Legal Associate

Role Overview:

The Legal Associate will be responsible for overseeing all legal aspects of the company’s real estate operations. This includes providing legal advice, ensuring regulatory compliance, drafting and reviewing contracts, and liaising with authorities such as the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). The role is crucial in mitigating legal risks, protecting the company’s interests, and supporting smooth business operations in line with UAE laws.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal documents including Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Development Management Agreements (DMAs), FIDIC-based construction agreements, brokerage agreements, leases, MOUs, NDAs, and service contracts.
• Provide legal support across all operational functions, including development, construction, sales, CRM, brokerage, finance, and post-sale operations.
• Support construction-related matters includingvariations, extension of time (EoT), liquidated damages (LDs), performance guarantees, warranties, and defects liability period (DLP) in coordination with engineering and project teams.
• Support Oqood registration, SPA compliance checks, SPA termination procedures, and regulatory reporting obligations in line with DLD/RERA requirements.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Civil Code, UAE Companies Law, DLD and RERA regulations, including off-plan sales and escrow requirements.
• Conduct legal due diligence on properties, land, ownership, and development rights.
• Handle legal documentation related to property transactions, joint ventures, and project developments.
• Manage and support litigation and dispute resolution related to real estate transactions and tenant issues.
• Provide legal counsel to management and various departments on property laws, contract terms, and business structuring.
• Represent the company in meetings with government authorities and regulatory bodies when needed.
• Monitor legal risks in real estate projects and advise on risk mitigation strategies.
• Maintain accurate legal records and ensure timely filing of licenses, renewals, and permits.
• Keep updated on new real estate laws, rules, and regulations in Dubai and the UAE.
• Liaise with government authorities and regulatory bodies, including DLD, RERA, escrow trustees, and other relevant authorities, as required.
• Manage and support SPA termination and buyer default matters, including legal assessments, Article 11 procedures, penalty and refund evaluations, settlements, and resale or assignment approvals.
• Draft and manage brokerage agreements, commission structures, and broker onboarding documentation in compliance with RERA regulations.
• Advise Sales and CRM teams on contractual enforcement, regulatory compliance, and transaction risks.
• Develop, implement, and maintain internal policies and procedures.
• SupportAML/CTF requirementsrelated to real estate transactions.
• Assist withdata protection complianceand internal governance requirements.
• Support dispute prevention and resolution related to real estate, construction, brokerage, and customer matters.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel on litigation or dispute-related matters when required.

The ideal candidate should:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree in law (LLB); master’s degree or legal certification in the UAE is a plus.
• Have a minimum of 3 to 4 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in the UAE real estate & construction sector; strong in-house work experience at a developer or construction firm is very desirable.
• Possess a strong understanding of UAE real estate & construction laws, DLD and RERA regulations, and property transaction processes.
• Have proven experience in contract drafting, legal analysis, and compliance.
• Have excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate high attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Have proficiency in English, whilst proficiency in Arabic would be very advantageous.

Benefits:

• Promising opportunity to grow and lead a practice group
• Competitive salary
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and supportive wider work environment

Job Type: Full-time