Legal Counsel

Our client is a Maritime Transportation company, headquartered in Dubai, with over 10 years experience in bunker management, commercial vessel operations and post fixture services such as laytime (demurrage) and claims management. The team has a proven track record of creating bottom-line efficiencies by delivering commercial solutions for a large fleet of bulk carriers and tankers across the globe.

They are seeking a dynamic and experienced Legal Counsel with a proven track record in the Maritime domain. This position encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including managing corporate and commercial agreements, company secretarial duties, and liaising with business heads, external advisors, and regulatory authorities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Liaise with the business heads to draft, negotiate, and review commercial agreements and other legal documents related to the company's business activities. This includes agreements with customers and service providers, confidentiality agreements, intra-group agreements, and financing agreements.
• Liaise with the Groups Legal Team, including the Groups company secretary, on matters related to the company.
• Support joint ventures, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions.
• Prepare and handle debt collection notices and liaise with external lawyers regarding them.
• Develop and maintain a systematic contract management process to ensure legal and contractual compliance.
• Assist the company secretarial work, handle regulatory matters, and the governance and administration of the company's legal entities. This includes liaising with DMCC authorities as necessary.
• Assist in ensuring employees are correctly placed within the corporate governance structure.
• Liaise with local authorities, including the UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization (MOHRE), as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Law degree from a reputable university, preferably a UK university.
• Admitted as solicitor in England and Wales.
• Minimum 4 years post qualification experience in private practice with a leading international law firm and/or in-house with a shipping company or bunkers trading company.
• Versatile, intellectually curious, with good attention to detail, effective communication skills and business acumen.
• A good team player, with ability to work autonomously and as part of a dynamic cross-border environment.
• Experience in the UAE is preferable.
• Strong experience in cross border transactions.
• Strong drafting and negotiating skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, with the capacity to assess legal risks, analyze regulatory requirements, and develop practical solutions to mitigate compliance risks.