Legal Counsel (Courts)

Role Overview

Legal Counsel (Courts) at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi. ADGM Courts are the common law courts of Abu Dhabi's International Financial Centre, comprised of a Court of First Instance and a Court of Appeal.

Company Overview

Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts (ADGM Courts) hear and determine civil and commercial claims or disputes falling within Article 13 of ADGM's Founding Law, Abu Dhabi Law No. 4 of 2013 (as amended by Law No. 12 of 2020). These include disputes involving ADGM's entities and those which parties agree in their commercial contracts are to be submitted to ADGM Courts. The Court of Appeal hears appeals from judgments of the Court of First Instance.

Role Purpose

The Legal Counsel supports the Judges, Registrar and Senior Legal Counsel in the review of parties' claim forms and filings, case management, and in providing legal and research assistance on designated projects, with a particular focus on the efficient, effective and timely management of claims.

Key Responsibilities

Case and Document Management

• Support the Chief Justice, Judges, Registrar and Senior Legal Counsel in the analysis of claims and documents to be filed with the Court.
• Assist the Judges in the management of claims.
• Draft court documents and correspondence autonomously, except for complex documents, which require close supervision of the Registrar and Senior Legal Counsel.
• Maintain keen awareness of ADGM Courts' legislation, practices and procedures across all Divisions of the Court.

Research and Documentation Support

• Assist the Registrar and Senior Legal Counsel with research projects.
• Draft judgment summaries, memoranda summarising results of research, procedure manuals and stakeholder presentations.
• Proof read documents as required.

Stakeholder Communication and Guidance

• Support the ADGM Courts Registry Coordinator and other Registry staff in drafting and providing information on court procedures and practices to stakeholders, including legal practitioners, government agencies and the public.
• Respond to oral and written enquiries from parties, lawyers and other stakeholders.
• Communicate decisions, policies and procedures to internal or external parties in a clear, knowledgeable and concise manner.

Process Improvement and Policy Development

• Identify creative ideas for the continuous improvement of systems and processes in the Court.
• Support the Registrar and Case Managers in relation to the enhancement of ADGM Courts' electronic services.
• Maintain keen awareness of the current local and international legislative environment in order to provide up to date and valid input into any policy and legislative changes.
• Assist in the drafting and implementation of changes to ADGM Courts' regulations, policies, processes and procedures.
• Ensure that all relevant procedural and legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a fast, efficient and cost-effective service.

Strategic Initiatives and Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Assist the Registrar in relation to current and new strategic initiatives for ADGM Courts and ADGM's dispute resolution services, including arbitration and mediation.
• Assist as required in the administration of the ADGM Courts Pro Bono and Court-Annexed Mediation Schemes.

Information Security

• Understand, adopt, adhere to and practice responsibilities and controls as per ADGM's Information Security policy and as per best practices explained in induction and awareness sessions.
• Maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of ADGM's information at all times, whether within or outside ADGM.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of ADGM Courts' legislation, practices and procedures.
• Legal research and writing.
• Drafting of court documents, correspondence, judgment summaries and procedural documentation.
• Information security awareness and compliance.