Director Legal Counsel - Construction, Real Estate - Abu Dhabi

Our client, a large private diversified group mostly into Commercial Contracts is looking to hire a Director Legal Counsel, preference is given to candidate with strong contractual & commercial law mostly from Properties OR Construction background.

Director Legal Counsel will join the Legal Affairs, Risk and Compliance Department. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead and influence legal strategy and operations in a dynamic and growing environment.

Role Overview: As the Director Legal Counsel, you will provide expert legal advice and guidance to support our strategic objectives, manage legal risks, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. You will be responsible for overseeing legal matters related to property and construction, contracts, and corporate governance, with a focus on UAE laws and relevant regional and international jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Offer strategic legal counsel and support on a wide range of legal matters, including property, construction, and contract management.
• Develop, review, and update legislation and regulatory compliance strategies.
• Provide expert advice on UAE laws, regional and foreign jurisdictions, and corporate governance practices.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and manage external legal relationships to ensure alignment with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
• Lead and mentor a team within the Legal Affairs, Risk and Compliance Department.
• Stay updated on legal developments and industry trends to proactively address potential risks and opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law from an accredited law school.
• 8–10 years of relevant work experience in law and jurisdiction analysis, legislation development, consultancy, and project management.
• Proven experience as a legal advisor in large property and construction companies, with a solid understanding of various contracts.
• Deep knowledge of UAE laws and their applications, as well as regional and international legal frameworks.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, innovate, and communicate effectively in a complex legal environment.