81 General Counsel jobs in Saudi Arabia

Foreground is partnering with a fast-growing Saudi conglomerate with operations in infrastructure, real estate, manufacturing, and energy services to appoint a legally seasoned and commercially attuned General Counsel , based in Riyadh. This role will serve as the group's chief legal advisor, tasked with protecting the company's interests, enabling strategic transactions, and establishing a legal function that is both proactive and aligned with the complexities of operating across regulated sectors in the Kingdom.

To establish and lead a best-in-class legal department, managing legal strategy, corporate governance, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance across all group companies and jurisdictions, while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the board.

• Lead all legal matters including corporate structuring, contract negotiation, M&A, litigation, regulatory compliance, and governance support across the group.
• Advise the board, executive leadership, and business units on legal risk exposure, regulatory changes, and major commercial negotiations.
• Oversee legal due diligence and documentation for joint ventures, investment partnerships, land acquisitions, and construction contracts.
• Review and standardize commercial contracts, supplier agreements, shareholder agreements, and NDAs across subsidiaries.
• Ensure group-wide compliance with Saudi commercial, labor, tax, competition, and sector-specific laws.
• Manage external legal counsel relationships and ensure cost-effective legal support across jurisdictions.
• Coordinate with internal audit, compliance, and governance functions to align legal oversight with enterprise risk frameworks.
• Provide legal input on IPO preparation, governance reform, and potential international expansion strategies.

• 15+ years of legal experience, with at least 5+ years in a senior in-house or general counsel role in a diversified Saudi business environment.
• Strong knowledge of Saudi corporate law, commercial litigation, real estate transactions, and regulatory frameworks relevant to government contracting and investment holding.
• Bachelors degree in Law from a recognized institution; LLM or postgraduate qualification preferred.
• Licensed to practice law in Saudi Arabia, with deep familiarity with court procedures, arbitration, and regulatory engagement.
• Experience advising C-suite executives and boards, with the maturity to manage sensitive, high-impact decisions.

• Structured, principled, and commercially aware legal thinker.
• Confident negotiator and consensus-builder, able to manage complex stakeholder dynamics.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, with strong legal drafting ability in both languages.

• Corporate Governance
• Subsidiaries
• Compliance
• Dynamics
• Operations
• Mitigation
• Acquisitions
• Contract Negotiation
• Business Units
• Oversight
• Due Diligence
• Internal Audit
• Regulatory Compliance
• Real Estate
• Arabic
• Partnerships
• Energy
• Tax
• Government
• Infrastructure
• Manufacturing
• Strategy
• Construction
• Negotiation
• Preparation
• Documentation
• Business
• English
• Leadership

Overview

As General Counsel, you will be a pivotal strategic advisor to the Group CEO and Board, overseeing all legal aspects of the expanding real estate and investment portfolio. The role offers a unique opportunity to build and lead the organisation's in-house legal function, ensuring compliance, managing risk, and supporting key business transactions and strategic objectives.

• Act as a strategic legal partner to the CEO and senior executives on corporate, investment, and transactional matters.
• Lead and manage all legal aspects of the company's real estate development, investment, and corporate governance activities.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex legal contracts including real estate development, finance, and M&A agreements.
• Ensure full legal compliance with KSA regulations, including CMA, Ministry of Commerce, and real estate laws.
• Oversee and manage external legal counsel relationships, ensuring cost-effectiveness and high-quality service.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing in-house team of legal professionals.
• Develop and implement robust legal risk assessment frameworks and mitigation strategies across the group.

• Minimum 8 - 10 years of legal experience, with expertise in corporate, investment, and transactional law.
• Must have current or prior legal work experience in Saudi Arabia (KSA).
• Must be bilingual in English and Arabic (spoken and written).
• Demonstrated experience in real estate, capital markets, or financial services is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to provide strategic legal advice to C-level executives/Boards as well as build and lead a legal function.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, capital markets regulations, and complex commercial transactions.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, risk management, and communication skills; must be able to simplify complex legal issues for business.

• Attractive compensation package.
• Opportunity to work closely with leadership in an exciting organisation.

