We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Head of Legal with strong expertise in real estate and corporate law to oversee the company’s legal matters, manage contractual obligations, and ensure compliance with applicable UAE laws and regulations.
The ideal candidate will provide legal guidance across real estate transactions, corporate structuring, commercial agreements, and regulatory matters, while proactively identifying and mitigating legal risks. This role will work closely with senior management, internal departments, external legal counsel, and government authorities to protect the company’s legal and commercial interests and support its business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Manage and oversee civil, commercial, real estate, and employment disputes before UAE courts and other competent authorities.
- Coordinate with external law firms on litigation, enforcement proceedings, and settlement negotiations.
- Review legal submissions, expert reports, court judgments, and litigation strategies.
- Prepare legal notices, demand letters, settlement agreements, and legal opinions.
- Monitor ongoing cases, assess litigation risks, and provide regular updates and recommendations to management.
2. Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, service agreements, consultancy agreements, and other contractual arrangements.
- Prepare and review Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), confidentiality agreements, non-circumvention agreements, and commission protection agreements.
- Review contract termination, breach, indemnity, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution provisions.
- Advise business departments on contractual obligations, commercial risks, and contract enforcement.
3. Real Estate & Property Transactions
- Draft and review Master Agency Agreements (MAAs), exclusive brokerage agreements, marketing agreements, and property-related contracts.
- Advise on real estate transactions, commission entitlements, developer-broker relationships, and contractual disputes.
- Review sale and purchase agreements (SPAs), reservation forms, expressions of interest (EOIs), and related documentation.
- Ensure compliance with applicable UAE real estate laws and Dubai Land Department (DLD) and RERA requirements.
4. Corporate & Joint Venture Matters
- Draft, review, and negotiate Joint Venture Agreements (JVAs), Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), partnership agreements, and commercial collaboration arrangements.
- Advise on corporate structuring, shareholder arrangements, joint venture obligations, and termination or dissolution matters.
- Support corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial transactions.
- Coordinate with external legal advisers on cross-border contractual and corporate matters.
5. Legal Advisory & Risk Management
- Provide timely and practical legal advice to the CEO, senior management, and internal departments.
- Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with business operations, transactions, and commercial arrangements.
- Support negotiations, dispute settlements, and strategic business decisions.
- Maintain legal records, monitor contractual obligations, and oversee the company's legal documentation.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB or equivalent) is required; a Master’s degree or relevant postgraduate qualification is preferred.
- Minimum 5–8 years of relevant legal experience, preferably within the real estate, property development, or corporate sector.
- Strong knowledge of UAE real estate laws, RERA and DLD regulations, corporate law, and corporate governance.
- Proven experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements and handling real estate and corporate transactions.
- Experience managing legal risks, advising internal stakeholders, and overseeing disputes and litigation matters.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong organizational skills, sound legal judgment, and the ability to manage multiple legal matters independently in a fast-paced business environment.
