Senior Legal Counsel (Courts)

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ADGM Courts seeks a Senior Legal Counsel to provide strategic support to the Registrar, shape strategy for ADGM Courts, and identify changes to the Founding Law, Regulations and Practice Directions while assisting the judiciary with case management and representing ADGM at meetings. The role also involves supervising the Courts team in the Registrar’s absence and preparing board papers with the General Counsel to drive initiatives including arbitration and mediation. Requirements: 10–12+ years in litigation and ADR in a common law jurisdiction, strong drafting, leadership, confidentiality and English fluency; UAE/GCC experience desirable. Apply with a tailored CV outlining regulatory drafting, outcomes and stakeholder engagement, plus a concise cover note linking your experience to ADGM Courts’ goals.

Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts (ADGM Courts) are of two ranks: the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal. The Court of First Instance hears and determines civil and commercial cases that involve Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), ADGM Authorities, ADGM Establishments or at the request of parties.  The Court of Appeal hears and determines appeals against judgments and decisions made by the Court of First Instance. 

The role of ADGM Courts Senior Legal Counsel is to provide advanced technical and strategic support to ADGM Courts Registrar and Chief Executive (Registrar) with a focus on: developing and implementing strategy and business initiatives for ADGM Courts and ADGM’s dispute resolution services; identifying and proposing legislative, regulatory or rule framework changes for ADGM Courts and in relation to dispute resolution generally; assisting the judiciary in the management of cases before ADGM Courts; representing ADGM Courts and ADGM dispute resolution at high level government and stakeholder meetings when required; and managing ADGM Courts’ team during temporary absences of the Registrar.

Operational responsibilities:

• Advise the Registrar regarding changes that may be required to ADGM’s Founding Law, the Courts’ Regulations, Rules and Practice Directions to ensure they are current and reflect the Courts’ practice, procedure and strategies for the just, cost effective and expeditious disposal of cases before the Courts.
• Draft and implement changes that may be required to ADGM’s Founding Law, the Courts’ Regulations, Rules and Practice Directions in accordance with the policy and direction of ADGM Courts, as advised by the Chief Justice and/ or the Registrar.
• Collaborate and assist the Registrar in relation to current and new strategic initiatives for ADGM Courts and ADGM’s dispute resolution services, including arbitration and mediation.
• Assist and/ or represent the Registrar in relation to matters before ADGM’s Board of Directors, including preparing Board papers, liaising with ADGM’s General Counsel and attending Board meetings if necessary.
• Assist the Chief Justice, the judiciary and the Registrar in regard to the management of cases before ADGM Courts, including liaising with law firms and litigants in relation to any complex operational issues that may arise in the cases from the Registry’s perspective. 
• Participate as a speaker in the UAE and international meetings or forums regarding ADGM Courts and ADGM’s dispute resolution services. 

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law.

Work Experience:

• 10-12 years’+ experience in a law firm or similar environment in litigation and alternative dispute resolution in a common law jurisdiction.
• Experience in working in a fast-paced legal environment with competing demands, as well as managing a wide range of activities.
• Advanced research and analytical skills.
• Advanced interpersonal skills.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills, including drafting skills.
• Excellent time management, IT and organisation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including experience in supervising a team.
• High level observance of confidentiality, judgment, tact and discretion.
• Advanced English-speaking skills.

Desirable:

• Knowledge and experience of working in the UAE and/ or other GCC countries.