Corporate Advisor / Legal Counsel

Confidential Company

Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities

Desired Candidate Profile

1. Corporate Structuring & Company Formation

• Entity Lifecycle: Lead the end-to-end setup of new legal entities in the UAE and international jurisdictions, managing everything from initial registration to renewals and liquidations.

• Structural Strategy: Advise on the most tax-efficient and operationally sound corporate structures for diversified business lines and holding companies.

• Licensing: Oversee all regulatory filings and documentation required by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and various Free Zone authorities.

2. Legal Advisory & Commercial Strategy

• Transaction Lead: Provide high-level legal counsel on commercial contracts, joint ventures, and M&A activity.

• Drafting & Negotiation: Draft and review complex corporate instruments, including Shareholders’ Agreements (SHA), SPAs, and Service Level Agreements.

• Executive Support: Act as a strategic partner to the C-suite on risk mitigation and long-term corporate planning.

3. Start-up & Venture Support

• Funding Cycles: Guide early-stage companies through seed funding, Series A/B rounds, and cap table management.

• IP & Asset Protection: Develop frameworks for Intellectual Property protection and licensing agreements specifically tailored for the start-up ecosystem.

• Investment Readiness: Advise on corporate governance frameworks to ensure entities are structured for future investment or exit.

4. Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

• Regulatory Oversight: Ensure full compliance with UAE Federal Laws, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, and Economic Substance Regulations (ESR).

• International Monitoring: Track changes in international law that may impact the firm’s cross-border operations or offshore structures.

• Government Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for external legal counsel and government regulatory bodies.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent from a recognized international university. Professional qualification (e.g., Solicitor or Bar admission) is highly preferred.

• Experience: 7–10+ years of post-qualification experience (PQE) in a top-tier law firm or a senior in-house corporate role.

• Regional Expertise: Proven track record in the UAE market, with specific experience in JLT, DIFC, or ADGM environments.

• Technical Skills: Expert drafting skills in English (Arabic is a significant advantage). Deep knowledge of both common law and civil law principles.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Speed of Incorporation: Efficiency in setting up new entities in varied jurisdictions.

• Risk Mitigation: Successful negotiation of commercial terms that protect the company's long-term interests.

• Compliance Accuracy: Zero-penalty record for AML, ESR, and licensing renewals.