Legal Counsel
CygnifyCygnify is looking for a Legal Counsel to join a leading publicly listed property developer that’s a cornerstone of the Emirate’s ongoing growth and transformation. This onsite, full-time role is based in Dubai and is ideal for a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys translating complex legal issues into practical business advice. If you thrive in a real estate environment where governance, contracts and intellectual property intersect with strategic development, this could be a strong match.
The company builds integrated, master-planned destinations that fuse lifestyle, sustainability and long-term investment value, backed by a solid delivery history and a network of strategic global partnerships. The successful candidate will help support management and the broader team by minimising legal risk and offering clear guidance across the organisation’s activities and projects.
Day-to-day in the legal suite
The role centers on drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide array of commercial agreements, while also advising internal teams on day-to-day matters. You’ll shape and interpret internal policies, contribute to resolving complex issues from a legal standpoint, and stay on top of relevant laws and regulations with succinct summaries for the leadership team. A portion of your time will be spent preparing templates and maintaining the Legal Department’s databases and resources, ensuring templates remain current and useful across the business. Keeping abreast of legislation that affects the company is a continuous task, and you’ll assist with company formations and related secretarial duties as needed.
Interaction with external counsel is part of the job, including matters that may become contentious. You’ll support the Senior Legal Director with a range of department initiatives, and there are occasions when you’ll step in for the Senior Legal Director or other team members to keep things moving smoothly. Finally, you’ll help ensure the organisation meets its Health, Safety and Environmental commitments by aligning legal processes with the company’s policies and procedures.
Must-haves, then nice-to-haves
What you’ll need to qualify for the role is a blend of education, experience and hands-on practice in real estate and contract work. The list below reflects the core requirements the team is looking for:
A recognised professional qualification from a Common Law jurisdiction (for example the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa)
Between four and six years of post-qualification experience, with solid exposure to real estate, property development or construction
A demonstrable record of handling complex commercial contracting and negotiations
Experience giving guidance to property, construction or real estate businesses
Exposure to regulatory environments that span multiple jurisdictions
Nice-to-haves are not specified in the listing.
Pay, benefits and practical details
The posting notes this is a full-time, onsite position based in Dubai, AE. Other details about salary, benefits or additional perks aren’t listed, so the practical information you’ll rely on during conversations will come from Cygnify’s recruitment team if you’re invited to interview.
Advice for applicants
Lead your resume with the essentials. Open with your Common Law qualification and a succinct statement about four to six years of PQE, with your strongest real estate or construction-related experience front and centre so the reader sees your fit immediately.
Back up the must-haves with concrete examples. Describe specific complex contracts you’ve drafted or negotiated and highlight any property or construction projects you supported, plus how you navigated multi-jurisdiction regulatory issues to protect the business.
Be ready to talk governance and external counsel. Prepare a crisp explanation of your experience with company policies, governance or company secretarial duties, and how you’ve collaborated with external counsel on contentious or high-stakes matters.
Ask a targeted, insightful question. For instance, inquire about how the legal function prioritises governance and policy work alongside day-to-day advisory duties, and how the team envisions coordinating with the Senior Legal Director on major development projects and regulatory challenges.