Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
Personal Information
Timeline
SoftwareEngineer

Naseema Ariya

Senior Legal Counsel
Dubai,UAE

Summary

Dedicated and highly skilled Legal Counsel with 12 years of experience specializing in corporate law, corporate governance including compliance, and regulatory matters. Adept at advising multinational corporations including departments such as commercial, operational, project handling department on all legal affairs including but not limited to risks, reviewing, advising and negotiating a broad range of commercial contracts and agreements. Exceptional expertise in negotiation, litigation, and risk management. Senior legal professional with demonstrated ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and deliver impactful results. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability in dynamic environments. Expertise in corporate law, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Reliable, strategic thinker with strong communication and analytical skills. Legal professional with refined understanding of legal frameworks and business strategies. Proven track record in managing intricate legal matters and advising on corporate policies. Adept at fostering collaborative environments and driving results through effective team leadership and adaptability.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Legal Counsel

Confidential Employer
Dubai
10.2021 - 02.2024
  • Company Overview: One of the leading Shipping companies with various branch offices worldwide handling both logistics and oil & gas businesses.
  • Drafting or reviewing various forms of legal agreement inclusive of Consultancy Service Agreement, shareholders agreements, Joint Venture Agreements, Partnership Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), MOU, Agency Service Agreement and all other forms of agreements and documents required as per the requirement of the Group of companies.
  • Drafting or reviewing trade service agreements, commercial services agreements, agricultural products trading agreement, master service agreements, IT contracts, documents necessary for e-commerce teams, commercial teams and finance teams.
  • Drafting or reviewing and negotiating terms of sale and purchase, vendor service agreements etc.
  • Providing strategic legal advice and support to senior management and internal departments such as commercial, technical, human resources and finance teams on all company affairs including governance, compliance and regulatory matters.
  • Advising respective divisions of the Company including but not limited to commercial, technical, human resources and finance teams on their respective matters and doing research on various matters affecting the business.
  • Advising and supporting the claims and insurance departments.
  • Handling litigations locally and internationally.
  • Handling commercial litigations including arbitration matters of the group of companies.
  • Handling employment related aspects including the connected regional litigations.
  • Training the respective teams on matters of legal importance or parting the legal knowledge for their effective performance.
  • Co-ordination with External Law Firms (within UAE & overseas) in suite as well as arbitration proceedings. Co-ordination and control of all assignments to external legal firms including optimization of overall legal expenses. Examine legal data to determine the advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuits.
  • Managing the function compliance with all legal requirements set by the General Counsel.
  • One of the leading Shipping companies with various branch offices worldwide handling both logistics and oil & gas businesses.
  • Managed complex commercial transactions while providing practical recommendations tailored to stakeholders'' needs.
  • Advised senior leadership on complex legal matters, contributing to strategic decision-making processes.
  • Managed external counsel relationships for effective representation in high-stakes litigations and transactions.
  • Developed risk assessment tools for evaluating potential business partnerships, protecting corporate interests proactively.
  • Maintained an up-to-date knowledge base of relevant case law developments to inform strategic legal advice and decision-making processes.
  • Negotiated favorable contract terms by diligently reviewing and revising legal documents.
  • Collaborated with human resources to address employment law issues, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures in managing outside counsel expenses, optimizing the legal department budget.
  • Drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
  • Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
  • Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
  • Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.
  • Conducted settlement negotiations and trial for property case with $[Amount] in counterclaims.

Group Legal Counsel

Dubai Trading Agency LLC
Dubai
01.2017 - 06.2019
  • Company Overview: DTA, one of the leading market providers of Marine and Logistics Services which was set up in the year 1974.
  • Drafting/Reviewing ship sale and purchase agreements and other documents connected with S&P transaction.
  • Drafting/reviewing NDA's MOUs, and all forms of Agreement including but not limited to Consultancy Service Agreement, Bimco forms of Charterparty Agreement related to business and service-related matters of the Group, Bunker Purchase Agreements, trade service agreements, commercial services agreements, manning agreements, supply agreements provisions, IT contracts related to the vessels and for commercial and finance teams of the Group.
  • Drafting policies and procedures for the group of companies.
  • Advising respective divisions of the Company including but not limited to commercial, technical, human resources and finance teams.
  • Managing litigation related matters of the company and coordinating with the external law firms in preparing legal notices and other related documents which need to be filed before the courts of law or other dispute resolution forums. Also negotiating the fees of legal consultants and law firms and finalizing prior handing over the matter.
  • Preparing Board resolutions, Power of Attorney and other corporate documents related to the group of companies and handling all corporate governance matters of the Group.
  • Handling real estate related matters of the stakeholders and communicating and resolving issues with the respective developers of the region.
  • Managing the function in compliance with all requirements set by the CEO and Directors of the company.
  • DTA, one of the leading market providers of Marine and Logistics Services which was set up in the year 1974.

