Job Description

The Legal Specialist provides supervised legal assistance to the ADAC Legal team, supporting the application and interpretation of UAE and Abu Dhabi laws, court judgments, and regulatory requirements. The role focuses on delivering commercially focused legal services in a timely and cost-effective manner while supporting ADAC’s operational and strategic objectives as the operator of Abu Dhabi’s Airports.

The position works under the direction of the ADAC Legal Department and collaborates with internal clients on specific matters, either assisting directly or coordinating external legal resources when required. The role also emphasizes professional development, with the goal of becoming a fully capable bilingual (Arabic and English) legal advisor through a structured development program agreed with the General Counsel and HR.

Responsibilities

Legal Support & Advisory

• Provide supervised legal assistance to members of ADAC Legal in a timely, proactive, and efficient manner.
• Assist in the interpretation of UAE and Abu Dhabi laws and court judgments.
• Conduct legal research and compile findings to support case matters.
• Develop and maintain administrative systems to support the research function.
• Prepare submissions to government entities on regulatory matters (as required).
• Liaise with government bodies, including courts, on legal issues.
• Ensure adherence to approved delegation of corporate authority in executing legal documentation.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting ADAC and recommend strategies, procedures, and policies accordingly.
• Assist in policy and procedure development and periodic audits.

Departmental & Strategic Support

• Support development of departmental objectives in line with ADAC’s strategic performance management framework.
• Maintain knowledge of KPIs and their linkage to corporate objectives.
• Provide input into departmental budget preparation.
• Achieve departmental objectives and support colleagues in achieving them.
• Contribute to periodic reports and recommend remedial actions for quality or compliance issues.
• Support change management initiatives within the department.
• Identify and contribute to technology and automation needs within the function.
• Maintain awareness and adherence to departmental policies and procedures.

Professional Development

• Participate in performance appraisals and implement feedback.
• Commit to a structured development program agreed with the General Counsel and HR.
• Proactively seek professional development opportunities to enhance legal and technical skills.

Requirements and Skills

Education & Qualifications

• Law degree from a UAE University.
• Strong knowledge of UAE laws and legal principles.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Legal Services.

Technical Competencies

• Aviation Law expertise.
• Contract drafting and negotiation.
• Regulatory compliance knowledge (local, national, international).
• Legal research proficiency.
• Risk management capability.
• Dispute resolution experience (mediation, arbitration, litigation).
• Corporate governance knowledge.
• Data privacy and security awareness.
• Policy and procedure development.

Core Skills

• Strong communication skills (Arabic and English preferred).
• Attention to detail.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Stakeholder management capability.
• High ethical standards and integrity.