• real estate
• capital markets
• corporate law
• transactions law
• investment

As General Counsel, you will be a pivotal strategic advisor to the Group CEO and Board, overseeing all legal aspects of the expanding real estate and investment portfolio. The role offers a unique opportunity to build and lead the organisation's in-house legal function, ensuring compliance, managing risk, and supporting key business transactions and strategic objectives.

• Act as a strategic legal partner to the CEO and senior executives on corporate, investment, and transactional matters.
• Lead and manage all legal aspects of the company's real estate development, investment, and corporate governance activities.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex legal contracts including real estate development, finance, and M&A agreements.
• Ensure full legal compliance with KSA regulations, including CMA, Ministry of Commerce, and real estate laws.
• Oversee and manage external legal counsel relationships, ensuring cost-effectiveness and high-quality service.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing in-house team of legal professionals.
• Develop and implement robust legal risk assessment frameworks and mitigation strategies across the group.

• Minimum 8 - 10 years of legal experience, with expertise in corporate, investment, and transactional law.
• Must have current or prior legal work experience in Saudi Arabia (KSA).
• Must be bilingual in English and Arabic (spoken and written).
• Demonstrated experience in real estate, capital markets, or financial services is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to provide strategic legal advice to C-level executives/Boards as well as build and lead a legal function.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, capital markets regulations, and complex commercial transactions.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, risk management, and communication skills; must be able to simplify complex legal issues for business.

• Attractive compensation package.
• Opportunity to work closely with leadership in an exciting organisation.

• real estate
• capital markets
• corporate law
• transactions law
• investment

Location: Riyadh

Other locations: Primary Location Only

Date: Sep 12, 2025

Requisition ID:

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 to build a better working world

As a large, sophisticated professional services organization, everything we do comes down to having the right people with the right skills in the right place. As a Legal Associate, you’ll support us in making it happen. The General Counsel Office, the in-house legal function of this large Professional Services Organization is dedicated to the provision of world class in-house legal services to the organization’s service lines and regions.

The GCO Associate will report to a MENA Legal Counsel and support the organization’s member firms in MENA. The MENA region includes Saudi Arabia (KSA), UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. You’ll be part of the region’s legal team and is expected to provide services to the business across the region. This role will be based in Riyadh, KSA.

This is a role for a law degree graduate with up to 4 post qualification experience. Experience with domestic and international clients is a plus.

• Deliver and assist in delivering legal advice and assistance in all practice areas of MENA including corporate and litigation
• Draft and participate in commercial contracts negotiations with clients and service providers and elevate legal risks to management
• Act as trusted advisor and develop relationships with all relevant business stakeholders and team
• Support legal function and team and promote the teamwork & cross-support working between the organization’s in-house counsels within MENA and globally
• Advise, draft and negotiating negotiate various legal related aspects of client matters including contracts, master service agreements and tenders
• Assist in reviewing, amending and implementing changes to policies, procedures and standard documentation in light of legal developments

• Unquestioned ethics, integrity and adherence to strict confidentiality
• Pragmatic with strong business acumen
• Demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic attitude
• High level of self-confidence and energy
• High level of intellectual agility, initiative, self-motivation, resourcefulness, and patience
• Degree in law (graduate, paralegal, associate level) or lawyer qualified to practice law in KSA
• Up to 3 years of post-qualification legal experience, preferably with a multi-national corporation or an international law firm in KSA
• Attention to detail in all aspects
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic
• Developed commercial awareness with an outcome orientated approach
• Ability to apply legal principles pragmatically and learn how to evaluate and negotiate contracts
• Strong personal communication skills
• Effective planning and organising skills to prioritise key areas of responsibility, tasks and projects
• The ability to keep calm in a crisis and to cope well with conflicting deadlines
• Strong teaming spirit with solid commitment to professionalism and flexibility in approach

• People management and development experience

We are looking for people who can combine, great listening skills, collaboration, influencing and commercial acumen. Being able thrive in an ever changing, diverse, multi-cultural environment where we expect exceptional quality and show passion for your work will set you up for success.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. We also offer:

• Exposure to some of the greatest colleagues and clients in the industry
• Support, feedback and coaching in a culture that values operational excellence
• Career potential to grow both within the MENA region and globally
• A culture that will encourage you to grow you skills and strengths for your own betterment as well as that or EY

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 is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.

