Legal Support Services Manager
Emirates
Total years of experience :14 years, 1 Months
Providing advice and support to internal clients within the Emirates Group, a multinational operation with commercial interests in all continents. Wide ranging legal and regulatory experience including:
- Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements with the aim of ensuring that the Group’s best contractual and commercial position is attained including:
1) Corporate/Commercial: sponsorship agreements, corporate travel agreements, airport lounge leases and transportation agreements, agreements for the purchase of inflight services and products, agency incentive agreements, partnership and catering agreements;
2) IP/brand: promotions, events and talent acquisition agreements, creative advertising, public relations agency agreements and marketing agreements; and
3) IT: software licenses, consultancy agreements and IT services agreements.
- Drafting template agreements including non-disclosure agreements, ad-hoc agreements and master services agreements for the supply and acquisition of products and services.
- Drafting consumer facing terms & conditions, including those relating to on-line retail outlets and loyalty programmes.
- Research and advice on a variety of legal, regulatory and compliance issues.
- Reviewing and updating policies and guidelines relating to legal compliance programmes and drafting of modern slavery statements and securing board approvals for the same.
- Implementing risk-based compliance initiatives including the design, implementation and rollout of online competition law training to Emirates Group employees worldwide; and drafting articles and design of other micro learning tools covering anti-bribery and corruption, antitrust, sanctions and modern slavery laws as part of an annual communication plan.
- Instructing and overseeing external legal counsel in multiple jurisdictions and managing budgets.
Provided legal advice and support to the Regional Legal Counsel and the company’s operations in Europe, Norway, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific, as follows:
- Drafted, reviewed and negotiated commercial agreements including consultancy agreements, joint venture agreements, non-disclosure agreements, novation agreements, licenses and inter-company agreements with the aim of minimising legal risk and ensuring compliance with local and overseas regulations.
- Legal research including the reviewing and monitoring of new and updated laws and regulations and advising the Regional Legal Counsel and/or other departments as required.
- Assisted the Regional Legal Counsel with the management of external legal advisors in a timely and cost efficient manner.
- Developed and implemented corporate compliance programs, including training employees and business associates on the company’s code of conduct and related policies and procedures.
Managed a complex portfolio of over 80 client companies in the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the DIFC in accordance with statutory and legal requirements. Main responsibilities included:
- Advised clients on appropriate corporate vehicles and favourable jurisdictions to meet their specific needs.
- Incorporated new entities and day-day provision of registered office and company secretarial services.
- Prepared and coordinated all documentation required for Members' and Board meetings and drafted Members’ and Board resolutions as required.
- Managed corporate records including changes to shareholdings, directors and officers and maintained copies of constitutional documents in the relevant recording system (GEMS).
- Liaised with relevant government authorities and prepared all forms, documents and applications with respect to on-going compliance and regulatory matters.
Exposed to a variety of commercial and litigation matters as follows:
- Drafted and reviewed agreements such as confidentiality agreements, wills, settlement and release agreements, joint venture agreements, leases and property purchase agreements.
- Drafted various documents including legal notices, claim forms, statements of defence, counter claims and attended arbitration hearings at the Dubai International Arbitration Centre.
- Prepared cases for registration with Dubai Courts, Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Rent Committee.