First Abu Dhabi Bank
Senior Legal Counsel ā Commercial & Technology
- Permanent
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 5 - 10 yrs
Job expiry date: 12/12/2025
Job overview
Date posted
28/10/2025
Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Salary
Undisclosed
Compensation
Salary only
Experience
5 - 10 yrs
Seniority
Senior & Lead
Qualification
Bachelors degree
Expiration date
12/12/2025
Job description
The Senior Legal Counsel ā Commercial & Technology at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) plays a pivotal role in managing legal risks across the bankās commercial, corporate, and technology operations globally. Reporting to the Head of Legal ā Commercial & Technology, this role provides strategic legal guidance that supports FABās business objectives while ensuring full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The counsel will handle complex legal issues across acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures, and commercial transactions, as well as HR and regulatory matters. The position requires expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating high-value contracts, overseeing litigation, and ensuring that FABās operations maintain strong legal protections across multiple jurisdictions. The ideal candidate is a qualified lawyer with extensive experience in corporate and commercial law, ideally within the banking or financial services industry. The role demands excellent communication skills in English (Arabic proficiency preferred), strong business acumen, and the ability to provide practical, risk-based legal solutions to senior stakeholders. This is a key advisory position for a professional seeking to influence the legal direction of the regionās leading financial institution.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Provide legal advice and support across FABās commercial, corporate, and technology activities, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Advise on corporate transactions including acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures, incorporations, and business carve-outs.
- Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts and legal documentation to maximize protection and minimize risk for FAB.
- Support the launch of new products and services by conducting legal and regulatory due diligence across applicable jurisdictions.
- Oversee litigation and dispute management for FAB and its subsidiaries, including representation before courts and authorities.
- Monitor new laws and regulatory developments, advising the business on implications and compliance strategies.
- Collaborate with other legal departments to establish and update FAB Group legal policies and procedures.
- Manage relationships with external counsel and government authorities to ensure efficient resolution of legal matters.
- Prepare and deliver reports, briefings, and legal updates for senior management and relevant committees.
- Mentor and guide junior legal staff, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence.
Experience & skills
- Bachelorās degree in Law from a recognized university; Masterās degree preferred.
- Qualified as a lawyer in the UK, USA, Australia, or other Commonwealth/Western European jurisdiction preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in a reputable bank or international law firm, including at least 4 years in a similar role.
- Strong experience in corporate and commercial law; exposure to M&A transactions preferred.
- Experience handling HR legal issues is beneficial.
- Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is advantageous.
- Ability to manage multiple legal matters across geographies and business lines independently.
- Sound judgment and the ability to provide pragmatic, business-oriented legal advice.
- Strong stakeholder management and leadership abilities, with the capacity to influence at senior levels.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and up-to-date knowledge of financial and regulatory frameworks.
