Senior Corporate Legal Counsel (FZ & Banking Compliance)

Corporate Legal & Compliance Professional

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Department: Legal & Compliance

Employment Type: Full-TimeExperience Required: Minimum 5 years of relevant corporate legal experience in the UAE/Dubai marketAbout the RoleWe are seeking a dynamic, results-driven Corporate Legal & Compliance Professional to manage and oversee the company’s corporate legal matters, banking compliance, Free Zone and Mainland company requirements, and regulatory obligations.The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of UAE corporate laws and regulations, hands-on experience dealing with UAE banks and government authorities, and the ability to independently manage complex local and cross-border corporate structures.Key Responsibilities1.

Corporate Legal & AdvisoryDraft, review, negotiate, and manage commercial contracts, agreements, and corporate documents, including Shareholders’ Agreements, Share Purchase Agreements, vendor agreements, NDAs, and other legal documents.Provide strategic legal advice to management on operational risks, corporate governance, regulatory requirements, and statutory obligations.Maintain corporate records, board minutes, resolutions, and statutory documents in compliance with UAE Federal Decree-Laws and applicable Free Zone regulations.Maintain an organized digital repository of important legal and corporate documents for all group companies.Monitor legal and regulatory developments and advise management on their potential impact on the business.2. Banking Compliance & Bank RelationsManage legal and regulatory compliance requirements of UAE and international banking institutions.Coordinate corporate bank account openings, amendments, KYC/AML requirements, and banking documentation.Liaise with banks regarding corporate documentation, compliance queries, account updates, and other regulatory requirements.Ensure compliance with applicable Central Bank guidelines, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) requirements, and other relevant regulatory filings.Coordinate with internal teams and external advisors to resolve banking and compliance-related matters.3. Free Zone & Mainland Company MattersManage end-to-end corporate requirements for Mainland and Free Zone entities, including company formation, licensing, renewals, amendments, restructuring, and deregistration.Handle corporate matters across major UAE Free Zones, including DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA, DAFZA, and SAIF Zone.Manage visa renewals and related documentation for employees and various UAE entities.Coordinate the renewal and submission of trade licences and other corporate documents across relevant government and regulatory portals.Upload and maintain updated trade licences and corporate documents on applicable portals, including FTA/EmaraTax and VAT-related platforms.Liaise directly with Mainland and Free Zone authorities, government departments, banks, and external legal counsel to resolve regulatory matters and expedite approvals.Key Requirements & QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent is required.LLM, professional legal qualifications, or qualified lawyer status in the home jurisdiction will be an advantage.ExperienceMinimum 5 years of post-qualification experience in corporate legal and compliance matters.Proven experience working within a reputable law firm or an in-house legal department in the UAE/Dubai market.Strong practical experience dealing with UAE banks, Free Zone authorities, government departments, and regulatory bodies.Domain ExpertiseStrong working knowledge of UAE Corporate Law and applicable regulations.Hands-on experience with UAE Free Zone and Mainland company regulations.Strong knowledge of banking compliance, KYC/AML, UBO, ESR, and related regulatory requirements.Excellent experience in commercial contract drafting, reviewing, and negotiation.Understanding of corporate governance, entity structuring, and regulatory compliance.Key CompetenciesExceptional analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.Arabic language proficiency will be a strong advantage.High level of professional autonomy, discretion, integrity, and ethical standards.Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple entities and regulatory requirements simultaneously.Proactive approach with the ability to independently follow up with banks, authorities, and external advisors.