Legal Counsel

About The Role

Are you ready to be part of an ever-changing global industry, delivering transformative work that defines our future? Join us at Mott MacDonald, where it's our people who power our performance. We employ brilliant individuals and trust them to do brilliant things.

As a Legal Counsel, you will be involved in a region for over 50 different territories, covering established jurisdictions (e.g., UK), developing jurisdictions such as the Middle East, through to emerging jurisdictions in Africa.

The successful candidate will have at least 5-7 years of experience gained in a mixture of private practice and in-house, with a focus on either commercial or construction law. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a wide variety of legal disciplines including contract reviews, construction law advice, company law, cross-border delivery, disputes, claims, and insurance. A proven track record of advising on legal matters across a range of jurisdictions is a distinct advantage, particularly in civil law jurisdictions in the Middle East.

You will need to have excellent drafting, communication, and negotiation skills. You will be a person who can manage their own workload and is self-reliant but is equipped with excellent teamworking skills as you'll be advising key stakeholders on significant projects that shape the communities in which we live.

Key responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including consultancy agreements, framework agreements, and NDAs for regional units.
• Identify departures from our governance as part of the review of such commercial agreements and assist project teams in obtaining the necessary internal approvals where appropriate.
• Advise business on applicable laws, jurisdictions, and regulations including GCC regulatory compliance and procedure.
• Revise and maintain legal templates for use across the Group ensuring they reflect current best practice and legislation.
• Instruct and manage external law firms.
• Draft and update legal guidance to raise awareness of recurrent topics and new regulations in key markets and jurisdictions.
• Advise business on litigation and insurance matters, which may include liaising with outside counsel and technical experts.
• Assist the Regional Head of Legal and other members of the regional team.
• Support other parts of the Legal Department such as the Ethics & Compliance and Data Protection and insurance teams.

Candidate specifications

• Qualified lawyer with circa 5-7 years+ PQE.
• Relevant experience either in private practice with a top national firm or in-house.
• Good practical experience of the application of legal principles and commercial law.
• Legal experience of construction law preferably gained in a consultancy environment or with a client/contractor including cross-border supply.
• Great analytical skills and excellent legal knowledge.
• Ability to multitask, problem-solve, and balance competing priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively and confidently with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work autonomously or as part of a bigger team.
• Experience gained through having lived and worked in the Middle East including understanding of Middle East countries' civil laws.
• Understanding of International Development projects and contracts is a distinct advantage but not essential.

Our Purpose

At Mott MacDonald, our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do; relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients' businesses, our communities, and employee opportunities.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of our organisation. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate, rather take positive steps towards creating a diverse and inclusive working environment.

Flexible Working

At Mott MacDonald, we support our staff to create work-life balance that works for them and welcome candidates looking for career flexibility. We are open to discussing flexible working at the interview stage.

We Can Offer

• 90 calendar days paid maternity leave.
• Competitive annual leave.
• An annual professional institution subscription.
• Annual company performance bonus scheme subject to company performance.

Location(s):

Dubai, AE
Contract Type: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time
Market: Various
Discipline: Legal
Job Ref: 7969
Recruiter Contact: Iustina Blidariu