Associate Director - MENA Legal team - Senior Legal Counsel Litigation - Doha

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence.

We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go.

Join EY and help build a better working world.

The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel – Litigation to join our dynamic MENA Legal team, based in Doha, Qatar. This role reports to the MENA General Counsel and forms part of EY’s global legal function.

The successful candidate will manage a diverse caseload across the MENA region, providing strategic legal advice, managing regulatory and litigation matters, and representing the firm in both civil and common law contexts. This role requires exceptional experience in handling complex litigation cases, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Litigation Management: Lead all aspects of litigation, including pre-litigation strategy, pleadings, discovery, trial preparation, and settlement negotiations across commercial, regulatory, and professional disputes.
• Legal Advice: Provide expert guidance to internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment with legal, commercial, and strategic priorities.
• Case Strategy Development: Evaluate case merits, assess risks, and advise on settlement options.
• Compliance & Regulatory Affairs: Ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Stay updated on legal developments impacting the firm.
• External Counsel Management: Oversee external law firms, monitoring costs, progress, and quality of services.
• Risk Management: Identify legal risks associated with disputes and provide proactive mitigation strategies.
• Legal Research & Drafting: Conduct thorough research and draft, review, and amend legal documents, including pleadings, motions, briefs, and submissions.
• Collaboration & Training: Work with cross-functional teams and provide guidance to junior legal members on litigation strategy and risk mitigation.
• General Legal Support: Advise the firm’s service lines and internal functions such as real estate, procurement, finance, HR, IT, and marketing. Act as the legal lead on firm-wide projects where applicable.

Skills And Attributes For Success

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree; admitted to practice in a MENA country or a common law jurisdiction (e.g., UK/US) with MENA experience.
• 15+ years post-qualification experience in litigation within a corporate environment or leading law firm.
• Strong expertise in complex litigation, civil law, common law, and regulatory matters.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• High level of professionalism, credibility, and trust-building capabilities.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills; able to work independently under tight deadlines.
• Experience managing external counsel and legal budgets.
• Bilingual fluency in Arabic and English (spoken and written).
• High ethical standards and integrity.

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Have sector experience in professional (audit) or financial services.
• Knowledge of international arbitration and cross-border dispute resolution.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and build credibility across all levels.

What We Look For

• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and strong leadership in litigation and risk management.
• Adaptability and composure under pressure with changing deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset.
• Collaborative team player with excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Flexibility to work beyond standard business hours as required.

What We Offer You

• Opportunity to work on high-profile, complex legal matters.
• Continuous learning and skill development to navigate evolving challenges.
• Flexibility and empowerment to make a meaningful impact.
• Exposure to transformative leadership, coaching, and guidance.
• Inclusive, diverse, and supportive culture across globally connected teams.
• Occasional travel within the MENA region.
• Office-based role with flexibility to work remotely as needed.

At EY, we’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences. We’ll empower you in a flexible environment and fuel your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

To help create the best experience during the recruitment process, please describe any disability-related adjustments or accommodations you may need.

EY | Building a better working world

EY exists to create long-term value for clients, people, society, and the planet. Enabled by data, AI, and advanced technology, EY teams provide trust and insights across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax, and transactions in over 150 countries.