Associate Director - MENA Legal Team - Senior Legal Counsel Litigation

Ernst & Young (EY), a global leader in professional services, is seeking a highly accomplished legal professional for a pivotal leadership role within its Doha, Qatar office. This position represents a unique opportunity for an experienced litigator to join a dynamic regional legal team and play a key role in safeguarding the firm's interests and ensuring legal compliance across a fast-paced and growing market.

Job Description & Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will assume the role of Associate Director within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Legal Team, with a primary focus as the Senior Legal Counsel for Litigation. Core responsibilities will include:

• Leading and Managing Legal Disputes: Overseeing all litigation and legal disputes involving the firm across the region, encompassing commercial litigation, employment disputes, regulatory matters, and arbitration proceedings.
• Strategic and Proactive Planning: Developing and implementing effective strategies for legal risk management and dispute prevention, working closely with various internal business teams across EY.
• Providing Specialized Legal Counsel: Offering high-level, strategic legal advice to executive management and business teams on complex and high-risk issues, ensuring full compliance with local and international laws and regulations.
• Managing External Relationships: Coordinating and supervising the work of external law firms and legal counsel engaged by the firm, ensuring optimal outcomes and adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Development and Training: Contributing to the development of internal legal policies and procedures, and providing guidance and training to firm personnel on relevant legal and compliance topics.
• Firm Representation: Effectively representing EY before judicial courts, arbitration panels, and regulatory bodies as required.

Qualifications & Essential Requirements

To qualify for this senior leadership position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Qualification: A university degree in Law (LL.B. or equivalent) from a recognized institution. A Master of Laws (LL.M.) or other advanced legal professional qualification will be a significant advantage.
• Professional License: Must be a qualified lawyer, licensed to practice. Preference will be given to candidates already admitted to practice in Qatar or who are immediately eligible for admission.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 10 to 15 years of progressive legal experience, with a strong and demonstrable focus on litigation and dispute resolution. Experience should include working in an international corporate environment or a top-tier law firm.
• Regional Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the legal system and regulatory environment in Qatar and the GCC region at large. Experience handling cross-border matters across the MENA region is highly desirable.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead complex casework, manage teams, and perform under pressure to meet strategic objectives.
• Personal Skills: Exceptional communication, analytical, and negotiation skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers. The highest levels of integrity and professionalism are essential.
• Language Proficiency: Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Proficiency in Arabic is a significant and highly valued asset.

Why Work at Ernst & Young (EY)?

Joining EY means becoming part of a global organization that invests in the development of its people. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a stimulating environment that fosters excellence and innovation, with genuine potential for regional and global career progression. EY offers a competitive benefits package commensurate with this level of senior role.

How to Apply

Qualified and ambitious legal professionals who meet the above criteria are encouraged to apply for this exceptional opportunity. Please submit your application through the official platform advertised by the firm (such as Naukrigulf or the EY careers website), including an updated curriculum vitae and a cover letter summarizing your suitability for the role.

Applicants must be willing to work from the Doha, Qatar office. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process.

Disclaimer: All information is based on the official job posting. Final details of the benefits and compensation package will be subject to discussion and internal company policies.