Job Title: Legal Counsel - Risk & Compliance
Service Line / Team: Support Services
We at BDO in UAE are a diverse group of individuals from many cultures, and we share a common ambition: to make a difference and be the spontaneous choice in the industry. We have an excellent Partner–to–staff ratio and an encouraging gender ratio, giving you more flexibility and high priority on mentorship and professional development.
At BDO, we understand that being the leader in exceptional client service begins – and ends – with exceptional regard for our people. Relationships matter in our work and interactions with clients and how we work and interact with each other. What differentiates BDO as an employer is our focus on relationships.
Your opportunity
This role is crucial role in providing legal advice and ensuring compliance with legal matters. Responsibilities include advising on contractual, legal, and regulatory issues, to mange the firm’s risk exposure.
- Evaluate and align BDO UAE’s Policies & Procedures with local laws and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to define a legal strategy, mitigate legal risks, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and BDO UAE’s policies.
- Stay informed about legal and regulatory changes, assess their impact on operations, and develop remediation plans to address any policy or regulatory adjustments.
- Anticipate national and regional policy changes, proactively developing measures to minimize their impact on the firm.
- Act as the primary representative for BDO UAE in all legal disputes, coordinating with external legal partners for optimal case handling.
- Provide strategic legal advice to the BDO UAE Partnership group, offering guidance on complex legal issues, the legal structure of the firm and new initiatives to advance BDO UAE's growth plans.
- Apply effective risk management practices, evaluate and offer proactive advice on possible legal/risk issues, business decisions and operations, including mitigation measures.
- Investigate internal cases of misconduct, taking necessary actions in accordance with labor law and with the support of the Talent & Culture team.
- Assess legal implications and risks associated with BDO UAE business proposals and contracts, providing recommendations to aid in decision-making.
- Review, advise and negotiate contracting terms, legal risks and liabilities associated with different engagements/agreements/contracts/documents.
- Liaise with regulators and licensing authorities on registrations, execution, de-registrations, liquidation and any other legal matters.
- Assist service delivery teams with training, preparing relevant checklists and monitoring the application of all applicable corporate laws on Firm’s clients.
- Maintain and update BDO UAE’s contractual library, providing guidance and training on contractual templates.
- Advise on corporate governance matters and projects, ensuring compliance with relevant corporate laws.
- Identify and assess legal risks associated with business transactions/activities.
- Adhere to the highest degree of professional standards and strict client confidentiality.
Key attributes
Key experience
- Bachelor's degree in Law.
- Minimum of 10 years of legal experience, including at least 2 years in a senior management or leadership role.
- Corporate legal counsel experience.
- Postgraduate legal accreditation is preferable.
- Excellent knowledge and application of local labor laws and regulations.
- Understanding of the Audit, Advisory & Tax industry is advantageous.
How to join us
We seek people who are driven and who work towards the best interest of the Team and the Firm – passionate professionals who are keen to develop lasting relationships, both internally and with our Clients.
Please send in your detailed resume by clicking the below link. If you are successful in your application, one of our resourcing teams will contact you to discuss the next steps.