senior Legal Counsel, GCF

First Abu Dhabi Bank FAB; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

First Abu Dhabi Bank FAB in Abu Dhabi is seeking a qualified legal professional to assist the Head of Legal in managing legal risks for Global Corporate Finance activities. Responsibilities include providing legal advice, drafting legal documents, and ensuring compliance with laws.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in law, preferably a Master’s, and a minimum of 8 years of experience in a bank or law firm. Knowledge of Islamic finance is a strong advantage.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 PQE with experience in bank or law firm.
• At least 2 years in a similar role.
• English law qualification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice aligned with FAB’s strategic objectives.
• Draft and negotiate legal documents for various finance transactions.
• Liaise with external authorities for legal matters.
• Assist in launching new products and legal due diligence.

Skills

Legal risk management

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Knowledge of Islamic finance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in law

Master’s degree in law

Job description

Job Purpose

The role assists the Head of Legal – Global Corporate Finance & Islamic Banking in managing legal risk across all geographies where FAB operates in relation to FAB Global Corporate Finance activities, in accordance with FAB Group legal policies and procedures.

Key Accountabilities

Core Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support to the business while aligning with FAB’s strategic objectives.
• Offer direction and guidance to facilitate compliance with all applicable international and domestic laws, rules, and regulations.
• Collaborate with the Head of Legal to establish, disseminate, and implement the FAB Group’s legal policies.
• Complete legal tasks and projects in a timely manner and respond to queries assigned by the Head of Legal.
• Support FAB subsidiaries and international branches with general legal oversight on risks associated with FAB Global Corporate Finance products and services.

Legal Documentation and Review

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and other legal documents to maximize legal protections while minimizing risks.
• Produce and regularly update standardised legal agreements, contracts, and standard terms and conditions for FAB in compliance with international best practices and applicable legal requirements.
• Assist the business in launching new products and conduct legal and regulatory due diligence, identifying risks and mitigants across geographies.

Knowledge of External Environment

• Stay abreast of new laws and regulations through continuous legal education, professional conferences, and associations.
• Provide updates to senior business persons on new legislation and regulatory developments that may impact the FAB Group, and advise on compliance.

Knowledge Sharing

• Work closely with legal colleagues, share best practices, and provide formal and informal training sessions as directed.

Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with external authorities such as courts and law firms to ensure effective resolution of all legal matters affecting FAB.

Learning and Development

• Act as a subject matter expert and provide input on learning and development initiatives including training content.

MIS and Reports

• Ensure all reports related to the area are prepared timely and accurately, meeting FAB Group requirements, policies, and standards.

People Management Responsibilities

• Define goals and key performance indicators for reports and ensure effective implementation of the FAB performance management process.
• Develop talent within the team through guidance and coaching to achieve defined goals.

Job Specific Accountability

• Structure, draft, review, and negotiate transaction documentation for bilateral and syndicated loans across project finance, structured and leveraged acquisition finance, fund finance, real estate finance, asset finance, debt restructuring, and other complex lending arrangements, including all ancillary documentation.
• Relevant experience in debt capital markets and Islamic finance is a strong advantage.
• Assist the Head of Legal and work with external counsel and the business on Global Corporate Finance transactions.
• Assist in rolling out new products and services.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in law; Master’s degree in law is preferred; English law qualification.
• Minimum Experience: 8 PQE with experience in a reputed bank or law firm, with at least 2 years in a similar role.