Associate Legal Director

Job description / Role

Our client is a prestigious FS organisation.

- Deliver high quality legal services and manage the day-to-day effectiveness and performance of the advising practice of the Legal Services Department. In particular:
- Manage and/or undertake the provision of timely and accurate legal advice and support, assisted by external legal representatives and Counsel where appropriate;
- Oversee and enhance the quality and consistency of advices, including settling of advices and mentoring junior lawyers;
- Identify and undertake improvement opportunities relating to the advising practice, ultilising best practices and technology;
- Alert the organisation to potential delays and significant issues;
- Maintain a constructive, responsive, client-focused and appropriately independent working relationship with other departments;
- Conduct internal training and familiarisation on issues relevant to the advising practice;
- Maintain relevant public law expertise (continuing professional development).

Support the Legal Services Department more broadly. In particular:
- Provide administrative decision-making, litigation and legislative drafting services as needed;
- Provide regular briefings to the Director of Legal Services and management as needed, and assist the Director of Legal Services to provide updates to Executive management and to the Board on significant issues.

Support the organisation more broadly. In particular:
- Alert the Director of Legal Services to legal risks and liabilities affecting the organisation;
- Prepare or contribute to high standard papers and materials.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures:
- Implement policies, systems and procedure so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.

Reports:
- Prepare statements and reports in a timely and accurate manner to meet the organisation’s requirements, policies and standards.

Requirements

- Bachelor's or equivalent degree.
- Barrister/Solicitor current practising certificate or equivalent right to practice in law, preferably from a common law jurisdiction
- Preferably 10 year PQE. Experience in a similar role in a financial services regulator or government legal service would be advantageous but not essential.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:
- Solid legal advising skills, preferably in a financial services regulatory environment. Having litigation and legislative drafting skills would be advantageous but not essential.
- In depth knowledge and experience in financial services law and regulatory practice.
- Current knowledge of industry financial products, services and practices
- Ability to undertake, and take responsibility for, complex matters under minimal supervision.
- Ability to manage workloads and outputs of lawyers.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to negotiate with and persuade professional colleagues and the regulated community, and ability to contribute effectively in teams in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Strong and fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal. Having Arabic communication skills would be advantageous but not essential.

About the Company

Mackenzie Jones Middle East has decades of recruitment expertise in various industry sectors. Along with a deep understanding of key market sectors and regions, we never forget to treat clients, companies and candidates as individuals who have unique needs.

So we always listen, constantly learn, occasionally challenge and frequently advise. Its all part of a service renowned for its courtesy, consideration and dedication. Based in Dubai since 2006, our office covers the GCC and Levant countries and with the right regional expertise, we are the leading specialists.

Were growing rapidly because people appreciate our honesty, commitment and results.