Legal Counsel

UCC Holding; Doha; On-site; QAR 260,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

UCC Holding is seeking a Legal Counsel to support the Legal team on the full lifecycle of large-scale EPC contracts underpinning its construction projects, from drafting through negotiation, execution and issue resolution.

The role requires strong contract negotiation ability, drafting versatility, and experience or exposure to EPC/construction contracting. Fluency in English is essential; Arabic is a plus, and collaboration with commercial, project management and procurement teams is expected.

Qualifications

• A legal degree with bar admission in a recognized jurisdiction.
• Minimum 5–8 years post-qualification experience in large‑scale contracts, preferably EPC or construction.
• Fluent English; Arabic is a plus; strong drafting and redlining capabilities; capable of independent negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Support full lifecycle of large-scale contracts from drafting through negotiation, execution and issue resolution.
• Lead or closely support negotiations of high-value, complex commercial contracts with counterparties.
• Draft, redline, and adapt standard-form or bespoke EPC contracts for energy, oil & gas or infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with commercial, project management and procurement teams; liaise with contractors and external counsel.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Drafting & redlining

EPC/Construction law

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Arbitration/Dispute resolution

Education

LLB/JD

Bar admission

LLM in construction law

Job description

The Legal Counsel will support the Legal team on the full lifecycle of large-scale contracts underpinning the company's EPC construction projects ( from drafting through negotiation, execution, and issue resolution ) working closely with commercial, project management, and procurement teams. The core requirement is strong contract negotiation ability; prior EPC or construction-specific exposure is an advantage but not required.

Experience & Background

• Years of practice: At least 5-8 years of relevant post-qualification legal experience, ideally split between law firm practice and in-house counsel roles.
• Contract negotiation: Strong, demonstrated track record leading or closely supporting negotiations of large-value, complex commercial contracts, drafting, redlining, and closing deals directly with counterparties.
• Counterparty exposure: Comfortable negotiating with contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, JV partners, or consortium members on high-stakes commercial terms.
• Drafting versatility: Able to work from and adapt standard-form contracts as well as fully bespoke agreements.
• EPC contracts: Experience drafting, reviewing, or negotiating EPC contracts for large infrastructure, energy, oil & gas, or industrial projects.
• Standard forms: Working knowledge of the FIDIC suite (Silver/Yellow/Red Book) or equivalent standard EPC forms.
• Claims & risk instruments: Experience handling variations, extensions of time (EOT), delay/disruption claims, liquidated damages, and performance security instruments (bonds, guarantees, LCs).
• Dispute resolution: Exposure to arbitration, adjudication, or DAB/DAAB proceedings related to construction disputes.

Qualifications

• Education & admission: Law degree (LLB/JD) from an accredited institution; qualified/admitted to practice (bar or equivalent) in a recognized jurisdiction.
• Further qualification: A master's degree (LLM) in construction law, international commercial law, or a related field is a plus.
• Language: Fluent English (written and spoken) required; Arabic proficiency is a plus.
• Drafting: Strong drafting and redlining skills; comfortable producing negotiation-ready markups.
• Stakeholder management: Able to liaise directly with contractors, external counsel, and cross-functional teams (commercial, finance, technical) in a fast-moving project environment.
• Autonomy & workload: Comfortable managing multiple live negotiations and tight deal timelines independently.