Senior Legal Counsel

Job description / Role

My client, a leading Abu Dhabi based Developer is looking for an experienced Legal Counsel to join their team in Abu Dhabi to provide sound legal analysis, research and counsel on all legal matters, regulatory advice and implement decisions of higher management to ensure protection against legal and regulatory exposure and liability across all business disciplines within the company.

What you’ll be doing:
Provide sound legal risk assessment that will facilitate management decision making
Provide advice on all legal matters within scope of legal specialty in compliance with applicable statutes, rules and regulations while minimizing liability and highlighting risks
Review, negotiate and draft all contracts within scope of legal specialty
Counsel management on the interpretation and application of contractual and statutory provisions to implement legal contracts
Assist in the preparation of cases to defend the company before judicial administration and governmental authorities in litigation matters, through external advocates.
Respond to queries or requests from Government entities
Organize the registration and/or the renewal of all licenses, permits, and memorandum of association
Recommend improvements to departmental policy and direct the implementation of procedures and controls covering all areas of business activity to minimize legal and regulatory risk
Develop and review all legal documents drafted by, or sent to, the company
Set guidelines for non-binding agreements such as MOUs
Develop/review strategic contracts such as JVs and acquisitions, and standard legal contracts such as employment contracts, licenses, JVA’s, consultancy agreements
Handle the contract breach and termination process for breaches of company’s 3rd party contractors and defaults on sales and lease contracts and propose mitigation plan
Provide input to legal and regulatory risk mitigation strategies.
Advise on premium legal structures for all company initiatives to minimize corporate, legal and commercial risk.

Requirements

What we’re looking for:
10+ years of legal experience in relevant industry (at-least 3+ years focusing on required specialty for senior legal counsel)
UAE Experience essential (preferably 1-2 years in Abu Dhabi) and Arabic language skills preferred.
Proven knowledge in corporate structures
Knowledge of the UAE legal systems
Interpersonal skills
Team Player
Commercially aware and able to act in the company’s best interests
Strong understanding and experience in all aspects of relevant specialist area
Strong analytics and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and relationship management skills
Excellent writing and drafting skills
Ability to manage time and prioritize work efficiently

About the Company

Budge is a leading professional Recruitment and HR Consultancy covering the Construction, Real Estate and Asset Management Sectors in the UAE and across the GCC. Established in 2003 with offices in both the UK and Dubai, we apply nearly 15 years of local knowledge working with experienced consultants and an unparalleled network of clients and applicants from around the world, bringing you a refreshing approach to recruitment.

Our specialist consultants act for every class of organisation including investment funds, developers, consultants, contractors and specialist sub-contractors. We are the preferred supplier for a number of world renowned organisations both in the UK and Middle East.

Budge is a privately owned company that prides itself in offering a complete and professional solution to like-minded organisations across the globe.