Job Description

Bank ABC seeks to recruit a Legal Counsel - ila Bank to join the Group Legal Department.

This job role will provide legal advice, support, and services to the Bank's management, employees, and departments whilst ensuring legal compliance with Bahraini laws, Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) regulations, and industry standards under the supervision the Group Head of Legal.

Scope of the Job Providing legal advice and services through anticipating and evaluating legal problems, reviewing corporate authorizations, ministerial extracts and constitutional documents and basic legal agreements and providing competent advice and guidance so as to enable management to achieve business objectives while protecting the Group's interest. Drafting and preparing legal documents and contracts for use by the Bank in its operations in order to meet the business requirements. Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, terms and conditions and legal documents governing the Bank's relationship with its customers, suppliers, partners, and regulatory authorities in Bahrain. Reviewing and drafting banking and financial documentation/transactions, identifying legal risks. Review and analyze credit facilities "consumer & mortgage" documents, including agreements, promissory notes, security documents (PDCs/Security Cheques), and mortgage contracts, notarized agreements (i.e., personal guarantees, acknowledgment of debts, etc.) to ensure legal compliance and protect the bank's interests. Identifying potential legal implications, opportunities and risks for the Bank under the laws of various countries in which it conducts its business. Identify, assess, and manage legal risks related to the Bank's operations. Acting as the point of contact for the Bank's legal firms and dealing with local courts in legal proceedings in the Kingdom of Bahrain, including court hearings, arbitration, and mediation. Support in legal translation of official documents required for local courts. Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements in the Kingdom of Bahrain, including maintaining documentation, implementing necessary policies and controls, training employees, and reporting to regulatory authorities when required. Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and industry trends and proactively advise the bank on potential legal and compliance risks. Stay informed about emerging technologies and digital banking trends and provide legal guidance on related issues, such as data privacy and cybersecurity. Build and maintain strong relationships with the regulatory authorities, legal and industry associations, and other stakeholders in Bahrain's banking and finance industry. Areas of Knowledge, Qualification and Experience Broad knowledge of and experience in the laws relevant to international business in general and international banking and finance in particular. Knowledge of financial institutions and banking practice from a legal perspective, probably gained from working at a financial institution or international law firm. Ability to draft and review legal agreements (including financing documentation) in English and Arabic. Knowledge of loans/consumer credit facilities (both conventional and Sharia complaint) in the GCC markets. Approved Practicing Lawyer. A legal qualification from a recognized Institute. At least 8 years of work experience (in aggregate) with a Bank or reputable law firm.