Senior Legal Counsel

Operating in the UAE for over 50 years, CBD manages the financial requirements of some of the largest corporates and businesses operating in the country, driving the UAE economy. Over the years, CBD has transformed into a progressive and modern banking institution winning multiple awards for its digital initiatives, credit cards, bank accounts, mobile app features and services.

CBD has been recognized as the number one bank in the UAE on the Forbes list of The World’s Best Banks 2022.

As we continue to build upon our successes, we are looking for ambitious individuals who are passionate about the banking and finance industry and the markets in which CBD operates. Just as important to us is your ability to demonstrate a talent for dealing with people - your colleagues and our customers - and delivering service that really goes the extra mile.

Job Purpose:

To support the Legal Department by leading high-quality legal advice and transactional support across the Bank’s Wholesale Banking Group, Transaction Banking Group, and Treasury Group, including the supervision of drafting and negotiating finance, security, and treasury documentation in accordance with the Bank’s risk appetite, policies, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements; and further drives legal innovation and process efficiency through continuous development of legal tools, know-how, and policy frameworks.

Legal Advisory

• Supervise comprehensive legal advice on transactional and regulatory matters related to financing, capital markets, structured investments, derivatives, and treasury activities.
• Manage the relationship with business units including Institutional Banking, Financial Institutions, Syndications, Debt Capital Markets, and Treasury Groups by advising on legal risks, structuring issues, enforceability, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead legal support for product development and strategic business initiatives, including market expansion and jurisdictional entry.
• Advise on complex treasury-related transactions, including structured derivatives, securities lending, repos, netting and collateral arrangements, and ISDA-based enforceability matters.
• Direct legal advice on strategic investments and corporate initiatives (e.g., joint ventures, partnerships, shareholder arrangements) to ensure the Bank’s legal interests are protected.
  
  

Legal Documentation

• Supervise staff in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of finance-related documentation including syndicated/ bilateral/ club facility agreements, security documents, trade finance, asset finance (aviation/shipping), real estate, Islamic finance, and project finance agreements.
• Supervise staff in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating finance, investment and treasury-related documents, including those based on ISDA, ICMA, LMA, and BAFT templates.
• Supervise staff in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating corporate-related transactional documentation including MOUs, SPAs, shareholders' agreements, side letters, and joint venture agreements.
• Lead the engagement and supervision of external legal counsel in cross-border and complex transactions, ensuring delivery of high-quality legal opinions, documentation, and advice in accordance with Bank policy.
  
  

Legal Practice Development

• Drive initiatives related to the enhancement of legal knowledge management, including development of legal playbooks, templates, clause banks, and contract automation tools aligned with GenAI platforms.
• Lead the initiative to maintain and update standard documentation and terms in line with changing laws, regulations, and judicial precedents.
• Manage policy and procedural reviews to improve legal department efficiency and legal risk mitigation.
• Continuously stay abreast of legal, regulatory, and market developments affecting the Bank and disseminate key changes to stakeholders in a timely and comprehensible manner.
  
  

Requirements:

Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law and/or LLM from a well-regarded university.
• Qualified to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction (Bar admission or legal practicing certificate).
• Minimum 10 years’ post-qualification legal experience, ideally with a strong background in banking and finance within a reputable law firm or financial institution (preferably including experience within the UAE).
• Demonstrated expertise in bilateral and syndicated lending, capital markets documentation, derivatives, and cross-border financial transactions.
  
  

The candidate should possess:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken).
• Effective planning, prioritization, and organizational abilities.
• Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to present legal advice clearly and succinctly to non-lawyers.