Legal Counsel

Roles and Responsibilities

Provide timely legal advice and support to group departments/companies, including handling day-to-day responsibilities that include all aspects of analysis, investigation, and the drafting process. Responsible for providing support on discrete legal issues by advising management, drafting undertakings, and structuring remedies for relevant issues while also ensuring that the organization complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide ongoing advice and legal support to Group Head of Legal and management within ARG’s group departments and companies, outlining legal implications of issues faced and potential solutions to such issues, with the assistance of external legal advisors, where necessary.
• Draft and review agreements on behalf of companies/group departments to ensure the interests of the Group are protected at all times.
• In consultation with the Group Head of Legal (utilizing external advisors where necessary), draft, review, outsource, manage, and negotiate contracts and agreements (including but not limited to shareholders' agreements, management agreements, investment agreements, consultancy agreements, service provider agreements, MOUs/LOIs, commercial, sale and purchase contracts, construction contracts) from outside parties intending to enter into business with the Group.
• Assist relevant GMs/Heads of Departments in negotiations with external parties, providing advice on legal matters, implications, and options for concluding negotiations.
• Supervise and review the preparation of necessary applications and documents for obtaining registrations, renewals, licenses, approvals, and completing incorporation formalities, and other legal/administrative procedures for the Group and associated companies.
• Liaise as necessary with external lawyers or organizations and supervise the handling of cases, files, or documentation in relation to any legal matters.
• Proactively research, monitor, and provide relevant legal updates/developments within the UAE and in countries where Group entities operate or intend to operate and update contractual agreements accordingly to reflect changing laws.
• Assist Group Head of Legal with ongoing consultative and advisory support to the CEO and Leadership Committee on all legal matters as and when required, ensuring that the interests of the Group are protected at all times and any risks/concerns identified are appropriately addressed.

Qualifications

• Degree in law, preferably a master's from a recognized university.
• The job holder must be a qualified member of a recognized and respected professional (law) body or affiliation.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 to 10 years' experience as in-house counsel working for a business with a diversified portfolio, a private practice, or a mixture of both with at least three (3) years of solid corporate/commercial legal experience, preferably in the UAE.

Desired Candidate Profile

1. Legal Expertise: In-depth knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and legal principles in the applicable jurisdiction(s).

2. Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide clear, actionable advice.

3. Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for drafting legal documents and conveying legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.

4. Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in negotiating contracts and resolving disputes effectively.

5. Research Skills: Ability to conduct thorough legal research and stay updated on changes in laws and regulations.

6. Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills to identify issues and develop strategic solutions.

7. Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in reviewing contracts, legal documents, and compliance matters.

8. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work collaboratively with various departments and build relationships with external legal counsel.

9. Project Management: Skills in managing multiple legal projects and deadlines efficiently.

10. Ethical Judgment: Strong sense of ethics and integrity in handling sensitive legal matters.

Responsibilities:

• Legal Advice: Providing legal guidance to management and various departments on a range of issues, including contracts, compliance, labor law, and intellectual property.

• Contract Drafting and Review: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts and agreements to protect the organization’s interests.

• Compliance Management: Ensuring that the organization complies with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

• Risk Assessment: Identifying potential legal risks and advising on strategies to mitigate them.

• Dispute Resolution: Managing disputes and working with external counsel on litigation matters when necessary.

• Policy Development: Assisting in the development and implementation of internal policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance.