Job description

A leading law firm in Kuwait, specializing in corporate law and international trade, is seeking a Legal Assistant to work directly with the Executive Director. The successful candidate will manage legal files from inception to completion, ensuring they are submitted for review and approval by the Executive Director. The position primarily involves corporate matters and does not include compensation-related tasks.

The firm has a comprehensive work system: established contract templates, proven methodologies in drafting and reviewing, and clear procedures for each type of file. The candidate is not required to create anything from scratch but should implement and enhance the existing system for each file, following it through to completion with accuracy and timeliness.

Key Responsibilities:

1. File Management:

• Receive client requests, analyze them, and determine the appropriate procedure or template for each request.
• Develop a work plan for each file, execute it, and present the output ready for approval.
• Monitor deadlines and entitlements, organizing files both physically and electronically.

2. Drafting and Reviewing:

• Prepare commercial contracts according to the firm's established templates, adapting them with the specifics of each file. This includes agency and distribution contracts, non-disclosure agreements, brokerage and service contracts, share sale agreements, and client representation contracts.
• Review incoming contracts from third parties according to the firm's methodology, comparing revised versions, and noting any additions, deletions, or changes.
• Prepare summary notes of negotiation points and follow up with the other party until reaching the final draft.
• Review international commercial documents and investment proposals, alerting to potential risks involved.
• Prepare concise legal notes and summaries of files.

3. Incorporation and Licensing:

• Monitor the procedures for incorporating companies and amending their contracts with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Track licensing requests with the Direct Investment Promotion Authority.
• Register with the Central Agency for Public Tenders.
• Register trademarks and follow up on them.
• Prepare the necessary documents and supporting materials for approvals inside and outside Kuwait.

4. Communication and Relations:

• Direct communication with clients, keeping them informed about the progress of their files.
• Manage official correspondence in both Arabic and English.
• Maintain relationships with partners and collaborating law firms abroad, and follow up on shared files with them.
• Coordinate with auditing and accounting offices and relevant governmental entities.
• Organize meetings both in-person and remotely, preparing agendas and minutes, and following up on action items.

5. Technology and AI:

• Utilize AI tools daily to assist and streamline processes, improving quality in drafting, reviewing, and translating, while ensuring the accuracy of outputs before finalization.
• Adhere to the firm's methodology in employing these tools and contribute to their improvement.

Working Hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 9 AM to 5 PM

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications.
• Direct training on the firm's operational methodologies and templates.
• Work directly with the Executive Director on local and international transactions.
• Daily interaction with clients and partners from various countries.
• Real career growth and broader responsibilities for those who prove their competence.

Skills

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in law from an accredited university.
• Minimum two years of practical experience in corporate law or commercial contracts, preferably in a law firm or legal department.

Language Skills:

• Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken, with the ability to read and review English contracts (basic understanding required).
• Strong Arabic legal drafting skills, with a polished style in correspondence.

Communication and Relationship Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a professional presence in front of clients.
• Ability to draft formal communications in both Arabic and English accurately.
• Capability to manage relationships with clients and foreign partners, building trust with them professionally.
• Familiarity with governmental communication protocols and different cultures.
• Strong interpersonal skills when dealing with governmental and formal entities.

Organizational and Administrative Skills:

• Ability to organize meetings both in-person and remotely via Zoom and Teams, and prepare agendas and minutes, following up on action items.
• Ability to manage multiple files simultaneously independently, prioritize tasks, and adhere strictly to deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure without compromising the quality of work.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in drafting requests for AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT and Claude), obtaining precise legal outputs, and verifying their accuracy.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, and PDF, with the ability to compare documents and track amendments.
• Ability to organize files and electronic archives efficiently.

Personal Attributes:

• Intelligence and quick learning ability, with the capacity to grasp templates and methodologies and apply them accurately.
• Proactive attitude, taking ownership of tasks until completion.
• High attention to detail.
• Strict adherence to professional ethics and confidentiality.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with Kuwaiti regulations related to companies, trade, and commercial agencies.
• Previous experience dealing with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry or the Direct Investment Promotion Authority.

(Optional) Submission of a previous draft template (contract or memo) or any prior legal work prepared by the applicant, after removing confidential information.