Job Description

Location: Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
Company: Smart Home Realty Development & East DSK Contracting LLC
Department: Legal & Contract Management

Job Summary:

We are looking for a qualified and experienced

Legal Counsel

to oversee all legal and contractual matters across our real estate development and construction businesses. The ideal candidate will be responsible for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating all types of contracts related to development, construction, subcontracting, sales, and regulatory compliance in the UAE. This role requires a strong understanding of FIDIC, UAE civil and commercial law, DLD and RERA regulations, and construction project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

Draft, review, and negotiate: Construction contracts (FIDIC and bespoke) Subcontractor and supplier agreements MOUs, NDAs, Joint Ventures Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPA), Development Agreements (DDA) Consultancy, design, and supervision contracts Liaise with consultants, contractors, authorities, and legal bodies Ensure compliance with UAE laws, DLD/RERA regulations, and escrow requirements Develop contract templates and standard operating procedures Identify legal risks and propose mitigation strategies Handle claims, variations, extensions of time (EOT), and dispute resolution Support tendering process and bid evaluations from a legal perspective Represent the company in arbitration or litigation with external counsel Provide legal advice to management and project teams

Requirements:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Law (preferably civil/commercial law) Minimum 7 years of experience in construction and/or real estate contracts in the UAE Strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts and local construction law Experience dealing with Dubai authorities (RERA, DLD, DM, DEWA) Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage Strong attention to detail, analytical mindset, and negotiation skills

Preferred Qualifications:

UAE legal practice license (optional but preferred) PMP or construction project management experience is a plus Familiarity with free zones and offshore/onshore structuring
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to AED8,000.00 per month