Senior Legal Counsel

Job Purpose:

The Senior Legal Counsel at MBZUAI plays a pivotal role in ensuring the university’s operations comply with applicable laws and regulations while safeguarding its interests. Reporting to the General Counsel, the role involves drafting, reviewing, and implementing a wide range of legal documents, including university agreements and departmental policies. The Senior Legal Counsel identifies and mitigates legal risks, ensures policy compliance, and collaborates with internal stakeholders to align legal frameworks with institutional goals. Additionally, the role oversees interactions with external legal service providers and supports the university in legal proceedings. By staying abreast of evolving laws and engaging in professional development, the Senior Legal Counsel contributes to shaping robust legal strategies that advance MBZUAI’s mission and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Research and Analysis:

• Conduct research on legal issues, regulations, and precedents relevant to the university’s operations and activities.
• Analyze legal documents, contracts, and agreements to identify potential risks and provide initial recommendations under the guidance of the General Counsel.

Contract Drafting and Review:

• Oversee the drafting and reviewing of various contracts, agreements, and legal documents, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their legal needs and provide legal administrative support during the contracting process.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• In conjunction with the compliance department, monitor the university’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, and provide input on measures to mitigate legal risks.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure the university’s operations adhere to legal requirements.
• Provide legal support to various departments, learning to ensure the university’s activities are conducted in a lawful and ethical manner.

Strategic Counsel and Advice:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the university’s legal and compliance strategy.
• Identify potential legal risks and opportunities and provide initial recommendations for preventive and mitigative actions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand the alignment of legal policies with the university’s broader goals and objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management:

• Develop relationships with internal stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and administrative departments, to assist in understanding their legal needs and providing support.
• Engage with external stakeholders, such as government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry partners, to learn about representing the university’s legal interests and maintaining positive working relationships.
• Contribute to the university’s communication and engagement strategies related to legal matters, as directed by the General Counsel.

Other Duties:

Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the General Counsel that are commensurate with these functional objectives.

Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, such as an LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) or equivalent graduate legal qualification.
• Juris doctorate from an American or Commonwealth program and license to practice law in home jurisdiction is preferred.

Professional Experience: Essential

• A minimum of 10 years of post-qualification experience (PQE)with a clearly progressive increase in responsibilities and taking on new roles.
• Proven track record in conducting legal research, analyzing complex legal documents, and providing informed recommendations.
• Extensive experience and proven track record in drafting and reviewing a variety of contracts, agreements, and legal documents, including drafting new legal templates.
• Knowledge of compliance and risk management practices in higher education or a comparable industry.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present legal concepts effectively.

Preferred

• Familiarity with legal issues and regulations specific to the higher education sector and technology, especially relating to artificial intelligence.
• Background in either Abu Dhabi Government, University, Procurement, and/or IT sectors, with relevant legal experience.