Associate Director - Senior Legal Counsel Litigation (MENA)

About the Role

We are looking for a seasoned Senior Legal Counsel specializing in Litigation to join the MENA Legal team located in Doha, Qatar. Reporting to the MENA General Counsel within a global legal framework, you will oversee a broad range of litigation issues across the MENA region, providing strategic legal counsel and managing complex regulatory and dispute matters in both civil and common law jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead litigation processes including pre-litigation planning, preparation of pleadings, discovery, trial readiness, and negotiations involving commercial, professional, and regulatory disputes.
• Offer comprehensive legal advice aligned with commercial and strategic priorities to internal stakeholders.
• Formulate case strategies, assess legal risks, and recommend settlement solutions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, monitoring evolving legal landscapes relevant to the firm.
• Manage relationships with external law firms, overseeing budgets, progress, and quality of legal services.
• Identify and mitigate potential legal risks from disputes proactively.
• Conduct in-depth legal research and prepare or review legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Collaborate across teams and mentor junior legal staff regarding litigation strategies and risk management.
• Provide general legal support across firm divisions including real estate, procurement, finance, HR, IT, marketing, and lead legal efforts on broader firm initiatives.

Candidate Profile

• Juris Doctor or equivalent law degree; licensed to practice in a MENA or common law jurisdiction like the UK or US, with relevant MENA experience.
• Minimum 15 years post-qualification experience focused on corporate or law firm litigation.
• Proficient in handling complicated litigation matters under civil and common law as well as regulatory environments.
• Superior communication, negotiation, and advocacy capabilities.
• Professionalism with strong credibility and trust-building aptitude.
• Analytical thinker able to work autonomously and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience overseeing external legal counsel and managing associated budgets.
• Fluent in both Arabic and English, speaking and writing.
• Committed to high ethical principles and integrity.

Additional preferred qualifications:

• Background in professional services or financial service sectors.
• Familiarity with international arbitration and cross-border dispute resolutions.
• Proven ability to influence and earn trust of senior leadership and stakeholders.

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Strategic mindset with strong problem-solving and leadership in litigation and risk management.
• Ability to maintain composure and adaptability under pressure with shifting priorities.
• Commercially aware, pragmatic, and solution-focused.
• Collaborative and excellent communicator and negotiator.
• Willingness to work beyond typical business hours when necessary.

What We Offer

• Engagement with complex, high-profile legal matters with impactful outcomes.
• Continuous professional growth through learning and skill development.
• Empowerment and flexibility to influence and deliver meaningful results.
• Access to leadership coaching and transformative guidance.
• An inclusive, diverse workplace within a globally connected environment.
• Opportunities for occasional travel within the MENA region.
• Primarily office-based role with flexibility to work remotely as needed.

Additional Information

We encourage applicants to disclose any accommodations needed for the recruitment process. This role contributes to building a better working world by leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics within a multi-disciplinary global team.