Legal Specialist

About the job

A top 5 international financial institution is seeking to appoint a
Legal Specialist
, based in Manama, Bahrain, to support its regional operations across the Middle East. The Legal Specialist will offer legal support and advice to the regional business, addressing a broad range of legal matters, managing risk exposure, and contributing to the governance and corporate secretarial functions of the organization.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide legal guidance and operational support to the organization, including the review and negotiation of contracts, oversight of external counsel, and ensuring adherence to local legal and regulatory requirements.
• Design and implement processes to improve efficiency, automate and standardize recurring legal tasks, develop negotiation playbooks, and produce management information on key legal activities.
• Prepare, maintain, and deliver training on legal frameworks, internal policies, and procedural documentation.
• Anticipate and manage legal risks arising from the organization's activities, including the early identification of potential issues and active participation in the resolution of disputes.
• Carry out transactional due diligence, draft and assess legal opinions, assist with litigation matters, oversee corporate governance and secretarial responsibilities, and coordinate assignments handled by external counsel.
• Ensure compliance with global legal standards and policies, manage legal reporting processes, and provide ongoing legal education to employees.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments across the Middle East and advise the business on potential implications for its operations.
• Implement technology-driven improvements within the Legal department and act as a thought leader in advancing innovation across the function.

Qualifications:

• Qualified lawyer under a common law jurisdiction, with a minimum of four years post-qualification experience (PQE).
• Excellent command of the English language, with demonstrated expertise in legal drafting and communication.
• Prior experience within a multinational or listed organization, preferably in an in-house capacity.
• Sound understanding of Middle Eastern legal systems, with experience navigating complex regulatory environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within set timelines.
• Technologically adept, with experience implementing legal tech or process optimization initiatives.
• Proficiency in French or Arabic is advantageous, not essential.