Legal Advisory – Associate Director

A Dubai based client of mine is looking for an experienced Associate Director, Legal Advisory, to provide expert legal advice, supporting key divisions in managing legal risk, maintaining robust operational frameworks, and advancing organisational regulatory objectives in financial services. This role centres on advising on supervisory, authorisations, and regulatory matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver timely and accurate legal guidance to support various divisions, managing legal advisory work for Supervision and Authorisation functions.
• Oversee non-contentious matters and coordinate with external counsel as needed.
• Drive high-quality, consistent legal drafting, opinions, and advisory support, while mentoring junior team members.
• Identify and address significant legal risks, high-profile matters, and improvement opportunities for the advisory function.
• Provide analysis and support on financial services policy initiatives.
• Build and maintain constructive, client-focused relationships across divisions, ensuring independent professional standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; licensed lawyer from a common law jurisdiction preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ legal experience within financial regulatory environments or a top-tier law firm.
• Expertise in financial services legislation, complex advisory experience, and the ability to independently manage significant legal matters.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and mentorship skills.

This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.

We seek individuals from a diverse talent pool and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply to our vacancies. Our commitment to fair recruitment processes means that we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of their lived experience or personal characteristics. We also invite applicants who meet most of the listed requirements, even if not all, to apply. If you require any adjustments to the application process, please let us know.

Barclay Simpson acts as an Employment Agency for permanent positions and an Employment Business for temporary/contract engagements.