Job Title: Legal Manager
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Department: Legal
Reports To: Legal Director
Job Summary
The Legal Manager will oversee all legal matters relating to the company's real estate development operations in Dubai and the wider UAE. This includes regulatory compliance, contract management, dispute resolution, corporate governance, and risk mitigation in accordance with UAE laws and regulations, including those governed by the Dubai Land Department and Real Estate Regulatory Agency.
The role requires strong expertise in UAE real estate law, construction law, commercial transactions, and regulatory frameworks applicable to property developers.
Key Responsibilities
1. Legal Advisory & Compliance
- Provide legal advice on all aspects of real estate development, including land acquisition, project structuring, sales, leasing, and property management.
- Ensure compliance with UAE Federal Laws, Dubai property regulations, and free zone regulations (where applicable).
- Liaise with government authorities such as the Dubai Land Department and Real Estate Regulatory Agency.
- Monitor regulatory changes and advise management on legal implications.
2. Contract Management
- Draft, review, and negotiate:
- Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPAs)
- Off-plan sales documentation
- Joint venture agreements
- Construction contracts (FIDIC-based)
- Consultancy agreements (architects, engineers, contractors)
- Brokerage and agency agreements
- Oversee contract lifecycle management and maintain legal documentation systems.
3. Real Estate & Development Matters
- Advise on escrow requirements for off-plan developments.
- Oversee registration of projects and units.
- Handle title deed transfers and land registration processes.
- Support project structuring and compliance with strata law.
4. Dispute Resolution & Litigation
- Manage disputes related to construction delays, contractor claims, purchaser defaults, and brokerage disputes.
- Coordinate with external counsel for arbitration or litigation cases.
- Represent the company before regulatory bodies where required.
5. Corporate Governance
- Ensure compliance with UAE Companies Law.
- Draft board resolutions and corporate documentation.
- Manage company licensing and renewals.
6. Risk Management
- Identify legal risks in development projects and commercial transactions.
- Develop internal policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
- Train internal teams (Sales, Projects, Finance) on legal compliance matters.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Law (LLB); Master's Degree (LLM) preferred.
- Qualified lawyer with at least 710 years of experience.
- Minimum 5 years experience in UAE real estate or construction law.
- Strong knowledge of Dubai real estate regulations and off-plan development laws.
- Experience working with property developers or leading law firms in the UAE.
- Fluency in English required; Arabic is a strong advantage.
Key Competencies
- Strong negotiation and drafting skills
- In-depth knowledge of UAE real estate law
- Commercial awareness and business acumen
- Risk assessment and mitigation skills
- Stakeholder management
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced development environment
Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Reduction in legal disputes and claims exposure
- Timely contract turnaround
- Regulatory compliance record
- Successful dispute resolution outcomes
- Effective risk management across development projects
