Legal Assistant

Job SummaryWe are seeking a knowledgeable, ethical, and detail-oriented Legal Advisor to provide legal counsel and ensure regulatory compliance across the University's operations. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in UAE laws, higher education regulations, corporate governance, employment law, and contract management.The Legal Advisor will play a critical role in protecting the University's legal interests by providing timely legal advice, reviewing contracts, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, managing legal risks, and representing the institution in legal and regulatory matters with professionalism and integrity.Key Responsibilities1. Legal Advisory & Regulatory ComplianceProvide legal advice to management on matters relating to UAE laws, higher education regulations, employment law, commercial law, and corporate governance.Ensure compliance with applicable UAE laws, Ministry of Education (MOE) regulations, RAKEZ requirements, and institutional policies.Monitor changes in legislation and advise management on legal implications and required actions.Identify legal and compliance risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.2. Contract Management & Legal DocumentationDraft, review, negotiate, and advise on contracts, agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and other legal documents.Ensure all legal documents comply with UAE laws and institutional policies.Review vendor, consultancy, partnership, employment, and service agreements.Maintain an organized repository of legal documents and institutional records.3. Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCoordinate with external legal counsel regarding litigation, arbitration, and legal proceedings when required.Represent or assist the University in legal matters before government authorities and regulatory bodies.Manage legal notices, claims, complaints, and dispute resolution processes.Provide legal recommendations to minimize institutional liability.4. Governance & Policy DevelopmentReview, draft, and update University policies, procedures, and governance documents.Ensure institutional policies align with UAE legal requirements and accreditation standards.Support compliance with internal governance frameworks and regulatory audits.Assist management in implementing best legal and governance practices.5. Legal Support to University OperationsProvide legal support to Human Resources, Finance, Admissions, Student Affairs, Procurement, and Academic departments.Advise on employment matters, disciplinary actions, student grievances, procurement contracts, intellectual property, and data protection.Support accreditation, licensing, and institutional regulatory requirements.Conduct legal awareness sessions and compliance training for University staff.Key Focus AreasLegal Compliance & Risk ManagementContract Drafting & ReviewCorporate GovernanceHigher Education Regulatory ComplianceEmployment & Commercial LawPolicy Development & Legal DocumentationLitigation & Dispute ResolutionConfidentiality & Ethical PracticeQualifications & Skills RequiredMinimum QualificationBachelor's Degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized institution.Master's Degree (LL.M.) or professional legal certification is preferred.Admission to practice law in the UAE or another recognized jurisdiction is an advantage.ExperienceMinimum 5 years of professional legal experience, preferably within higher education, corporate, or government sectors in the UAE.Strong knowledge of UAE Civil Law, Labour Law, Commercial Law, Corporate Law, and Higher Education regulations.Experience dealing with Ministry of Education (MOE), RAKEZ, and other UAE regulatory authorities is preferred.Technical & Soft SkillsExcellent legal drafting, contract review, and analytical skills.Strong understanding of UAE legal and regulatory frameworks.Excellent negotiation and dispute resolution skills.Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic is highly preferred.High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.Strong organizational and time management skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal document management systems.What We OfferOpportunities for continuous professional development and legal specialization.A collaborative and professional academic work environment.Supportive leadership and access to modern digital systems.The opportunity to contribute to the governance and legal excellence of a growing international higher education institution.Job Types: Full-time, PermanentWork Location: In person