Our client is a prominent investment holding company based in Abu Dhabi, operating as a family-owned business with an annual turnover of AED 5 billion. The group has a diversified portfolio spanning industries such as Real Estate, F&B, Retail & Distribution, Healthcare, Manpower, Automotive, Smart Cities, Private Equity, and Capital Markets. Additionally, they own and manage a professional football club.Role Overview:We are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join our clients legal team in Abu Dhabi. This is a highly confidential mandate, requiring a seasoned legal professional with expertise in sports law, contracts, negotiations, and legal frameworks across multiple industries. The ideal candidate will provide strategic legal advice, manage critical negotiations, and oversee contractual matters related to player acquisitions, sponsorships, suppliers, and key partnerships.Key Responsibilities:
Contracts & Drafting: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to player acquisitions, sponsorship deals, supplier agreements, and key partnerships.
Legal Frameworks & Compliance: Ensure compliance with local and international sports laws, regulatory requirements, and industry-specific legal frameworks.
Negotiations: Lead negotiations with sponsors, suppliers, and business partners to secure favorable terms for the company.
Player Contracts & Acquisitions: Handle legal aspects of player contracts, transfers, and acquisitions, ensuring compliance with governing sports regulations.
Stakeholder Management: Provide legal counsel to senior executives, business units, and key stakeholders across different industries within the group.
Risk Management: Identify legal risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect the organizations interests.
Sports Law & Regulatory Compliance: Oversee legal aspects related to the football club, including contracts, player agreements, sponsorships, and regulatory compliance.
Dispute Resolution: Manage legal disputes, arbitration, and litigation as required.
Corporate Governance: Support legal governance initiatives and contribute to corporate compliance policies.
Key Qualifications & Experience:
Must be an Arabic-speaking legal professional.
Education: Bachelors degree in Law (LLB) is required; Masters degree (LLM) or equivalent qualification is preferred.
Experience: Minimum 10+ years of legal experience, with expertise in contract negotiation, legal drafting, and regulatory compliance.
Industry Expertise: Prior experience in Sports Law is a must, along with exposure to Real Estate, Facility Management, or other relevant industries within the group's portfolio.
Strong understanding of UAE and international legal regulations.
Experience handling high-value sponsorship negotiations, player acquisitions, and supplier agreements.
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Why Join Us?
Opportunity to work with a leading investment holding company with a diversified portfolio.
Direct involvement in high-profile legal matters, including player contracts and sponsorship deals.
Exposure to multiple industries, including Sports, Real Estate, and Private Equity.
Competitive compensation package and career growth opportunities.