Legal Associate Director (Construction)
Digby Morris Executive Search & Talent Acquisition
United Arab Emirates
Accepting Applications
Full-time
On-site
Posted 2 hours, 17 minutes ago
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0 applications
Job Description
**Associate Director – Construction Legal**
**Master Planned Developer \- Client\-side Role**
**Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE**
**Overview**
A significant UAE\-based master planned developer is seeking an Associate Director – Construction Legal to support the delivery of a diverse portfolio of large\-scale mixed\-use developments.
This role sits within the central legal function and provides specialist legal and contractual support across the full development lifecycle — from structuring and procurement through to delivery, claims, and dispute resolution.
The position requires a commercially minded construction lawyer capable of operating across complex stakeholder environments, advising on risk, and supporting the successful execution of major development programmes.
**Role Scope**
The role will act as a key legal advisor on construction and commercial matters, supporting project teams, procurement, and senior leadership on contract strategy, claims management, and dispute resolution.
You will be involved in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad range of agreements, while also providing guidance on contractual risk, governance, and compliance across multiple live projects.
**Key Responsibilities**
**Construction \& Contract Advisory**
* Provide legal advice across all stages of development, including procurement, delivery, and post\-contract phases
* Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of construction and commercial agreements
* Support contract strategy and ensure alignment with commercial and operational objectives
* Advise on contractual rights, obligations, and risk allocation
**Claims \& Dispute Management**
* Support the assessment and management of construction\-related claims
* Advise on dispute resolution strategies, including arbitration and settlement approaches
* Prepare legal briefs, position papers, and supporting documentation
* Work closely with commercial and claims teams to manage exposure and outcomes
**Project \& Stakeholder Support**
* Provide day\-to\-day legal support to project, procurement, and commercial teams
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify and manage legal and commercial risks
* Support complex transactions, including joint ventures, partnerships, and structured development arrangements
* Engage with senior stakeholders and provide clear, commercially focused advice
**Legal Documentation \& Agreements**
* Draft and review a broad range of agreements, including:
* Construction and consultancy contracts
* Joint venture and partnership agreements
* Service and supply agreements
* Non\-disclosure and confidentiality agreements
* Settlement and dispute\-related documentation
* Ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across all legal documentation
**Governance \& Risk**
* Support the development and implementation of legal and contractual governance frameworks
* Identify and mitigate legal, commercial, and operational risks
* Ensure adherence to internal policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
* Maintain appropriate documentation and audit trails
**External Counsel \& Knowledge Sharing**
* Manage and coordinate external legal advisors where required
* Support internal capability building through training and guidance on contracts and claims
* Promote best practice in contract management and dispute avoidance
**Candidate Profile**
* Qualified lawyer with recognised legal credentials (LLB / LLM or equivalent)
* Admitted to practice in a recognised jurisdiction (Commonwealth preferred)
* 4–6 years’ post\-qualification experience, ideally within a reputable international law firm
* Strong focus on
**contentious construction, claims, and dispute resolution**
* Experience advising on large\-scale development or infrastructure projects
* Familiarity with construction contracts and commercial agreements
* Experience working across multi\-stakeholder, project\-driven environments
**Key Skills**
* Strong analytical and problem\-solving capability
* Clear and structured communication skills
* Commercially aware with the ability to balance legal and business considerations
* Confident engaging with senior stakeholders
* Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast\-paced environment
* Proactive, adaptable, and detail\-oriented
**Why This Role**
This is an opportunity to join a well\-capitalised, high\-profile developer delivering complex, design\-led projects at scale. The role offers exposure to a wide range of legal, commercial, and strategic matters, with the opportunity to play a key role in shaping how risk and contracts are managed across a growing development platform.
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