Role Summary

The Senior Legal Advisor will provide strategic and tactical legal counsel to ensure Doha Bank’s interests are protected, regulatory requirements are met, and risk exposure is minimized. This role calls for a seasoned legal professional with in-depth knowledge of banking laws and regulations in multi country roles (Qatar, UAE & Kuwait), strong litigation background, and bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English. In addition, the successful candidate will be instrumental in fostering the development of legal capabilities within the department through sharing expertise and best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory

• Advise on a broad range of legal issues including banking operations, commercial contracts, litigation, employment matters, and regulatory compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex legal documents such as facility agreements, security documents, settlement agreements, and other bank-related contracts.

Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor changes in relevant laws and regulations across the GCC and ensure timely updates to internal policies and procedures.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and government bodies on behalf of the Bank, ensuring that all compliance obligations are met.

Litigation Management

• Oversee and manage litigation cases, working closely with external counsel as necessary.
• Develop and implement strategies to manage disputes, minimize exposure, and ensure favorable resolutions.

Risk Management

• Identify potential legal risks and develop robust mitigation strategies in alignment with the Bank’s risk appetite.
• Advise senior leadership on legal implications of strategic projects, ensuring alignment with overall organizational goals.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with the Chief Legal Officer to set and execute the Legal Department’s strategic direction.
• Share expertise with colleagues and junior team members, contributing to the ongoing development of legal competencies within the department.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) is required; Master’s degree in Law (LLM) is highly desirable.
• Experience: 15+ years of legal experience within leading banks or financial institutions in the GCC region, with a strong emphasis on banking laws, regulations, and litigation.
• Language Skills: Fluent proficiency in both Arabic and English is required.
• Professional Certifications: Admission to a recognized Bar or equivalent certification to practice law in the GCC region is preferred.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Banking Expertise: Demonstrated understanding of banking operations, corporate governance, and regulatory frameworks.
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Proven track record of handling high-value litigation and dispute resolution matters.
• Analytical Thinking: Excellent ability to analyze complex legal issues and propose practical, business-oriented solutions.
• Communication & Negotiation: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in both Arabic and English, with strong negotiation capabilities.
• Leadership & Teamwork: Experience in guiding teams, collaborating effectively with various stakeholders, and providing strategic legal direction.