Location: Manama, Bahrain
Industry: Hospitality & Property Management
Experience Required: Minimum 5 years
Reporting to: General Counsel / Head of Legal
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Legal Manager to oversee all legal affairs related to our hospitality and property management operations for a client company in Bahrain. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of local laws, commercial and real estate regulations, and hospitality-specific legal considerations. You will be instrumental in providing strategic legal guidance, ensuring compliance, managing contracts, and mitigating risk across our growing portfolio.
Role & Responsibilities:
- Review and draft all types of legal documents such as standard contracts, correspondences, terms and conditions, policies, procedures, forms, incorporation documents, to ensure accuracy and reliability of documents.
- Perform research and provide summaries and trainings on various areas of law and update standard documentation accordingly.
- Prepare briefs for lawyers and external counsels along with providing any required information, to handle Bank and its subsidiaries’ legal matters.
- Follow up on the progress, monitor and keep track of all court cases filed against or on behalf of the bank and its subsidiaries, maintain an up to date litigation register, generate reports and work closely with the Head of Legal & Board Secretary to define a strategic defence and the settlement of disputes where warranted.
- Support the development of long-term compliance strategies and drive compliance-related standards and procedures that support legal and operational compliance with all laws, regulations, policies and procedures and ensures adherence.
- Liaise with external legal service providers/lawyers in order to strategies/mitigate/resolve legal issues in an expedited manner and achieve the best possible outcome and level of recovery of default amounts.
- Provide counsel and assistance to the Remedial Department in relation to the bank’s court cases.
- Assist with the portion of the digital transformation project relevant to the Legal Department.
- Maintain a record of all corporate and commercial documents, agreements, property papers and rights agreements etc. including certified copies obtained from various authorities in safe custody.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with external counsel who provide legal services to the Bank Foster professional, cooperative, and supportive relationships with peers, superiors, and internal clients Prepare, review, edit and proofread a variety of documents.
- Take notes, prepare correspondence, reports and datasheets.
- Undertake any special assignments as required by the Head of Legal and Board Secretary from time to time.
- Define performance goals at the start of the year in discussion with the reporting manager and ensure that the goals are achieved during the year.
- Identify the training and development requirements for self and agree on them with the reporting manager to ensure that the required trainings are arranged and attended.
Qualification Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law. Master’s Degree in Law is preferrable.
- Professional Certifications: Licensed to practice law in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Job Requirements:
- Provide legal advice and support on a wide range of issues related to hospitality operations, property management, commercial leases, and development agreements.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts including service agreements, vendor contracts, lease agreements, MOUs, NDAs, management contracts, and licensing deals.
- Ensure company compliance with all relevant Bahraini laws, including those related to real estate, labor, tenancy, tourism, and commercial operations.
- Liaise with external legal counsel, regulatory bodies, and government authorities as needed.
- Oversee dispute resolution processes including litigation, arbitration, and settlement negotiations where required.
- Assist in the development and implementation of internal legal policies, templates, and compliance programs.
- Conduct legal risk assessments for new projects, partnerships, and property developments.
- Support senior leadership in M&A, joint ventures, or restructuring activities if applicable.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB); a Master’s degree or LLM is a plus.
- Minimum of 5 years of post-qualification legal experience, preferably with a focus on hospitality and property management.
- In-depth knowledge of Bahrain’s commercial, real estate, and labor laws.
- Experience with government regulations, licensing, and contract law in Bahrain.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
- Fluency in English is essential; Arabic language skills are a plus.