Middle East: Counsel, Litigation & Local Laws posted by MECS Africa

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all litigation matters, including civil, criminal, and commercial disputes.
• Represent the company in court, prepare legal strategies, and oversee dispute resolution to protect the company’s interests.
• Serve as the in-house litigator, preparing and presenting cases in court as needed.
• Manage all stages of litigation, including pre-litigation activities, filing suits, drafting pleadings, and handling appeals.
• Ensure full compliance with local laws and regulations related to labor, commercial transactions, real estate, and environmental matters.
• Monitor changes in local laws and advise management on potential operational impacts.
• Lead dispute resolution processes, including negotiations, mediation, and arbitration.
• Resolve business disputes involving vendors, contractors, and third parties, minimizing litigation when possible.
• Manage disputes arising from contractual obligations, including vendor agreements, service contracts, and partnerships.
• Provide legal advice on contract interpretation, enforceability, and disputes escalated to litigation.
• Act as the company’s subject matter expert on local legal requirements, permits, licensing, and regulatory frameworks.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel on specialized litigation or regulatory matters, ensuring cost-effective management.
• Provide training and updates to internal teams on local legal requirements and compliance obligations.
• Support business units in identifying legal risks and ensure timely escalation of compliance issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB or equivalent).
• Postgraduate qualification in commercial law or corporate law is preferred but not required.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of legal experience with a strong focus on litigation and local law compliance.
• Proven experience managing litigation cases and dispute resolution processes.
• Experience advising on local legal and regulatory compliance is highly preferred.