Senior Legal Counsel

OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to provide legal advice and support across Knight Frank’s MENA business. Based in Dubai and reporting to the Partner, Head of Legal, the role will cover a broad range of legal matters, including commercial contracts, real estate consultancy agreements, tendering, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, risk management and dispute resolution.The successful candidate will work closely with business teams across the region, providing practical legal advice, managing contractual and regulatory risks, and supporting the business in delivering its commercial objectives. The role requires substantial experience in the MENA region, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and the ability to manage complex legal matters independently while working closely with the Partner, Head of Legal, on key issues.ResponsibilitiesProvide legal advice and support to business teams across MENA on commercial, contractual, regulatory and corporate matters.Review, draft and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including real estate consultancy agreements, client service agreements, non-disclosure agreements, memoranda of understanding and other legal documents.Review and assess contractual and commercial risks associated with requests for proposals, tenders and client engagements, providing legal support throughout the pre-tendering and contracting stages.Review, draft and negotiate FIDIC agreements and other construction-related contracts, identifying and advising on relevant contractual risks and obligations.Advise on contractual terms, including liability, indemnities, warranties, insurance, limitation of liability, termination provisions and dispute resolution mechanisms.Monitor changes in applicable laws and regulations across MENA, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and assess their impact on the business.Conduct legal and regulatory gap analyses and recommend appropriate actions to support ongoing compliance.Review and develop internal policies, procedures and contractual templates to ensure alignment with applicable legal requirements and internal governance standards.Advise on corporate governance and manage legal and entity-related matters for relevant Knight Frank entities, including trade licence issuance and renewals, corporate restructuring, regulatory filings and related documentation.Support internal functions, including HR, Finance, Tax, Operations and Procurement, on legal matters relevant to their activities.Identify, assess and mitigate legal and contractual risks, providing practical recommendations that balance risk management with commercial objectives.Support the management and resolution of disputes and claims, including negotiations, mediation and arbitration, and coordinate with external legal counsel where required.Manage relationships with external legal advisers, including coordinating instructions, monitoring progress and controlling legal costs.Review and improve contracting processes, procedures and templates to enhance consistency, efficiency and risk management across the business.Support legal due diligence and provide advice on new business initiatives, client engagements and other commercial matters as required.Work closely with the Partner, Head of Legal, escalating material legal risks and complex matters and supporting the implementation of legal guidance across the region.Maintain accurate legal records and ensure appropriate management of contracts, corporate documents and other legal documentation.Undertake regional travel as required and perform other responsibilities appropriate to the role.Skills and QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Law from an accredited institution. A postgraduate qualification in law or a relevant specialist area would be an advantage.At least 10 years of relevant legal experience within the MENA region, with substantial practical experience in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.Qualified lawyer admitted to the bar or equivalent professional qualification in a recognised jurisdiction.Strong working knowledge of UAE and Saudi Arabian laws and regulations, particularly those relating to commercial contracts, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and business operations.Proven experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex commercial contracts, including real estate consultancy agreements, client service agreements and tender-related contracts.Practical experience reviewing and negotiating FIDIC agreements and other construction-related contracts.Experience assessing contractual and commercial risks associated with tenders, requests for proposals and client engagements.Knowledge of corporate governance, entity management, regulatory filings and internal compliance frameworks.Experience supporting dispute resolution, managing claims and coordinating with external legal counsel.Experience working within an international organisation, preferably in real estate consultancy, property services, construction, engineering or a related professional services environment.Strong analytical, negotiation, drafting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide clear and commercially practical legal advice.Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Arabic language skills would be an advantage but are not essential.High levels of integrity, discretion and professionalism, with the ability to manage confidential and commercially sensitive matters.Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently in a fast-paced, multi-country environment.A proactive and commercially minded approach, with the confidence to negotiate contractual terms, work effectively with stakeholders and manage complex legal matters with minimal supervision.Willingness to travel within the region as required.