Legal Counsel (UAE National)

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:

Provide well-founded legal opinions that support CBD’s business objectives while ensuring full compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, thereby safeguarding CBD’s interests.

Principal Accountabilities:

Work Management

Negotiating, and amending standard and non-standard agreements.

Providing legal advice and consultations on various issues or disputes in contractual arrangements.

Providing legal advice and support for various complex contractual arrangements between vendors, service providers and software providers. 

Drafting and reviewing all types of agreements when and as required. 

Review and approve technology related contracts including but not limited to subscription agreements, SAAS, licenses agreements, master services agreements, professional services agreements, data processing agreements, maintenance and support agreements, and other service-related contracts.

Review and approve non-technology related agreements including HR related contracts, operational related contracts, non-disclosure agreements factoring agreements, consultancy-based agreements, engagement letters, etc..

Review, negotiate and amend non-disclosure agreements.

Providing legal advice and approval on corporate authorities, on encashing cheques and on authorized signatories.

Providing legal advice for all matters/cases received from the branches and all different departments in the Bank.

Liaising with the credit documentation team and stakeholders (GMs and Business Heads), to enhance, update and review the current legal capacity and authority of the authorized signatories who shall sign the credit facilities, security documents and corporate guarantees on behalf of the corporate obligors.

Liaising with the branches and the concerned business team to enhance, update and review the current legal capacity and authority of the authorized signatories for opening and operating new or existing bank accounts on behalf of the individuals and corporate customers.

Participating in and contributing towards Legal Department-wide strategic projects and initiatives.

Instructing and managing external counsel as and when required while maintaining a good relationship with the panel of lawyers.

Education and Experience:

High Degree or LLM in Law from a recognized and well-regarded university.

Admission to UK or US Bar.

8 years+ years of legal experience preferably in the Banking Industry in a leading national or international Financial Institution.

Excellent knowledge of bilateral and syndicated lending and security as well as treasury and capital markets documentation.

Perfect command of English (verbal, written & spoken)

Planning and organizing skills

Negotiation skills.