In-House Legal Counsel

Hapag Lloyd
Dubai
06.2017 - 01.2018
  • Company Overview: Hapag Lloyd is the major shipping line of Europe employing 5400 employees worldwide. In the year 2017 the company executed a merger agreement with the largest container line of the Middle East namely United Arab Shipping Company (SAG).
  • Reviewing or drafting various commercial contracts related to the vessel, containers and crews.
  • Reviewing tender documents of the customers and advising the company to comply with various requirements set forth by the code of ethics and other compliance related requirements by the customer.
  • Reviewing documents inviting tender for bunkers, medical stores and other provisions for the vessels. I was one of the four members of the sub-committee formed for reviewing tender bids and shortlisting the bids and finally awarding the tenders subject to the approval regional head.
  • Reviewing employment contracts, data protection policies, terminal benefits and other matters concerning employees and timely advising the HR department.
  • Liaising in drafting/ finalizing various documents to comply with the requirements set forth in the merger deal between Hapag Lloyd and UASC.
  • Managing the function in compliance with all requirements set by the Vice President, Legal, Insurance and Risk management Department.
  • Hapag Lloyd is the major shipping line of Europe employing 5400 employees worldwide. In the year 2017 the company executed a merger agreement with the largest container line of the Middle East namely United Arab Shipping Company (SAG).

In-House Legal Counsel

Hapag Lloyd / United Arab Shipping Company (S.A.G)
Dubai
01.2013 - 05.2017
  • Company Overview: UASC, was one of a top 20 global container carrier owned by the shareholding states of the Gulf Cooperating Council (GCC), with Group HQ in Dubai, regional offices in New Jersey (USA), Hamburg, Istanbul and Singapore. The company employed 3200 staff across 30 subsidiaries in 25 countries. In 2017 UASC merged with European Container Line Hapag Lloyd.
  • Reviewing or drafting all corporate, contractual and regulatory compliance matters, policies covering the Group companies, reporting to V P of the Legal and Risk Management Department.
  • Reviewing or drafting wide array of commercial contracts including vendor agreements, business consultancy agreements, memorandum of understanding, tender documents, intra-group arrangements, leases, and non-disclosure agreements, Vessel Sharing, Slot Exchange Agreement, Joint Working Procedures, Equipment Supply Contracts, Bunker Supply Contracts, Service Agreement, Sludge Disposal Agreement, Fuel Purchase Contracts, Building Maintenance Agreements, Ship Sale Agreement, Shipbuilding Contracts, Manning Agreements, Tally Agreements, Commercial Agreements, Container Maintenance and Repair Agreement etc.
  • Drafting Schedules of ISDA Master Agreement (2002) and Credit Support Annex.
  • Reviewing tender documents including RFP of the customers and advising the company to comply with various requirements set forth by the code of ethics and other compliance related requirements by the customer.
  • Reviewing or preparing draft invitations including RFP and other connected documents inviting tenders for bunkers, containers, equipment's, IT services for the company and vessels, medical stores and provisions for the vessels and for professional services. I was one of the four members of the sub-committee formed for reviewing tender bids and shortlisting the bids and finally awarding the tenders subject to the approval regional head. Handling RFP, reviewing and finalizing tender documents in co-ordination with commercial/contract management and finance team.
  • Carrying out due diligence on the credibility of the counterparty.
  • Advising the IT department on various IT infrastructure related matters including intellectual property rights. Reviewed various type of software agreements and agreements for professional services. And whenever necessary, we used to send legal notices to various service providers if there is breach on their part in complying with the requirement set forth in the Agreement or the Award.
  • Co-coordinating with the VP and other team members in reviewing the Merger Settlement Agreement and arranging documentation for complying to the requirements set forth in it.
  • Lead lawyer supporting the company's strategic initiatives including placement of a record $2.5 billion ultra-large vessel purchase order with Hyundai Heavy Industries, structuring asset financings with global banks and institutional investors, greenfield setups of new regional management centers in Europe and the Mediterranean and restructuring subsidiary board composition and governance procedures.
  • One of the lead lawyer in the merger deal transaction related to the company and undertaken various projects such as Restructuring the regional subsidiaries to comply with the foreign ownership requirements.
  • Participated in the project related to reviewing on a regular basis queries related to the proposed merger deal and providing timely advise in the common data sharing platform/data site (Merrill); Advising each departments of UASC in complying to the condition precedents specified in the Merger Settlement Agreement.
  • Closing of the merger transaction between two of the largest container lines of the world.
  • Responding to various queries of merger counterpart Hapag Lloyd team and their external counsels with respect to existing contracts of UASC.
  • Co-ordination with External Law Firms (within UAE & overseas) in suite as well as arbitration proceedings. Co-ordination and control of all assignments to external legal firms including optimization of overall legal expenses. Examine legal data to determine the advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuits.
  • Managing the function in compliance with all requirements set by the V.P. Legal, Insurance and Risk management Department.
  • UASC, was one of a top 20 global container carrier owned by the shareholding states of the Gulf Cooperating Council (GCC), with Group HQ in Dubai, regional offices in New Jersey (USA), Hamburg, Istanbul and Singapore. The company employed 3200 staff across 30 subsidiaries in 25 countries. In 2017 UASC merged with European Container Line Hapag Lloyd.
  • Reduced errors in legal documentation by thoroughly proofreading and editing before submission to courts or opposing counsel.
  • Managed relationships with external vendors such as adjusters, appraisers, or legal counsel to facilitate efficient claim resolutions.
  • Coordinated with legal counsel as needed to resolve complex contract disputes or negotiate favorable terms for the company.
  • Enhanced team productivity by creating streamlined templates for routine correspondence with clients, legal counsel, beneficiaries, or other involved parties relevant to trust administration matters.
  • Coordinated with outside counsel on specialized legal matters, ensuring the organization received expert advice while managing costs effectively.
  • Collaborated with legal counsel to successfully defend against litigation related to disputed liability claims.
  • Proofread legal documents before submission to courts or opposing counsel; reducing errors that could potentially harm our clients'' interests.
  • Collaborated with external advisors such as legal counsel, accountants, and tax specialists to address complex issues effectively.
  • Coordinated with external legal counsel as needed for complex negotiations or disputes, protecting the organization''s interests at all times.
  • Coordinated with legal counsel to review contract terms, ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures in managing outside counsel expenses, optimizing the legal department budget.
  • Collaborated closely with legal counsel during the drafting and negotiation stages to mitigate risks associated with contractual agreements.
  • Cultivated a network of external partners such as legal counsel and industry peers to share best practices and stay abreast of emerging trends in the field of privacy.
  • Collaborated with legal counsel on complex compliance matters, ensuring that the organization remained in good standing with regulators.
  • Conducted thorough research to support case arguments and provide comprehensive legal counsel to clients.
  • Coordinated with legal counsel to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws in all regional locations.
  • Coordinated with legal counsel on complex or high-risk cases, protecting company interests while advocating for clients'' needs.
  • Maintained accurate records of counseling services provided in compliance with legal requirements and ethical guidelines.
  • Collaborated with human resources and outside counsel to protect company from legal claims.
  • Managed complex cases requiring arbitration or litigation support by collaborating closely with legal counsel.
  • Oversaw compliance initiatives, working closely with legal counsel to mitigate potential risks associated with non-compliance issues.
  • Conducted extensive legal research to bolster cases and anticipate opposing counsel arguments, leading to favorable rulings.
  • Successfully navigated legal issues pertaining to intellectual property rights and contract negotiations by working closely with legal counsel.

