Vice President - Legal Counsel

Aldar Properties PJSC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A major real estate company in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Legal Professional to provide comprehensive legal support across diverse transactions. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of relevant experience, strong knowledge of UAE legal systems, and a proven track record in real estate and corporate matters. Responsibilities include managing transactions, overseeing leasing processes, and advising on governance and risk management within a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of related experience ideally in an international law firm or large in-house environment.
• Minimum of 2+ years in a managerial position.
• Experience in transactional real estate matters and asset management.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to the Aldar Investment business.
• Lead, structure, draft and negotiate real estate and corporate transactions.
• Oversee and advise on leasing transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate operational agreements.
• Coordinate legal inputs with internal teams.
• Manage external legal counsel.
• Provide advice on legal risk mitigation.
• Support strategic projects and initiatives.

Skills

Knowledge of UAE legal systems

Documentation skills

Organizational capabilities

Time management

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Relationship management

Education

Law Degree

Job description

Job Purpose

Provide broad-based legal support to the Aldar Investment business, covering a wide range of real estate, corporate and operational matters across the portfolio

The role will involve advising on and managing real estate and corporate transactions, overseeing leasing, and day-to-day operational legal attendances, ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and supporting the business in achieving its strategic and commercial objectives both within the UAE and internationally.

Roles and Responsibilities

Transactional Work

Lead, structure, draft and negotiate a broad range of real estate and corporate transactions, including asset and share deals, M&A, joint ventures, and other strategic investments and partnerships.

Ensure all transactions are executed efficiently and in alignment with Aldar’s governance and commercial objectives.

Leasing and Asset Management

Oversee and advise on documentation for leasing transactions across Aldar’s diversified investment portfolio (including commercial, residential, retail, logistics and hospitality).

Support the business on all legal aspects of tenant management, renewals, and enforcement.

Operational Support

Draft, review and negotiate property management agreements, facilities management contracts, licences, permits, and service agreements, ensuring operational compliance and efficiency.

Stakeholder Coordination

Collaborate with internal teams including Commercial, Finance, Treasury, Tax, Insurance, Strategy and Asset Management, coordinating all legal inputs and ensuring smooth execution of transactions.

External Counsel Management

Instruct, manage and supervise external legal counsel on transactional, regulatory and operational matters, ensuring cost control and alignment with internal legal standards.

Governance and Risk Management

Provide proactive advice on legal risk mitigation, ensure compliance with internal policies, and contribute to the continuous improvement of legal processes and templates.

Advisory and Strategic Projects

Support senior legal team members on large-scale or complex strategic projects, acquisitions, divestments, or group-level structuring initiatives.

Related Years Of Experience

Min of 10+ years of related experience ideally gained in international law firm and/or large in-house environment.

YOE IN MANAGERIAL POSITION

Min of 2+ Years of managerial position

Field of Experience

Experience in transactional real estate matters and asset management

Technical and Interpersonal Skills

• In depth knowledge of UAE legal systems and regulatory frameworks
• Good documentation skills
• Systematic organizing capability
• Ability to deal with senior executives
• Time management
• Negotiating skills
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills

Qualification

Law Degree, Bachelors