Senior Legal Counsel- Commercial & Technology

Now it’s your time to join the #1 bank in the Middle East and one of the most prestigious financial companies in the region. Shaking up the world of banking requires a lot of smarts and skill. We’re looking for the brightest and best to help us reach our goals and we’ll also help you reach yours. Your success is our success as you grow stronger in your career. Join us and leave a legacy of your own, as a pioneer in both the company and the industry.

JOB PURPOSE:

The role holder assists the Head of Legal – Commercial & Technology with managing legal risk in all the geographies where the FAB Group operates in relation to Commercial & Technology activities in accordance with FAB Group legal policies and procedures. The role holder should be able to work autonomously but should seek the Head of Legal – Commercial & Technology’s input on unusual situations, complex matters, and issues which may pose significant legal, financial and/or reputational risk to the FAB Group.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Core Responsibilities

Legal Advisory

• Provides legal advice and support to the business while keeping in mind FAB’s strategic and business objectives. 
• Provides guidance to facilitate FAB’s compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Collaborates with the Head of Legal to establish, disseminate and implement the FAB Group legal policies.
• Completes legal tasks and projects in a timely manner and responds to legal queries assigned to him/her by the Head of Legal.
• Supports FAB subsidiaries and international branches by providing general legal oversight on legal risks associated with their products and services.

Litigation                    

• Supervises and is responsible for the adequate management of litigation and disputes pertaining to the relevant area in the UAE and abroad.
• Represents FAB and its subsidiaries before Notaries Public, court experts, courts, and the police to resolve matters in the best interest of the FAB Group.
• Reports relevant litigation matters to the Group General Counsel and Heads of Legal and provides updates to the relevant stakeholders.

JOB CONTEXT:

Specific Accountability

• Provides legal advice and support to FAB Group’s corporate acquisitions, divestments, joint-ventures, incorporations, business carve-out and similar transactions.
• Provides legal advice and support on corporate law and related matters in relation to legal entities in FAB Group
• Works on a wide range of special projects, which could include (but are not limited to) topics such as material debt recovery matters.
• Provides legal advice and support on HR matters.
• Works on a broad range of other corporate and commercial matters
• Manages outside legal counsel in the context of transactions and projects described above.

Legal Documentation and Review

• Drafts, reviews and negotiates contracts and other legal documents in order to maximise the FAB Group’s legal protections whilst simultaneously minimising legal risks.
• Produces and regularly updates standardised legal agreements, contracts and standard terms and conditions for the FAB Group in compliance with international best practices and applicable legal requirements.
• Assists the business in launching new products and conducts legal and regulatory due diligence on such products, including identifying risks and mitigants in all applicable geographies.

Knowledge of External Environment

• Stays abreast of new laws and regulations through continuous legal education, attending professional conferences, and participating in professional associations.
• Provides updates to the FAB Group’s senior business persons on new legislation and regulatory developments that may have an impact on the FAB Group and advises on how to comply with such new legislation and regulations.

Knowledge Sharing

• Works closely and develops a positive professional relationship with the other members of the legal function and shares legal knowledge and best practices with legal colleagues, including providing formal and informal training sessions at the direction of the Group General Counsel and Heads of Legal.

Stakeholder Management

• Liaises with external law firms and relevant authorities (such as courts) to ensure the effective resolution of all legal matters affecting the FAB Group.

Learning and Development

• Functions as a subject matter expert and provides input on learning and development initiatives including training content to ensure value addition and relevance.

MIS and Reporting

• Ensures that all requisite reports are prepared in a timely and accurate manner, and meet the FAB Group’s requirements, policies, and standards.

People Management Responsibilities

• Defines goals and key performance indicators for direct reports and ensures effective implementation of the FAB performance management process.
• Develops talent within the team by providing guidance and coaching to achieve defined goals.

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in law from an internationally recognised university.
• Masters degree in law.
• Qualified as a lawyer in the UK, the USA, Australia or another Commonwealth or Western European jurisdiction is preferred.
• Excellent English language skills.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in Arabic.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a reputed bank or law firm, with at least 4 years in a similar role.
• Experience with corporate law and commercial is mandatory.
• Experience with M&A matters is preferred.
• Experience with HR related matters is beneficial but not a must.