Legal Counsel (Dubai-based) in London

About The Company

We’re a fast‑growing global holding company focused on acquiring and scaling B2B software companies worldwide. Our mission is simple: empower businesses to reach their full potential by providing strategic support and operational excellence. With a diverse portfolio of companies, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, growth, and value creation.

About The Role

The Legal Counsel will be critical in providing expert legal advice and hands‑on execution for Balio’s global acquisition strategy and the ongoing corporate governance of Balio HQ and its portfolio companies (Portcos). This role is expected to support and drive deal execution, manage equity structuring, and ensure strong contract management across the group.

• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Leadership

• Deal Execution: Lead and execute global acquisitions from the initial Non‑Disclosure Agreement (NDA) through closing (including NDAs, Letters of Intent (LOIs), due diligence, and final agreements).
• Due Diligence (DD): Lead all legal due diligence processes, ensuring thorough investigation and mitigation of risks aligned with Balio’s risk standards.
• Integration & Post‑Close: Advise on post‑acquisition integration activities, including transitional services agreements, policy alignment, and establishing effective governance structures for newly acquired entities.

• Portfolio & Commercial Advisory

• Commercial Support: Serve as a pragmatic advisor to General Managers and portfolio companies on key commercial and software agreements.
• Risk Guidance: Provide templates, review commercial contracts, and offer practical, business‑minded risk guidance to enable growth across the Portco landscape.

• Governance & Corporate Finance

• Corporate Governance: Maintain and ensure corporate governance compliance across all group entities, including managing board documentation, director oversight, and statutory group filings.
• Fundraising Support: Actively support company fundraising activities, including drafting and managing documentation related to equity raises, debt facilities, and investor relations.

• Additional Responsibilities

• Corporate Structuring: Advise on complex intercompany arrangements, shareholder documentation, and internal reorganisations to maintain structural consistency across the group (outside of dedicated fundraising).
• General Legal & Risk: Provide support on matters related to insurance, dispute resolution, Intellectual Property (IP) protection, and developing internal legal policies.
• Compliance & Data Privacy: Oversee and coordinate compliance standards and data privacy matters with Finance and IT teams across various jurisdictions.
• Employment Legal: Support HR on key people matters, including employment contracts, sensitive terminations, and restructures, leveraging external counsel where necessary.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Experience Level: 6–10 years of professional legal experience, with a strong corporate and M&A focus.
• Sector Background: Experience gained within tech, software, or an investment group environment is strongly preferred.
• Transactional Expertise: Strong UK and US transactional experience is essential. Exposure to CAD, NZ, or UAE legal jurisdictions is a plus.
• M&A Track Record: Proven ability to manage the full M&A cycle from LOI, diligence, documentation to close & integration.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with cross‑border structuring, corporate governance, shareholder/equity documentation, and capital (debt/equity) transactions.
• Commercial Models: Familiarity with SaaS / recurring‑revenue and software licence models is highly desirable.
• Training: Top‑tier law firm training is essential. Prior experience as in‑house counsel or portfolio‑company counsel is ideal.