UAE National - Senior Legal Counsel

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

Job summary

A semi-government entity in Abu Dhabi seeks a Legal Counsel to provide expert legal advice supporting complex projects and oversee contract negotiations. The ideal candidate is a UAE National with at least 8 years of experience in corporate or project-related legal work, demonstrating strong stakeholder management and risk mitigation skills.

Benefits

Opportunity to work on high-profile projects

Emphasis on Emirati talent and long-term development

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in corporate, commercial, or project-related legal work.
• Strong background in managing legal risk and negotiating contracts.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to oversee complex legal processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice across project development, construction, operations, and asset management.
• Lead legal support on new business development, including contract reviews and bid documentation.
• Oversee and manage external legal counsel to ensure quality and efficiency.

Skills

Legal counsel

Job description

In this role, you will provide expert legal advice to support complex projects from development through to operational phases. You will manage contract negotiations, oversee external legal partners, and ensure legal risks are effectively mitigated.

Client Details

A leading semi-government entity in Abu Dhabi.

Description

1. Provide expert legal advice across project development, construction, operations, and asset management.
2. Lead legal support on new business development, including contract reviews, bid documentation, and negotiation of key agreements.
3. Oversee and manage external legal counsel, ensuring quality, cost efficiency, and alignment with project timelines.
4. Support M&A activities, including legal due diligence, contract negotiation, and risk mitigation.
5. Advise on litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution matters in partnership with internal teams and external legal partners.
6. Review and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, ensuring alignment with corporate governance and regulatory standards.
7. Champion legal governance, compliance, and process optimisation across the business unit.
8. Contribute to talent development, people management, and foster a high-performance legal team culture.

Profile

• UAE National with Family Book.
• Strong background in corporate, commercial, or project-related legal work.
• Proven experience negotiating contracts, managing legal risk, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and the ability to oversee complex legal processes.
• Minimum 8 years of experience.

Job Offer

• Work on high-profile, cross-functional projects with significant business impact.
• Join a semi-government organisation that prioritises Emirati talent and long-term development.

Skills

Legal counsel