Open to opportunities

Rola Madi

@rolamadi

Message

Corporate, commercial and technology lawyer with 25+ years advising cross-border organisations.

Australia

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek senior in-house legal roles where I can lead legal strategy, enhance governance, manage complex transactions, mentor teams, and deliver commercially pragmatic solutions in cross-border and technology-driven environments.

I am a dual-qualified corporate, commercial and technology lawyer admitted in New South Wales (Australia) and the Jordan Bar Association with 25+ years' experience advising on complex cross-border matters.

I have led legal departments as General Counsel and Company Secretary, built legal project management frameworks, and delivered practical, commercially focused solutions across corporate restructurings, transactions, litigation and regulatory matters.

My career highlights include Director – Legal roles in major UAE organisations, managing teams, overseeing corporate governance, and advising on high-value transactions and IPO preparations.

I combine strong stakeholder collaboration, litigation and transactional expertise with digital economy and IP/technology law experience to protect organisational assets and drive strategic outcomes.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Freelance Legal Consultant

Current

Freelance

Feb 2024 - Present (1 year 10 months)

Provided high-level corporate, commercial and technology legal advisory services to clients across oil & gas, investment and real estate sectors, transitioning engagements to retainer arrangements and delivering project-based counsel.

Corporate Law Commercial Contracts Advisory Client Relations

Director - Legal

Emirates National Investment Co.

Dec 2019 - Feb 2024 (4 years 2 months)

Led the legal department, providing strategic counsel to the CEO and implementing Legal Project Management to improve scope, cost and risk control while managing a team and delivering corporate governance and transactional support.

Legal Strategy Legal Project Management Corporate Governance Contract Drafting Team Leadership Regulatory Compliance Risk Mitigation

General Counsel

UAE Ministry of Interior - Minister's Office

Jun 2009 - Jan 2018 (8 years 7 months)

Served as General Counsel to the Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Interior, delivering high-impact legal support, policy advice and execution of strategic initiatives across ministries.

Government Advisory Policy Development Regulatory Compliance Stakeholder Management

Group General Counsel

Privatization Group for Resource Development

Jun 2009 - Jan 2018 (8 years 7 months)

Administered corporate and commercial legal functions, led restructuring and company secretarial duties, negotiated JV and privatization arrangements, and supported an AED 600M IPO process across group subsidiaries.

Privatization M&A Company Secretary Corporate Governance IPO Readiness Negotiation Legal Documentation

Director - Legal

Union Properties

Jan 2007 - Jun 2009 (2 years 5 months)

Established and led the legal department, deploying precedents and systems, managing high-value financings and commercial arrangements, and supporting group operations and compliance across projects.

Real Estate Law Legal Operations Loan Documentation Team Leadership Contract Negotiation Compliance Precedent Development

Corporate & Commercial Lawyer

Clyde & Co LLP

Jan 2004 - Jan 2007 (3 years)

Provided corporate and commercial legal services including transactional support and contract drafting for regional matters while working within an international law firm environment.

Commercial Contracts Litigation Support Legal Research Cross Border Advisory

Corporate & Commercial Lawyer

Emirates International Law Firm

Jan 2001 - Jan 2004 (3 years)

Advised on corporate and commercial matters, drafted and negotiated contracts and supported corporate clients on transactional and regulatory issues.

Contract Drafting Corporate Advisory Commercial Law Regulatory Compliance

Corporate & Commercial Lawyer

The Arabic Legal Firm

Jan 1995 - Jan 1997 (2 years)

Handled corporate and commercial legal work, providing transactional support, drafting agreements and advising clients on corporate matters early in legal career.

Corporate Law Commercial Contracts Legal Drafting Dispute Resolution