Senior Legal Manager

Senior Legal Manager

Department: Legal

Reporting To: Legal Director

Experience Required: 12–15 years

Role Purpose

To lead and manage complex legal matters related to mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and real estate transactions. The role ensures all legal risks are identified, mitigated, and aligned with the company's strategic growth objectives across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

Lead legal due diligence for acquisitions, disposals, and investments.

Structure, draft, and negotiate SPA, SHA, MOA, and related agreements.

Advise on transaction structuring, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.

Coordinate with external counsel, financial advisors, and internal stakeholders.

2. Joint Ventures & Partnerships

Draft and negotiate joint venture agreements, shareholder agreements, and partnership structures.

Provide strategic legal advice on JV governance, exit mechanisms, and dispute resolution.

Support the formation, restructuring, and dissolution of joint ventures.

3. Real Estate Transactions

Oversee legal aspects of land acquisition, development agreements, leasing, and asset disposals.

Review and negotiate contracts with contractors, consultants, and service providers.

Ensure compliance with local real estate laws and regulatory frameworks.

4. Legal Advisory & Risk Management

Provide proactive legal advice to senior management on business initiatives.

Identify legal risks and propose practical mitigation strategies.

Develop and implement legal policies, templates, and governance frameworks.

5. Regulatory & Compliance

Ensure compliance with local and international laws across jurisdictions.

Liaise with government authorities and regulatory bodies.

Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting the real estate sector.

6. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Manage and mentor junior legal team members.

Act as a key legal partner to business units (Development, Finance, Investments).

Manage relationships with external law firms and ensure cost efficiency.

Qualifications & Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB); Master's (LLM) preferred.

Qualified lawyer (common law or civil law jurisdiction).

12–15 years of legal experience, with strong exposure to:

Mergers & acquisitions

Joint ventures

Real estate development projects

Experience in a real estate developer or top-tier law firm is highly preferred.

Strong knowledge of UAE and international legal frameworks is an advantage.

Key Competencies

Strong negotiation and drafting skills

Commercial and strategic mindset

Ability to manage complex, multi-party transactions

Stakeholder management and influencing skills

High attention to detail and risk awareness