Legal Counsel

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join our growing legal team. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a dynamic, AI- and technology-driven healthcare environment, where the legal function plays a pivotal role in enabling sustainable growth and strategic delivery.

As part of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s (CCAD) Legal team, you will serve as a trusted advisor to the business, providing high-impact legal guidance across our operations. You will lead contract negotiations, shape commercial agreements, and advise on a broad range of legal issues. Success in this role will require not only strong legal acumen and a structured, technology-enabled approach but also the ability to balance risk with opportunity—translating legal insights into practical business value.

Reporting directly to CCAD’s Legal Director, you will work closely with senior stakeholders across procurement, IT, finance, research, academics, clinical, and corporate functions. The role demands autonomy, sound judgment, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. Expertise in data protection, IT, technology, and software contracting will be particularly valuable.

The ideal candidate will have a common law background , excellent organizational skills, and familiarity with legal processes in Abu Dhabi (and ideally, the ADGM). Strong communication skills and fluency in English are essential

We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join our growing legal team. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a dynamic, AI- and technology-driven healthcare environment, where the legal function plays a pivotal role in enabling sustainable growth and strategic delivery.

As part of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s (CCAD) Legal team, you will serve as a trusted advisor to the business, providing high-impact legal guidance across our operations. You will lead contract negotiations, shape commercial agreements, and advise on a broad range of legal issues. Success in this role will require not only strong legal acumen and a structured, technology-enabled approach but also the ability to balance risk with opportunity—translating legal insights into practical business value.

Reporting directly to CCAD’s Legal Director, you will work closely with senior stakeholders across procurement, IT, finance, research, academics, clinical, and corporate functions. The role demands autonomy, sound judgment, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. Expertise in data protection, IT, technology, and software contracting will be particularly valuable.

The ideal candidate will have a common law background , excellent organizational skills, and familiarity with legal processes in Abu Dhabi (and ideally, the ADGM). Strong communication skills and fluency in English are essential.

Key Responsibilities

As Legal Counsel, you will support and drive legal operations across all areas of the business. Your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as a strategic legal business partner , supporting commercial teams in assessing legal risks and opportunities while safeguarding CCAD’s values, interests, and reputation.
• Proactively identifying and mitigating legal risks to enable business objectives.
• Providing legal advice, drafting, and negotiation support for contracts with customers, suppliers, partners, and governmental bodies.
• Owning and acting as POC for certain functions’ legal and contracting processes – initial expectation is academics and IT with scope for change.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of CCAD’s contract templates, risk policies, and compliance procedures .
• Delivering legal training to non-legal colleagues to enhance compliance and awareness.
• Collaborating effectively across functions such as supply chain, finance, clinical, IT, research, and academics .

Minimum Qualifications

• Law degree (LLB, JD, or equivalent) , with eligibility to practice in a common law jurisdiction and/or the UAE.
• At least 3 years of relevant legal experience in private practice with international clients and/or within a multinational organization.
• Strong contract law expertise , with demonstrated ability to draft and negotiate complex commercial contracts.
• Working knowledge of the UAE legal landscape , including the ADGM and the healthcare sector.
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Ability to balance firm legal positions with pragmatic, business-oriented solutions.
• Detail-oriented yet results-driven , with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English , with the ability to simplify complex legal issues.
• Openness to legal technology tools , including contract management systems and AI solutions.

Knowledge & Attributes

• Foundational understanding of UAE and common law legal principles .
• Familiarity with contracting, litigation, and dispute resolution concepts .
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and organization.
• A proactive, mature, and adaptable approach to challenges.
• Experience with legal technology platforms (e.g., AI, e-discovery, or contract management tools) is a plus.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

KEY DECISIONS THE ROLE MAKES AND THE EXTENT OF THE IMPACT OF THE DECISION

• Acts as a junior legal resource with a focus on process-driven and administrative legal tasks and matters. Assists the legal team with time consuming processes to ensure that the team is able to function effectively in its management of risk and ensuring that CCAD is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, thereby protecting its interests.

ROLE LEVEL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Adheres to CCAD’s standards as they appear in the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policies

In view of the evolving needs and opportunities within CCAD, this position may be required to perform other duties as assigned and reporting relationships may vary.

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL Education

• Law Degree (or equivalent) from an accredited, reputable University
• Ability to work in Abu Dhabi

PREFERRED Education

• Reputable university

ESSENTIAL Experience

• Experience working as a lawyer for a minimum of 5 years
• Proven experience with commercial contracts
• Knowledge of common law systems
• Knowledge of data protection law and technology contracting issues

PREFERRED Experience

• Experience in private practice law firms.
• Experience in healthcare and/or technology industries.
• Experience working as a paralegal in the UAE or a common law jurisdiction

ESSENTIAL Certification and Licensure

• Licence or ability to practice law in a competent jurisdiction

PREFERRED Certification and Licensure

• Licence or ability to practice law in a common law jursidiction

ESSENTIAL Job Specific Skills and Abilities

• Experience with sophisticated legal principles and regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with litigation processes.
• Ability to work independently with escalation where appropriate.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proactive attitude, maturity, and a willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
• Experience with legal tech tools (contract management, AI platforms, or e-discovery tools) is an advantage.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity

PREFERRED Job Specific Skills and Abilities

• Ability to speak and write in excellent English
• UAE legal experience
• Knowledge of Abu Dhabi legal and regulatory systems