Location: Riyadh

Other locations: Primary Location Only

Date: Sep 12, 2025

Requisition ID:

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 to build a better working world

As a large, sophisticated professional services organization, everything we do comes down to having the right people with the right skills in the right place. As a Legal Associate, you'll support us in making it happen. The General Counsel Office, the in-house legal function of this large Professional Services Organization is dedicated to the provision of world class in-house legal services to the organization's service lines and regions.

The GCO Associate will report to a MENA Legal Counsel and support the organization's member firms in MENA. The MENA region includes Saudi Arabia (KSA), UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. You'll be part of the region's legal team and is expected to provide services to the business across the region. This role will be based in Riyadh, KSA.

This is a role for a law degree graduate with up to 4 post qualification experience. Experience with domestic and international clients is a plus.

• Deliver and assist in delivering legal advice and assistance in all practice areas of MENA including corporate and litigation
• Draft and participate in commercial contracts negotiations with clients and service providers and elevate legal risks to management
• Act as trusted advisor and develop relationships with all relevant business stakeholders and team
• Support legal function and team and promote the teamwork & cross-support working between the organization's in-house counsels within MENA and globally
• Advise, draft and negotiating negotiate various legal related aspects of client matters including contracts, master service agreements and tenders
• Assist in reviewing, amending and implementing changes to policies, procedures and standard documentation in light of legal developments

• Unquestioned ethics, integrity and adherence to strict confidentiality
• Pragmatic with strong business acumen
• Demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic attitude
• High level of self-confidence and energy
• High level of intellectual agility, initiative, self-motivation, resourcefulness, and patience
• Degree in law (graduate, paralegal, associate level) or lawyer qualified to practice law in KSA
• Up to 3 years of post-qualification legal experience, preferably with a multi-national corporation or an international law firm in KSA
• Attention to detail in all aspects
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic
• Developed commercial awareness with an outcome orientated approach
• Ability to apply legal principles pragmatically and learn how to evaluate and negotiate contracts
• Strong personal communication skills
• Effective planning and organising skills to prioritise key areas of responsibility, tasks and projects
• The ability to keep calm in a crisis and to cope well with conflicting deadlines
• Strong teaming spirit with solid commitment to professionalism and flexibility in approach

• People management and development experience

We are looking for people who can combine, great listening skills, collaboration, influencing and commercial acumen. Being able thrive in an ever changing, diverse, multi-cultural environment where we expect exceptional quality and show passion for your work will set you up for success.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. We also offer:

• Exposure to some of the greatest colleagues and clients in the industry
• Support, feedback and coaching in a culture that values operational excellence
• Career potential to grow both within the MENA region and globally
• A culture that will encourage you to grow you skills and strengths for your own betterment as well as that or EY

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 is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.

Background

Our client, a leading institutional investor with one of the largest and most diversified portfolios in the GCC, is seeking to appoint a General Counsel to lead its legal function, based in Riyadh . Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior executive position with broad responsibility for all legal matters related to the company’s investment transactions, operations, and governance.

Operating at the forefront of the Kingdom’s long-term economic transformation, the organisation plays a pivotal role in both Saudi and international markets, with exposure across public and private asset classes. The General Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor to the Board and executive leadership, oversee internal and external counsel, and ensure robust compliance across jurisdictions.

• Lead all legal aspects of complex investment transactions including M&A, joint ventures, fund formation, and structured finance.
• Act as the principal legal advisor to the Board, CEO, CIOs, and Committees on corporate, investment, governance, and regulatory matters.
• Negotiate and coordinate with international and local law firms to ensure high-quality legal support across diverse sectors and jurisdictions.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and control frameworks that support high-velocity investment execution.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant Saudi, GCC, and international laws and regulatory developments.
• Build and mentor a high-performing legal team and foster a culture of commercial awareness and legal excellence.
• Support key strategic partnerships with sovereign funds, corporates, and financial institutions both locally and globally.

