Associate Legal Counsel

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Associate Legal Counsel to join our in-house legal team. The successful candidate will support a broad range of legal matters across the Group’s diverse business units, including automotive, trading, construction, aviation, real estate, and services. This is a mid-level role requiring 4–7 years of post-qualification experience in corporate and commercial law, ideally with exposure to both private practice and in-house environments.

Key Responsibilities

Draft, Review, Negotiate

1. Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including:
2. Supply, procurement, and distribution agreements
3. Agency and representation agreements (including UAE commercial agency law considerations)
4. Leasing, services, and maintenance contracts (e.g., fleet and equipment servicing)
5. Joint ventures, MOUs, and partnership agreements
6. Advise business units on risks, liabilities, and practical solutions in contract structuring.
7. Ensure alignment of contractual terms with UAE laws and Group policies.

Corporate and Compliance

1. Assist with corporate governance matters, including board resolutions, powers of attorney, and company secretarial tasks.
2. Ensure compliance with corporate regulations, and sector-specific requirements.
3. Support in reviewing HR-related policies, codes of conduct, and internal compliance frameworks.
4. Contribute to anti-bribery/anti-corruption, whistleblowing, and corporate governance initiatives.

Dispute Management

1. Support in handling disputes with suppliers, customers, and contractors, including:
2. Reviewing and responding to demand letters, notices, and claims
3. Coordinating with external counsel on litigation and arbitration matters
4. Managing enforcement of bank guarantees, penalties, and indemnities

Special Projects

1. Review and advise on strategic projects agreements, such as:
2. Aviation and airline representation agreements (e.g., GSA/CSA models)
3. Construction subcontracting and FIDIC-related disputes
4. IT and cybersecurity contracts, including service level agreements (SLAs)
5. Real estate leasing and tenancy disputes (including unlawful subleasing and eviction rights)

• Candidate Profile
• Education: Law degree from a recognized university;
• Experience: 3–6 years PQE, with exposure to corporate/commercial law; a mix of law firm and in-house experience desirable.
• Skills:
• Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills
• Solid understanding of commercial, corporate, and labor laws
• Ability to provide pragmatic, business-focused legal advice
• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills
• Languages: Proficiency in English required; Arabic is an advantage.
• Personality Fit: Detail-oriented, proactive, commercially minded, and able to balance legal risk with business priorities.