Legal Counsel

Job Description: Legal Counsel

Location: Dubai, UAE

Company Overview:

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Legal Counsel to join a leading retail organization based in Dubai. The Legal Counsel will play a crucial role in ensuring adherence to legal provisions, providing legal advice, and managing legal exposure across various divisions, business units, and departments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Negotiate, draft, review, and advise on all legal documentation related to real estate matters, including leases (commercial, residential, and retail), facilities management agreements, property management agreements, development agreements, etc.
2. Ensure compliance with property laws and regulations, including Dubai Landlord and Tenant Law, for all Group companies.
3. Act as a legal officer, counseling management on appropriate resolution of legal issues and clarifying specific legal matters referred by other business or support units.
4. Review and vet documents/contracts, settlement proposals, and proposed settlements, offering options/suggestions regarding legality and legal standing.
5. Provide advice on general commercial matters and conduct of various contentious matters, including construction-related matters.
6. Lead negotiation with third parties for high-value, high-risk contracts and draft/amend contracts for internal review and sign-off.
7. Stay updated with regulatory and local law changes impacting contractual terms and conditions, analyzing their impact and revising terms and conditions for the best interests of the organization.
8. Develop and oversee control systems to prevent or deal with contractual violations and internal policy breaches.
9. Collaborate with corporate counsels and departments to monitor enforcement of standards and regulations.
10. Strategize, draft, vet, finalize, and execute case briefs for external counsels, coordinating with them effectively for legal proceedings.

Qualifications and Experience:

• LL.B. or equivalent degree from a recognized institution; LL.M. is a plus.
• Certified to practice law in the UAE; additional certifications or memberships are desirable.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in legal roles, preferably in real estate and retail industries, with a focus on commercial leases and property management.
• Strong understanding of property laws and regulations in the UAE, particularly Dubai Landlord and Tenant Law.
• Proven track record in negotiation, drafting, and reviewing legal documents and contracts.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to counsel management and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analytical and strategic thinking, with the ability to identify risks and propose effective solutions.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.