Associate Director – Senior Legal Counsel (Litigation) – Doha

About the role

EY is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel – Litigation to join its MENA Legal team in Doha, Qatar. Reporting to the MENA General Counsel, the role is part of EY’s global legal function and will manage a diverse caseload across the region, providing strategic advice and representing the firm in both civil and common‑law contexts.

Key responsibilities

• Lead all phases of litigation, from pre‑litigation strategy through trial preparation and settlement negotiations.
• Provide expert legal advice to internal stakeholders, aligning with commercial and strategic priorities.
• Develop case strategies, assess risks, and recommend settlement options.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Oversee external counsel, monitoring costs, progress, and service quality.
• Identify legal risks and implement proactive mitigation measures.
• Conduct legal research and draft/review pleadings, motions, briefs and other documents.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and mentor junior legal staff.
• Advise service lines such as real estate, procurement, finance, HR, IT and marketing on legal matters.

Required profile

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree; admitted to practice in a MENA country or a common‑law jurisdiction with MENA experience.
• 15+ years post‑qualification litigation experience in a corporate environment or leading law firm.
• Strong expertise in complex commercial, regulatory and professional disputes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy abilities.
• High professionalism, credibility and trust‑building capacity.
• Analytical and strategic thinking; ability 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.

Required skills