Legal Counsel
Country: United Arab Emirates
Position Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates/ Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Contract Type: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time
Market: Corporate services
Discipline: Legal
Job Ref: 5106
Recruiter Contact: Iustina Blidariu
About the role
In Mott MacDonald, our Legal team is involved in a region of over 50 different territories, covering established jurisdictions such as India, developing jurisdictions such as the Middle East, through to emerging jurisdictions in Africa.
For the Legal Counsel role, the successful candidate will have relevant experience gained in a mixture of private practice and in-house, with a focus on either commercial or construction law. You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a wide variety of legal disciplines including, contract reviews, construction law advice, company law, cross-border delivery, disputes, claims, and insurance. A proven track record of advising on legal matters across a range of jurisdictions is a distinct advantage, in particular civil law jurisdictions in the Middle East.
You will need to have excellent drafting, communication and negotiation skills. You will be a person who can manage their own workload and is self-reliant, but is equipped with excellent teamworking skills as you’ll be advising key stakeholders on significant projects that shape the communities in which we live.
The location of the role is candidate dependant, this would be in Dubai, UAE or possibly Riyadh, KSA.
Key responsibilities and duties are listed, but not limited to, the below:
Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, including consultancy agreements, framework agreements and NDAs for regional units
Identify departures from our governance as part of the review of such commercial agreements and assist project teams in obtaining the necessary internal approvals where appropriate
Advise business on applicable laws, jurisdictions and regulations.
Revise and maintain legal templates for use across the Group ensuring they reflect current best practice and legislation.
Instructing and managing external law firms
Draft and update legal guidance to raise awareness of recurrent topics and new regulations in key markets and jurisdictions.
Advise business on litigation and insurance matters, which may include liaising with outside counsel and technical experts.
Assisting Regional Head of Legal and other members of regional team
Support other parts of the Legal Department such as the Ethics & Compliance and Data Protection and insurance teams
Candidate specifications:
Qualified solicitor with relevant years of experience PQE
Relevant experience either in private practice with a top national firm or in-house.
Good practical experience of the application of legal principles and commercial law.
Legal experience of construction law preferably gained in a consultancy environment or with a client/contractor including cross border supply
Great analytical skills and excellent legal knowledge.
Ability to multitask, problem solve, and balance competing priorities.
Ability to communicate effectively and confidently with a wide range of stakeholders.
Ability to work autonomously or as part of a bigger team.
Experience gained through having lived and worked in the Middle East including understanding of Middle East countries civil laws
Understanding of International Development projects and contracts a distinct advantage but not essential
Our Purpose
At Mott MacDonald, our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do; relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of our organisation. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate, rather take positive steps towards creating a diverse and inclusive working environment.
Flexible Working
At Mott MacDonald, we support our staff to create work-life balance which works for them and welcome candidates looking for career flexibility. We are open to discussing flexible working at interview stage.
We can offer:
90 calendar days’ paid maternity leave
Competitive annual leave
An annual professional institution subscription
Annual company performance bonus scheme – Subject to company performance
