Legal Counsel

Job description / Role

Role Purpose and Key Priorities:
The lawyer works with, assists and reports to the Senior Legal Counsel responsible for providing legal support to the FGB Debt Markets business and the Financial Institutions business of the FGB Group.

Key Accountabilities:
* Provide day to day legal advice and support to the following business units across the FGB Group:
(i) FGB Debt Markets in the context of syndicated finance transactions (e.g. non-disclosure agreements, mandate letters, term sheets, facility agreements, inter-creditor agreements, guarantees, security documents and legal opinions) or bond/sukuk issuance (specifically subscription agreements and legal opinions); and
(ii) Financial Institutions in the context of correspondent banking services and risk participation
(iii) IT, Administration and Human Resources
* Manage external legal advisors
* Assist the Senior Legal Counsel with departmental objectives

Skills:
* Ability to prioritise, work independently and under pressure
* Ability to learn quickly
* Excellent communication skills
* Ability to articulate legal concepts and issues
* Ability to follow instructions
* Organised and methodical
* Proactive in keeping the Senior Legal Counsel updated
* Excellent written English and ability to draft simple documents in the English language
* Strong interpersonal skills

Requirements

Essential:
* LLB or equivalent qualification
* 3 to 4 years of post-qualification experience in private practice
* Syndicated finance and banking experience
* Familiarity with the Loan Market Association's standard forms

Preferred:
* Project finance experience
* Familiarity with UAE security
* Debt capital markets experience useful but not essential
* Regional experience useful but not essential

About the Company

Established in 1979 and headquartered in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, the bank offers a full range of financial services to business and consumer sectors throughout an extensive network of branches across the UAE.

Internationally FGB has branches in Singapore and Qatar, representative offices in India and Hong Kong and a subsidiary in Libya.

FGBs story of growth and value creation for its stakeholders is a strong one - from Abu Dhabi origins to UAE acquisitions and an international footprint, from Corporate to Wholesale Banking including debt, transactional banking and Islamic products, from burgeoning Treasury to global money markets, asset management and research. Notably in the Consumer market FGB has developed segmented and customer centric products in all categories and brought technology and extra benefits to its customers.

Today, FGB is recognised as a world-class organisation committed to maximising value for shareholders, customers and employees as it focuses on delivering banking products and services that meet client needs and support the UAE's dynamic economy. In line with its commitment to excellence the bank continues to invest significantly in people and technology to provide superior service standards.

First Gulf Bank was awarded the 'Best Bank in the United Arab Emirates' and 'Best Bancassurance' titles at the Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2013. It was also ranked as the 3rd most powerful company in the UAE and 6th leading bank in Forbes' 'Top 500 in the Arab World' list.

First Gulf Bank carries an A+ Long-Term (IDR) rating from Fitch, an A2 Long Term Deposit rating from Moody's, an A+ Long Term Foreign Currency Rating from Capital Intelligence and a AAA Long-Term Financial Institution Rating from RAM Ratings of Malaysia.