Associate General Counsel

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

• Provide legal advice to mitigate risk, negotiate and draft contracts, ensure regulatory compliance and support governance across the firm with focus on our Middle East and North Africa operations.
• Assist with the pursuit process, including review of scope, legal and business terms from RFQ/RFP to project inception.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a range of contracts, including consultancy agreements, architectural services contracts, construction and subcontractor agreements, NDAs, joint ventures, and licensing arrangements.
• Advise senior leadership and key stakeholders on legal implications of commercial decisions and contractual obligations and provide support on concerns, negotiations and regulatory issues.
• Liaise with external counsel, government authorities, and clients where necessary.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting the architecture, construction, and professional services sectors in the UAE and wider GCC.
• Assist with the development and application of practices and policies.
• Provide training as required to staff.
• Identify and analyze legal issues, draft key documents and present clear recommendations.
• Maintain compliance with government and industry law requirements for firm operations in the region.
• Assist with the management of the SOM entity structure as well as the acquisition of appropriate licensure, certifications and authorizations as required to conduct business in various countries and locations.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as may be required.

• Actively lead multiple projects and teams.
• Establish as an officewide resource in an area of expertise for market, discipline, or department.
• Directly supervise, train, and mentor team members.
• Create and drive new ways of working through contributing to the development of services, standards, procedures based in an understanding of the business principles that protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

• Licensed to practice law.
• At least 10 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities, in a contracting environment focused on architectural and/or engineering services in the Middle East and North Africa Region.
• In depth understanding of the Middle East and North Africa Regional market and laws.
• Extensive experience drafting and negotiating complex design services agreements with demonstrated experience in the Middle East region.
• Experience working in or with multinational teams across the globe.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to establish trust and credibility across the firm with all levels of stakeholders.
• Multi-tasking skills and ability to remain effective and patient under pressure.
• Independent, proactive, detail-oriented and self-reliant.
• Must be able to collaborate and function in a fast-paced team oriented workplace.
• Computer skills required with knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

SOM offers opportunities to work on transformational projects, competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial and other work/life plans.

At SOM, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We believe an inclusive environment benefits our employees, our firm, and our community, while also enriching and challenging our own thinking about design. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions (Architecture, Interiors, City Design, Graphics, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.

SOM consists of a diverse, interdisciplinary group of architects, engineers, planners, interior designers, and more. We hire talented people who are passionate about design and offer a rewarding career experience.