Legal Specialist

Meliora Hospitality; Manama; On-site; BHD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

An international financial institution based in Manama is seeking a Legal Specialist to offer comprehensive legal support to its regional operations. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of four years of experience as a qualified lawyer, strong analytical skills, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. This role involves managing legal risks, providing training on legal frameworks, and implementing innovative solutions within the Legal department.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four years post-qualification experience (PQE).
• Demonstrated expertise in legal drafting and communication.
• Prior experience within a multinational or listed organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance and operational support to the organization.
• Design and implement processes to improve efficiency.
• Prepare and deliver training on legal frameworks.

Skills

Legal drafting

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Risk management

Technology implementation

Education

Qualified lawyer under a common law jurisdiction

Job description

About the job

A top 5 international financial institution is seeking to appoint a
Legal Specialist
, based in Manama, Bahrain, to support its regional operations across the Middle East. The Legal Specialist will offer legal support and advice to the regional business, addressing a broad range of legal matters, managing risk exposure, and contributing to the governance and corporate secretarial functions of the organization.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide legal guidance and operational support to the organization, including the review and negotiation of contracts, oversight of external counsel, and ensuring adherence to local legal and regulatory requirements.
• Design and implement processes to improve efficiency, automate and standardize recurring legal tasks, develop negotiation playbooks, and produce management information on key legal activities.
• Prepare, maintain, and deliver training on legal frameworks, internal policies, and procedural documentation.
• Anticipate and manage legal risks arising from the organization's activities, including the early identification of potential issues and active participation in the resolution of disputes.
• Carry out transactional due diligence, draft and assess legal opinions, assist with litigation matters, oversee corporate governance and secretarial responsibilities, and coordinate assignments handled by external counsel.
• Ensure compliance with global legal standards and policies, manage legal reporting processes, and provide ongoing legal education to employees.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments across the Middle East and advise the business on potential implications for its operations.
• Implement technology-driven improvements within the Legal department and act as a thought leader in advancing innovation across the function.

Qualifications:

• Qualified lawyer under a common law jurisdiction, with a minimum of four years post-qualification experience (PQE).
• Excellent command of the English language, with demonstrated expertise in legal drafting and communication.
• Prior experience within a multinational or listed organization, preferably in an in-house capacity.
• Sound understanding of Middle Eastern legal systems, with experience navigating complex regulatory environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within set timelines.
• Technologically adept, with experience implementing legal tech or process optimization initiatives.
• Proficiency in French or Arabic is advantageous, not essential.