Description

The legal manager for a business is responsible for overseeing all of their organization's legal functions. First and foremost, this individual is a legal professional who is capable of providing accurate, relevant advice to the business, the business' clients, and the business' senior attorneys. The legal manager must have a mastery of business law to appropriately advise executives as to how the fiduciary duties of the executives can be discharged. For example, using their high level of understanding of relevant laws, the legal manager helps determine if a proposed course of action would run afoul of the laws related to economic competitiveness and monopolies. Additionally, the legal manager must have an excellent understanding of securities laws to ensure that any stock offerings comply with appropriate securities regulations and that all mergers and acquisitions are handled in an appropriate, legal manner. Aside from having an excellent understanding of the various business-related laws, the legal manager must also have a deep knowledge of employment laws to aid in the human resource functions of the business. Finally, aside from offering advice, the legal manager also generally serves as the chief contract negotiator for the business.In many countries, lawyers are required to hold a legal doctorate (such as a Juris Doctor) and must pass a bar exam. Legal managers usually work for large companies in fast-paced industries, so they must be able to multitask in a high-stress environment. Legal managers must also be detail-oriented people with excellent negotiation skills.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Legal Manager with 0-3 years of experience in the UAE, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting legal research and preparing legal documents such as contracts, agreements, and legal opinions.
  • Assisting senior lawyers in drafting and reviewing legal correspondence and documentation.
  • Supporting the legal team in managing legal cases and attending court proceedings.
  • Assisting in maintaining legal databases, organizing files, and ensuring compliance with legal regulations.

Qualifications & Work Experience

Legal Managers are responsible for supervising and managing all aspects of legality within an company. They make sure that the organization is in compliance with all laws and regulations, write and review contracts as well as legal documents, deal with litigation issues and offer legal advice and direction to departments within the organization. Additionally, the Legal Manager communicates with outside legal counsel as well as government officials and regulatory organizations. They should have a solid knowledge the law governing corporate entities, have an excellent ability to communicate and negotiate and be able to offer strategic legal advice to help the company achieve its goals and objectives, while minimizing the legal risk.

Essential Skills For Legal Manager

1

Legal Environment

2

Legal Liability

3

Legal Research

Career Prospects

The role of a Legal Manager is crucial in ensuring compliance and legal operations. For professionals with 0-3 years of experience in the Middle East, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Compliance Officer: A position focused on ensuring adherence to laws, regulations, and company policies, including conducting audits and implementing compliance programs.
  • Contracts Administrator: A role involving the review, negotiation, and management of contracts, ensuring legal compliance and mitigating risks.
  • Legal Counsel: A position providing legal advice and guidance to the organization, handling contracts, disputes, and regulatory matters.
  • Intellectual Property Specialist: A role focused on managing and protecting the organization's intellectual property assets, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents.

How to Learn

The job role of a Legal Manager in the United Arab Emirates is projected to experience significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, there is an increasing demand for legal professionals in the country. With the growing complexity of laws and regulations, both local and international, more organizations are recognizing the need for in-house legal expertise. This trend is expected to continue, creating numerous employment opportunities for Legal Managers in the future. Current data points from Google confirm the positive growth trajectory of this role, making it a promising career choice in the UAE.