Job Purpose

Review a wide range of commercial contracts including sponsorship agreements, franchise agreements and outsourcing arrangements (including technology)
Review a variety of legal documents and provide legal advice to the wider Aldar business in order to mitigate legal risk
Provide strategic legal advice in relation to key business initiatives and provide advice in relation to documentation structure of key transactions

Roles and Responsibilities

Support the corporate procurement team with template production, contract review and negotiation and training needs
Support the technology teams in relation to contract reviews and new initiatives
Autonomously review a variety of commercial agreements from end user departments. Agreements may include outsourcing arrangements, marketing arrangements, sponsorship arrangements, space activation agreements, consultancy and services agreements, technology agreements, MOUs, franchise agreements etc.
Provide accurate and timely legal advice to end user departments with a commercial slant
Build strong relationships with stakeholders
Appoint external law firms where required, provide clear legal instructions, manage them throughout transaction negotiations and manage associated external legal spend
Comply with relevant internal governance documentation
Research and evaluate different risks regarding business decisions and operations
Apply effective risk management techniques and offer proactive advice on potential legal risks
Communicate and negotiate with external parties as required
Maintain current knowledge of relevant legal updates and laws
Co-ordinate, follow up and monitor the progress of active matters
Prioritise work effectively and efficiently and manage end user expectations
Maintain accurate records of advice provided and documents negotiated
Maintain high levels of professionalism and attention to detail
Demonstrate an active interest in legal AI

Qualification & Skills

Law Degree or equivalent legal conversion qualification
Common law qualified
Min of 10+ years of related experience in legal services
Preferably with experience as an in-house lawyer in the UAE with experience of commercial contract reviews (including technology contracts)
Proven experience as a legal counsel in a business environment
Demonstrated knowledge of relevant UAE laws and ability to undertake independent research
Excellent analytical, drafting and negotiation skills
Excellent attention to detail
High degree of professional ethics and integrity

Vice President - Legal Counsel (Corporate)