Legal Operations Director (UAE Nationals only)

Description

The Legal Operations Director provides legal support, services, and advice on all legal matters including contracting, commercial, governance, and regulation. Also required to check that all University policies are adhered to the law and to represent HBMSU in legal matters as required.

Main roles & responsibilities

1. Assist in achieving the University goals, objectives, mission, and vision and ensure corporate compliance while providing pro-active legal assistance and advice on various legal issues like commercial contracts, dispute resolution, government funding, agreements, regulatory, employment, and governance.
2. Collaborate with other departments/members on policy and procedures and assist University operations in compliance with legal requirements for effective and smooth workflow adopting University core values and thereby ensure that the University branding is well positioned.
3. Draft, review, and negotiate agreements and documents (including but not limited to project terms and conditions, corporate agreements, suppliers, non-disclosure agreements, and other contracts relating to the University’s activities) to ensure that the University’s best contractual and beneficial position is attained.
4. Provide legal and compliance support in respect of certain areas of law including but not limited to: (i) research and analysis of applicable laws; (ii) provision of legal advice; (iii) assisting in compliance monitoring processes; and (iv) managing tracking systems for certain compliance-related issues.
5. Review all ongoing cases, contracts, or any other documentation where the University has committed itself and assess legal implications that need to be brought to the executive management’s attention.
6. Counsel management on the interpretation and application of contractual and statutory provisions to implement legal contracts.
7. Assist in the preparation of cases to defend the University before judicial bodies and governmental authorities in litigation matters, through external advocates.
8. Upon top management/VCLA instruction, respond to queries or requests addressed by government or third parties.
9. Recommend improvements to departmental policy and direct the implementation of procedures and controls covering all areas of University activities to minimize legal and regulatory risk.
10. Set guidelines and processes for developing contract and other legal instruments templates, update, and its applications.
11. Handle the contract breach and termination process for breaches of University’s third-party contractors and defaults pertaining to contracts and propose mitigation plans.
12. Provide input to legal and regulatory risk mitigation strategies and advise on premium legal structures for all University initiatives to minimize corporate, legal, and commercial risk.
13. Adapt best practices and oversee legal services including counseling, contract review, drafting and negotiation, structuring of transactions, legal risk assessment, and dispute avoidance.
14. Liaise with relevant departments to ensure that where legal risks have been identified, appropriate courses of action have been taken.
15. Provide legal protection and risk management advice to management especially on contract management and pertaining transactions.
16. Identify and prioritize the response to various areas of legal risk and establish a framework for legal policies within the Legal Affairs.
17. Review and advise management on legal implications of internal policies and procedures.
18. Provide legal support for corporate governance and business development activities, as well as internal administrative operational functions, viz. being employment issues (supporting HR), property issues (supporting Facilities), data protection, IT procurement, etc.
19. Participate in all committees, workforce, and undertake preparation of all reports, investigations, and minutes as instructed by the line manager.
20. In charge of all transactions, disputes, and corresponding action in reference to diverse types of contracts, MoUs, and subsequent legal implementation.
21. Upon the instruction of the management and/or the VCLA arrange and prepare reports for certain and assigned incidents along with all supportive documents, information, etc.
22. Review all contracts and any other documentation where the University has committed itself and assess legal implications that need to be brought to the executive management’s attention.
23. Pre-empt and minimize legal and regulatory risks and costs for the University due to regulatory non-compliance related issues.
24. Ensure the drafting of legal documents such as contracts, power of attorneys, agreements, etc. for the University is done in a timely and accurate manner.
25. Interact closely with personnel at all levels of the University’s project managers, business executives, and support units, as to their needs and requirements.
26. Provide counsel to staff in all departments on a variety of complex issues, identify, research, and analyze legal issues that affect the University and its activities at the local, federal, and international levels associated with the University’s activities, ongoing operations, and strategic initiatives, including but not limited to revenue diversification and planned expansion.
27. In the event of litigation or judicial proceeding, be responsible for the management of relationships with external advocates, ensure that all such relationships are effective, cost-efficient, and foster constructive outcomes on behalf of the University.
28. Responsible for handling the IPR issues, format, and its implementations.
29. Participate in legal procedures and formalities related to registration, liquidation, associations or joint ventures, acquisitions, etc.
30. Assure compliance with necessary legislations involving data protection.
31. Analyze implications of case law, legislation, and regulatory matters that affect the University and report them to the Chancellor.
32. Coordinate with other departments/units in connection with review and implementation of risk management survey, procedures assessment, declarations, premium, and insurance claim negotiations.
33. Coordinate and follow up all legal matters concerning lawsuits, arbitration, and legal procedures by providing information and advice on proposals for terms and settlement of claims and disputes affecting the University.
34. Adhere to internal and local information security and relevant health and safety laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Qualifications

Required qualification & skills:

Professional Experience: 7 years of relevant experience directly related to the job duties.

Education & Academic Qualifications: Bachelor degree in Law or any related field from an accredited University. Master degree is an advantage.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the Dubai Government HR law, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of UAE legal practices and procedures.
• Adept at working in a highly nuanced environment with varied constituencies.
• Clientele-centric with understanding and appreciation of the University's primary missions of education and research, and the professionals who execute on those missions.
• A lawyer of integrity and wisdom who inspires confidence and trust.
• Collegial and collaborative mindset, as well as patience with process.
• A creative problem solver, not a wrist slapper.
• Deep appreciation for, and commitment to, the benefits of University.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, methods, and techniques in the area of specialty.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Organizing and time management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work in a diverse culture.
• Good listening and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills in both Arabic and English languages.
• Proficiency in PC skills.