Head of Legal

Job Title

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Legal Department, ensuring the efficient delivery of high-quality legal services across the organization.
• Serve as the principal legal advisor to the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, and senior management on all legal and regulatory matters.
• Develop and implement the company's legal strategy in alignment with its business objectives and long-term growth plans.
• Provide legal advice on corporate, commercial, employment, real estate, construction, intellectual property, finance, regulatory, and dispute resolution matters.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and approve a wide range of commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, joint venture agreements, investment agreements, financing documents, and other legal instruments.
• Lead legal support for mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, investments, corporate restructurings, and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee all litigation, arbitration, mediation, and dispute resolution matters, working closely with external legal counsel where necessary.
• Manage intellectual property matters, including trademarks, patents, copyrights, industrial designs, licensing, technology transfer, and portfolio protection.
• Ensure the organization complies with all applicable laws, regulations, licensing requirements, and corporate governance standards.
• Identify legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate potential liabilities while supporting business growth.
• Develop and maintain company policies, legal procedures, governance frameworks, and compliance programs.
• Oversee legal due diligence for acquisitions, investments, financing transactions, and other strategic projects.
• Coordinate with government authorities, regulatory bodies, external law firms, and international legal advisors on legal and regulatory matters.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop the legal team, ensuring continuous professional development and high performance.
• Manage the selection, engagement, and performance of external counsel and legal service providers while controlling legal budgets.
• Support business development initiatives by providing legal input for new projects, partnerships, tenders, and commercial opportunities.
• Monitor developments in UAE and international laws and regulations, ensuring timely implementation of legal and regulatory changes.
• Promote a culture of ethics, integrity, compliance, and sound corporate governance throughout the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B.)
• Master's Degree (LL.M.) is preferred.
• Licensed to practice law in at least one jurisdiction.
• Membership in a recognized Bar Association or Law Society.

Experience

• Minimum **12–15 years** of post-qualification legal experience.
• At least **5 years** in a senior legal leadership or management role.
• Extensive experience in corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, governance, and contract negotiation.
• Experience advising executive management, boards of directors, multinational corporations, investors, and government entities is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, and analytical abilities.
• Strategic thinking with strong commercial and business acumen.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal matters and multiple priorities.
• Strong risk management and problem-solving capabilities.
• High ethical standards, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Ability to work effectively with senior executives, government authorities, and external counsel.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal research platforms.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage.

• Mergers & Acquisitions

• Corporate Governance

• Real Estate & Construction

• Intellectual Property
• Employment Law

• Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

• Foreign Investment
• Commercial Contracts
• Risk Management

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work with local and international clients.
• Exposure to high-profile intellectual property matters.
• Collaborative and professional working environment.