Listing Snippet

Major UAE bank seeks a senior legal counsel to join its corporate finance legal team, covering both conventional and Islamic finance across syndicated lending, project finance, acquisition finance and structured finance transactions.

Role Overview

Our client is a leading UAE-headquartered bank with an extensive international presence across corporate and institutional banking. The legal team is looking to hire a senior legal counsel to support the bank's corporate finance activities, sitting within a small team that advises on the full range of lending and structured finance transactions across both conventional and Islamic finance.

The role covers bilateral and syndicated lending, project finance, acquisition and leveraged finance, fund finance, real estate finance and asset-backed transactions, as well as debt restructurings and complex lending arrangements. The successful candidate will work with a high degree of autonomy, engaging directly with the business, external counsel and counterparties on live transactions.

This is a strong opportunity for a banking and finance lawyer looking to move in-house (or already in-house) at one of the region's most active lenders, with genuine transactional volume and exposure to complex, cross-border work.

Key Responsibilities

Structure, draft, review and negotiate transaction documentation for bilateral and syndicated lending facilities across project finance, structured finance, leveraged and acquisition finance, fund finance, real estate finance and asset finance
Advise on debt restructurings and other complex lending arrangements, including all ancillary documentation
Provide legal advice and support to the corporate finance business, balancing commercial objectives with the bank's legal risk framework
Coordinate with external counsel across multiple jurisdictions on cross-border transactions
Assist with new product launches, conducting legal and regulatory due diligence across applicable geographies
Draft and maintain standardised legal agreements, facility templates and standard terms in line with international best practice
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments relevant to lending and corporate finance activity, and advise the business on compliance implications

Candidate Profile

Qualified lawyer (England and Wales preferred) with approximately 8 to 10 years' PQE
Strong banking and finance background from a reputable law firm or in-house at a major financial institution
Significant experience across both conventional and Islamic finance transactions
Confident working with LMA-standard documentation and complex facility structures
Recent UAE or GCC transactional experience is required
Extensive drafting and negotiation experience across syndicated lending, project finance, acquisition finance, real estate finance or structured finance
Comfortable operating independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment
Commercially minded, with a long-term outlook and genuine interest in building a career in the region
Open on law firm background; the focus is on capability and relevant experience rather than firm pedigree

About Meyssa Legal

Meyssa Legal specialises in placing high-calibre legal professionals across the UAE and the wider Middle East. We offer discreet, strategic career advice and long-term relationship support.

All applications are treated with strict confidence.

Conventional and Islamic Finance Lawyer