We are partnering with a leading UAE-headquartered investment and real estate group on the appointment of a General Counsel based in Dubai. This is a senior in-house legal role with a seat at the leadership table, offering the opportunity to shape the legal function of a business in an ambitious phase of regional and international growth.
The role: General Counsel
Reporting directly to the Group Chief Executive Officer, the General Counsel will lead all legal affairs across the group and its subsidiaries. You will act as a trusted adviser to the Board and executive team, balancing commercial pragmatism with sound risk management, and you will lead and develop a high-performing in-house legal team.
Key responsibilities of this General Counsel position
- Lead the group’s legal strategy and act as principal legal adviser to the CEO, Board and executive committee
- Oversee major transactions, including M&A, joint ventures, investments and complex commercial agreements across the UAE and international markets
- Ensure the group operates within the UAE onshore and free zone legal frameworks, including DIFC and ADGM where relevant
- Provide legal input on corporate governance, Board matters and company secretarial practice
- Manage disputes and litigation strategy, and select and oversee external counsel to deliver value for money
- Build, lead and mentor the in-house legal team, setting clear standards and a commercially focused culture
The ideal candidate will have:
- A qualified lawyer (common law preferred) with senior level post-qualification experience, gained in a leading international law firm and senior in-house roles
- Significant experience in the UAE or the wider GCC, with a strong understanding of the regional legal and regulatory environment
- A track record of leading complex, high-value transactions and advising at Board level
- Proven leadership of legal teams and the gravitas to influence senior stakeholders
- Excellent judgement, discretion and commercial awareness; Arabic language skills are an advantage
What’s on offer
- A highly competitive, tax-free salary package with performance-related bonus
- Comprehensive benefits including family medical cover, annual flights and education allowance
- A visible, high-impact leadership role in one of the UAE’s most dynamic business environments
How to apply for this Legal Counsel Position
To find out more or apply, please get in touch with a copy of your CV below.
Hanson Search Group is a global talent consultancy providing executive search, recruitment and leadership advisory services. Built on more than twenty years of trusted relationships, we operate as a connected global platform of specialist practices with expert consultants embedded in key markets. Our specialist practices include Legal and Compliance Executive Search
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Amanda Dowie : MENA Search Director Amanda Dowie is an accomplished executive search specialist with over 20 years of global recruitment experience, including more than 15 years dedicated to headhunting senior talent across the Middle East. As Search Director for...
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