QRM | Legal Counsel | Senior

Deloitte, established globally in 1845, is the world’s largest and leading professional services firm, providing audit and assurance, tax, consulting, financial advisory, and risk advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. We are present in more than 150 countries, and as the world's largest management consulting business, Deloitte is distinct in its ability to help clients solve their most complex problems, from strategy to implementation.

Deloitte has a proud legacy in the Middle East region, with an uninterrupted presence since 1926, and is present across 23 offices in 15 countries with 7,000+ professionals in the Levant region and the wider GCC.

We have served as trusted advisors for clients for almost 100 years and contributed to the advancements and growth of the professional services industry in the region.

We have received numerous awards in the last few years, such as Brand Finance’s strongest and most valuable "commercial services" brand in the world for the 6th consecutive year (2024), the Great Place to Work® and Best Workplaces™ in the UAE (2022-2023), the Great Place to Work® and Best Workplaces™ in the KSA (2022-2023), "World’s Most Attractive Employers" (2023), the Middle East Tax Firm of the year (2023). These awards are a recognition of how Deloitte makes an impact that matters to its clients, talent, and society.

We invest in outstanding people of diverse talents and backgrounds and empower them to achieve more than they could elsewhere. Our work combines advice with action and integrity. We believe that when our clients and society are stronger, so are we. Our organization has grown in scale and diversity, providing services across the region, with our shared culture remaining the same. We aim to help clients realize their ambitions, make a positive difference in society, and maximize the success of our people. This drive fuels the commitment and humanity that run deep through our every action.

Our Purpose

Deloitte makes an impact that matters. Every day we challenge ourselves to do what matters most—for clients, for our people, and for society. We serve clients distinctively, bringing innovative insights, solving complex challenges, and unlocking sustainable growth. We inspire our talented professionals to deliver outstanding value to clients, providing an exceptional career experience and an inclusive and collaborative culture. We contribute to society, building confidence and trust in the markets, upholding the integrity of organizations, and supporting our communities.

Our shared values guide the way we behave to make a positive, enduring impact:

• Lead the way
• Serve with integrity
• Take care of each other
• Foster inclusion
• Collaborate for measurable impact
  
  

The successful candidate will be supporting the client facing teams within contractual and commercial negotiations, as well as supporting practitioners on engagement risk management. The role will also involve supporting the business on jurisdictional legislation across the Middle East (including Free Zones). This is a unique opportunity to engage in cross-border collaboration with Deloitte professionals across the Deloitte network, broadening your knowledge and building your competencies and skills.

• Reviewing and negotiating engagement contracts, including Master Service Agreements and Framework Agreements (both Deloitte terms and client-imposed terms) including direct discussions with clients and their legal advisers
• Reviewing of Non-Disclosure Agreements, hold harmless letters, Deloitte inter-firm agreements, sub-contractor agreements and teaming agreements
• Reviewing of supplier/vendor contracts to support the business procurement requirements
• Responding to legal, jurisdictional and regulatory changes, reviewing existing and developing new policies and procedures
• Answering ad-hoc risk and legal queries
• Developing a deep understanding of our service offerings and developing a good understanding of our contractual risk tolerances in the context of commercial negotiations
• Working as a business partner, developing practical commercial solutions for Deloitte’s business and client service teams - enabling them to provide excellent client service while managing Deloitte’s risk
• Work, including independently, within an environment where requirements change frequently and therefore this role is also likely to change and expand with time
• Supporting the Quality and Risk Management team in its advice to Deloitte’s senior management and practitioners on general legal and risk management issues, based on an understanding and appreciation of the key business risks
• Assisting with legal policy changes (including changes to Deloitte standard terms and conditions as and when necessary)
• Drafting, implementing and maintaining standard contracting procedures and processes
• Maintaining the library of Deloitte’s contractual templates
• Maintaining policies and procedures
• Building a network throughout the risk functions across the member firms
  
  

Leadership Capabilities

• Builds own understanding of our purpose and values; explores opportunities for impact
• Demonstrates strong commitment to personal learning and development; acts as a brand ambassador to help attract top talent
• Understands expectations and demonstrates personal accountability for keeping performance on track
• Actively focuses on developing effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Understands how their daily work contributes to the priorities of the team and the business
  
  

Qualifications

• Undergraduate and/or Postgraduate degree from a reputable University in Law or related disciplines
• Relevant 5 - 7 years post-qualification experience (PQE).
• Undergraduate and/or Postgraduate degree from a reputable University in Law or related disciplines
• We will consider candidates who are qualified lawyers, with 5+ years experience in negotiating commercial contracts, ideally in a professional services organization or a risk/compliance/regulatory environment
• Fast-paced and focused on finding solutions within legal bounds. (Tax specific)
• Experience of international and Middle East jurisdictional laws (including data protection laws) would be considered an advantage
• Excellent command of the English language, both verbal and written (Knowledge of Arabic language is preferable)
• Ability to manage a demanding workload effectively and to be responsive
• Strong time management skills with ability to priorities workload and work under pressure with a flexible approach
• Excellent attention to detail with a commitment to finishing tasks to the highest standards
• Ability to quickly assess the risk areas and recommend ways of mitigating or managing them
• Analytical skills - ability to use judgment, analyze facts and draw logical conclusions
• Good level of technical proficiency and computer literacy particularly with spreadsheets (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Understands expectations and demonstrates personal accountability for keeping performance on track
• Actively focuses on developing effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Understands how their daily work contributes to the priorities of the team and the business