Senior Legal Counsel - LNG Trading

Michael Page; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A globally expanding platform in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to provide legal support for LNG trading activities. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience, including at least 6 years in LNG trading, with a strong background in the legal aspects of short-term and long-term contracts. This role offers an attractive compensation package and the chance to work closely with leadership in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Attractive compensation package

Opportunity to work closely with leadership

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience including at least 6 years' PQE specializing in LNG trading.
• Proven background in LNG trading legal work, either in-house or at a top-tier law firm.
• Strong experience with LNG contracts and trading.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to LNG trading desks on various trades.
• Draft and negotiate LNG Sale & Purchase Agreements.
• Advise on the full LNG trading cycle.

Skills

LNG trading

Common law

Legal counsel

Negotiation skills

Education

Common law qualification

Job description

Overview

As a Senior Legal Counsel, you will support a dedicated LNG trading business, providing hands‑on legal advice across short‑term and long‑term LNG transactions in a fast‑paced, trading‑desk environment. The role offers rare exposure to end‑to‑end LNG trading activity within a globally expanding platform, working closely with commercial decision‑makers.

Client

Well-established and highly successful organisation in Abu Dhabi, competing at an international scale.

Description

• Provide legal support to LNG trading desks on short‑term, spot, mid‑term and long‑term LNG trades, including real‑time deal execution.
• Draft, review and negotiate long‑term and mid‑term LNG Sale & Purchase Agreements, along with related commercial and operational documentation.
• Advise on the full LNG trading cycle, including lifting, shipping interfaces, terminal usage, balancing arrangements and operational risk.
• Support trading activity with legal input on shipping and charterparty matters, in collaboration with commercial and operations teams.
• Work closely with the General Counsel and senior legal colleagues, while operating independently on LNG matters.
• Manage external counsel as required and contribute to the efficient functioning of the broader legal and compliance team.

Profile

• Common law qualified lawyer with minimum 10 years' experience and at least 6 years' PQE, specialising in LNG trading.
• Proven background in pure LNG trading legal work (in‑house or top‑tier law firm).
• Strong experience across short‑term trading and long‑term LNG contracts, with a solid grasp of LNG commercial flows and risk allocation.
• Comfortable working in a trading‑floor environment, supporting traders with pragmatic, time‑sensitive legal advice.
• Experience working within or alongside commodity trading teams, with commercial awareness and decisiveness.
• Arabic language skills are an advantage but not essential.

Job Offer

• Attractive compensation package.
• Opportunity to work closely with leadership in a dynamic and growing organisation.

Skills

lng trading, lng trader, lng, common law, associate, legal, counsel