Head of Legal

Roles and Responsibilities

• Review and amend agreements drafted by the Business, including NOCs, temporary licenses, Plot and Unit resale agreements, Plot and Unit Termination Agreements, Settlement Agreements, and Amendment Agreements.
• Liaise with Dispute lawyers (DH Litigation) to ensure that risk is minimized.
• Review letters, e-mails, and notices to be issued by the Business, including those related to off-plan Unit sales, infrastructure allocations, service charge waivers, project registration, project cancellation, etc.
• Perform ongoing review of all real estate precedent documents to identify streamlining/improvements to processes.
• Review and amend various agreements drafted by the Business for off-plan project launches, including Unit Booking Forms, SPAs, and Disclosure Statements; advise the Business on issues arising after SPA execution, including late payments, SPA termination requests, amicable settlement requests, resale requests, change in Customer details, etc.
• Review and amend various agreements drafted by the Business, including handover notices, notices related to Unit defects, community issues, and occupier evictions.
• Advise in respect of Community Management matters, including Owner disputes/complaints, community management, and maintenance issues.
• Advise the Business on issues relating to the appointment, activities, and termination of agency agreements and other matters arising from broker relationships.
• Review and be alert to legal developments in Dubai and the UAE.
• Keep up to date with laws and procedures relating to the company's business activities.
• Provide administrative and legal support as and when required.

Qualifications, Experiences, Skills:

• Degree in law (LLB) or Masters in law from a recognized university.
• Knowledge of local laws, rules, and 4-6 years of relevant experience.
• Good understanding of the real estate and property business and the legal implications.
• Prior experience within a real estate developer is highly preferable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Able to coordinate with numerous stakeholders across the company.
• Sound understanding of the real estate sector and the legal implications of the same.
• Have problem-solving skills and a can-do approach/attitude/persistence with a view to achieving necessary results.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, influence, guide, and persuade staff at all levels.
• Ability to operate in a confidential, professional, positive team atmosphere.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Legal Expertise: In-depth knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, including contract law, corporate law, employment law, and compliance.
• Contract Management: Proficiency in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, ensuring they align with organizational interests and legal requirements.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify and assess legal risks associated with business operations and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Advisory Skills: Strong skills in providing legal advice to management and staff on various legal matters, helping them navigate complex legal landscapes.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for conveying legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
• Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in negotiating terms with external parties, ensuring favorable outcomes for the organization.
• Compliance Monitoring: Skills in developing and implementing compliance programs to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
• Research and Analysis: Strong analytical skills to conduct legal research, analyze case law, and interpret regulations to support decision-making.
• Team Leadership: Experience in managing and developing a legal team, fostering a collaborative and effective work environment.
• Project Management: Ability to manage legal projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Crisis Management: Skills in managing legal crises and disputes, including litigation and regulatory investigations.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with legal management software and tools to streamline operations and improve efficiency.