Assistant Legal Counsel – Litigation and Consultation

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) is the supervisory and regulatory authority of the banking and insurance sector in the United Arab Emirates. The CBUAE is responsible for enhancing monetary management, financial stability, and protecting consumers through effective supervision of licensed financial institutions, prudent management of reserves, robust financial infrastructure, and the adoption of digital technologies. / The CBUAE is responsible for promoting monetary and financial stability, efficiency, and resilience in the financial system, and the protection of consumers through effective supervision that supports economic growth for the benefit of the UAE and its people. (from the website) We are seeking an Assistant Legal Counsel – Litigation and Consultation to support management by providing expert legal advice on CBUAE matters and strategies and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Core Responsibilities Manage litigation cases, judicial proceedings, and disputes involving the CBUAE, including all relevant interactions and correspondence with courts, judicial authorities, and other competent bodies. Assess disputes and potential claims involving the CBUAE, evaluate associated legal risks and exposure, and recommend appropriate legal strategies and courses of action. Assess and recommend the initiation of enforcement actions, in coordination with the relevant Business Units (BUs) and stakeholders, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and CBUAE policies. Develop, draft, review, and lead litigation, legal pleadings, statements of defence, claims, memoranda, submissions, appeals, and other legal documents required to protect CBUAE's interests. Manage dispute resolution processes, including negotiations, settlement discussions, mediation, and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, where appropriate and in the best interests of the CBUAE. Coordinate continuously with the Ministry of Justice, courts, judicial authorities, enforcement departments, and external advocates, as required, to ensure the effective management and resolution of disputes. Monitor the progress of litigation and dispute matters, including procedural deadlines, hearings, judgments, appeals, and enforcement proceedings, ensuring timely and appropriate action. Review court judgments, arbitral awards, and other decisions affecting the CBUAE, assess their legal implications, and recommend appropriate follow-up actions, including appeals or enforcement, where applicable. Identify, assess, and monitor legal, financial, operational, and reputational risks arising from disputes and litigation, and provide recommendations to mitigate such risks. Manage and coordinate with relevant internal stakeholders, including BUs, to gather facts, obtain supporting documents and evidence, assess legal positions, and ensure the timely provision of information required for dispute handling. Appoint, instruct, coordinate with, and oversee externallaw firms and advocates where legal work is outsourced, ensuring the quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of their services and alignment with the CBUAE's legal strategy. Draft, review, and assess legal opinions, pleadings, submissions, and other deliverables prepared by external counsel, and ensure that the advice and proposed actions adequately protect the CBUAE's legal interests. Maintain an up-to-date register of litigation cases and disputes, monitor key milestones and deadlines, and prepare periodic reports on case status, risk exposure, outcomes, and recommended actions. Advise relevant stakeholders on dispute prevention, contractual risks, potential liabilities, and appropriate measures to minimise the likelihood of litigation and legal claims against the CBUAE. Review, analyse, and interpret applicable laws, regulations, contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and other legal instruments relevant to disputes, litigation, and enforcement matters, ensuring that the CBUAE's legal interests are adequately protected. Support the development and improvement of internal policies, procedures, and guidelines relating to litigation management, dispute resolution, enforcement, and engagement with external legal counsel. Ensure the proper maintenance, confidentiality, and preservation of litigation files, legal records, evidence, and related documentation in accordance with applicable legal and internal requirements. Support the management of relationships with internal and external stakeholders within the scope of responsibility, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and timely resolution of legal matters. Perform any other duties related to the scope of work, as assigned. Qualifications and Experience Bachelor’s degree in law. 5 to 8 years of relevant experience as in-house legal counsel and/or at a large law firm. Financial services regulatory experience recommended and one of the following areas of expertise is also preferred: prudential/supervision, AMLCTF, market conduct, money and capital markets, or payment systems Knowledge and understanding of UAE financial sector laws and regulations. Legal experience in the UAE banking sector is preferred. Proficiency in English and Arabic. The CBUAE offers you the opportunity to join an interdisciplinary and multinational team with diverse backgrounds and experiences. You will work in a dynamic environment alongside some of the leading financial and regulatory experts in the industry. If this role aligns with your qualification and career aspirations, please apply by attaching your CV. / please submit your application along with your CV. Show more Show less