• Strong expertise in cross-border M&A, corporate finance, private equity, and public equity structures.
• Currently serving as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, or Head of Legal at a major investment institution, sovereign fund, or financial group (this role is not a developmental step-up).
• At least 10+ years of legal experience, including time at a leading international law firm or in-house within a fund, asset manager, or capital arm of a bank.
• Qualified lawyer in a recognized jurisdiction (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UK, US, Canada, etc.); Saudi legal accreditation preferred.
• Experience spanning both international and Saudi legal frameworks, with deep familiarity with CMA, SAMA, and MISA. Direct transactional experience in Saudi Arabia is essential.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, with the ability to operate seamlessly in both legal and business contexts.
• A track record of leadership in respected institutions with evidence of stability and long-term value creation

General Counsel (Chief Legal Officer), Sovereign Institutional Investor - Riyadh

Our client, a leading institutional investor with one of the largest and most diversified portfolios in the GCC, is seeking to appoint a General Counsel to lead its legal function, based in Riyadh . Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior executive position with broad responsibility for all legal matters related to the company’s investment transactions, operations, and governance.

Operating at the forefront of the Kingdom’s long-term economic transformation, the organisation plays a pivotal role in both Saudi and international markets, with exposure across public and private asset classes. The General Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor to the Board and executive leadership, oversee internal and external counsel, and ensure robust compliance across jurisdictions.

• Lead all legal aspects of complex investment transactions including M&A, joint ventures, fund formation, and structured finance.
• Act as the principal legal advisor to the Board, CEO, CIOs, and Committees on corporate, investment, governance, and regulatory matters.
• Negotiate and coordinate with international and local law firms to ensure high-quality legal support across diverse sectors and jurisdictions.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and control frameworks that support high-velocity investment execution.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant Saudi, GCC, and international laws and regulatory developments.
• Build and mentor a high-performing legal team and foster a culture of commercial awareness and legal excellence.
• Support key strategic partnerships with sovereign funds, corporates, and financial institutions both locally and globally.

• Strong expertise in cross-border M&A, corporate finance, private equity, and public equity structures.
• Currently serving as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, or Head of Legal at a major investment institution, sovereign fund, or financial group (this role is not a developmental step-up).
• At least 10+ years of legal experience, including time at a leading international law firm or in-house within a fund, asset manager, or capital arm of a bank.
• Experience spanning both international and Saudi legal frameworks, with deep familiarity with CMA, SAMA, and MISA. Direct transactional experience in Saudi Arabia is essential.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, with the ability to operate seamlessly in both legal and business contexts.
• A track record of leadership in respected institutions with evidence of stability and long-term value creation

• Executive

• Full-time

• Legal and Finance

• Investment Management, Financial Services, and Legal Services

Our client, a leading institutional investor with one of the largest and most diversified portfolios in the GCC, is seeking to appoint a General Counsel to lead its legal function, based in Riyadh . Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior executive position with broad responsibility for all legal matters related to the company's investment transactions, operations, and governance.

Operating at the forefront of the Kingdom's long-term economic transformation, the organisation plays a pivotal role in both Saudi and international markets, with exposure across public and private asset classes. The General Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor to the Board and executive leadership, oversee internal and external counsel, and ensure robust compliance across jurisdictions.

• Lead all legal aspects of complex investment transactions including M&A, joint ventures, fund formation, and structured finance.
• Act as the principal legal advisor to the Board, CEO, CIOs, and Committees on corporate, investment, governance, and regulatory matters.
• Negotiate and coordinate with international and local law firms to ensure high-quality legal support across diverse sectors and jurisdictions.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and control frameworks that support high-velocity investment execution.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant Saudi, GCC, and international laws and regulatory developments.
• Build and mentor a high-performing legal team and foster a culture of commercial awareness and legal excellence.
• Support key strategic partnerships with sovereign funds, corporates, and financial institutions both locally and globally.

• Strong expertise in cross-border M&A, corporate finance, private equity, and public equity structures.
• Currently serving as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, or Head of Legal at a major investment institution, sovereign fund, or financial group (this role is not a developmental step-up).
• At least 10+ years of legal experience, including time at a leading international law firm or in-house within a fund, asset manager, or capital arm of a bank.
• Qualified lawyer in a recognized jurisdiction (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UK, US, Canada, etc.); Saudi legal accreditation preferred.
• Experience spanning both international and Saudi legal frameworks, with deep familiarity with CMA, SAMA, and MISA. Direct transactional experience in Saudi Arabia is essential.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, with the ability to operate seamlessly in both legal and business contexts.
• A track record of leadership in respected institutions with evidence of stability and long-term value creation