Listing Snippet

Abu Dhabi-based projects and development group is hiring a Senior Legal Counsel to take ownership of the fron-end construction legal work across an active portfolio of major projects.

Role Overview

Our client is a substantial Abu Dhabi-based organisation with an active pipeline of major construction and infrastructure projects. The group is hiring a Senior Legal Counsel to sit at the centre of its projects legal function. The role covers the full life cycle of construction legal work: procurement and tendering, contract drafting and negotiation, project execution support and claims. It suits a construction specialist who wants genuine ownership of a portfolio rather than a narrow slice of it, working close to the commercial, technical and delivery teams on projects of real scale.

Key Responsibilities

Draft, negotiate and advise on the full range of construction and engineering contracts, including FIDIC-based forms, EPC and EPCM structures, O&M agreements, design and build agreements, consultancy appointments and subcontracts
Advise project teams through procurement and tendering, including bid documentation, evaluation and contract award
Support live project delivery: variations, extensions of time, payment issues, performance security and interface risk between packages
Manage claims strategy and early-stage dispute avoidance, and instruct and manage external counsel where formal proceedings arise
Advise on appointment and management of contractors, consultants and suppliers, including prequalification and framework arrangements
Contribute to the continuous improvement of contract templates, playbooks and internal processes
Provide clear, commercial advice to senior stakeholders, translating legal risk into practical recommendations

Candidate Profile

Around 8 or more years' post-qualification experience with a substantial construction and projects focus
Common law qualified, with training or significant experience at a respected international or regional practice, or in a comparable in-house projects role
Deep working knowledge of FIDIC forms and their amendment in the Gulf market
Experience advising across the project life cycle, from procurement through delivery to claims
GCC experience preferred; Abu Dhabi experience an advantage

Front-End Construction Lawyer