Claims Analyst

United Arab Shipping Company (S.A.G) PJSC
07.2011 - 12.2012
  • Reviewing or drafting wide array of commercial contracts including vendor agreements, business consultancy agreements, memorandum of understanding, tender documents, intra-group arrangements, leases, and non-disclosure agreements, Vessel Sharing, Slot Exchange Agreement, Joint Working Procedures, Equipment Supply Contracts, Bunker Supply Contracts, Service Agreement, and Sludge Disposal Agreement, Fuel Purchase Contracts, Building Maintenance Agreements, Ship Sale Agreement.
  • Reviewing crew as well as cargo claims of those vessels/ships which falls under my portfolio.
  • Liaising with the P&I clubs with respect to suites and claims related to cargo damages and crew injuries.
  • Liaising with the H&M Underwriters with respect to the hull and machinery claims of those vessels which falls under my portfolio.
  • Conducting research for identifying the authenticity of claims.
  • Verifying and settling claims according to the company guidelines.
  • Maintaining records of claims related to cargo damage, hull damage and crew injuries.
  • Maintaining records of suits related to cargo damage and crew injuries.
  • Maintaining records of claims accepted, denied and adjudication decisions.
  • Reviewing/ drafting a wide array of commercial contracts.
  • Examining legal data to determine the advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.
  • Handling job related tasks in compliance with all requirements set by the V.P. Legal.

Legal Executive

ETA Shipping Division / Marine Logistics Solutions LLC
Dubai
01.2008 - 06.2011
  • Company Overview: ETA Marine Logistics Company is a well-known regional shipping company with head office in Dubai and branch offices in Fujairah, Malaysia and India. They are known for chartering of quality vessels suitable to the requirements of the local and international customers. And also champions in providing quality logistics services to the regional customers.
  • Preparing a broad range of company commercial and corporate legal matters, reviewing and drafting contracts, agreements, service contracts, policies, guidelines, conducting legal studies, preparing minutes of meetings, relevant reports, notices, memorandum of understanding.
  • Interpret laws, rulings and regulations, performing research and analysis of routine legal problems and issues.
  • Liaising with the P&I Clubs and Insurance companies, negotiating with the Underwriters for suitable premium, basis of RDC, Deductibles, terms and conditions of Policy, Trade and other aspects of insurance. Notifying the Underwriters regarding the nature of peril, claims, follow up for survey and other related matters, keeping a record of claims, payment recovered from Underwriters.
  • Handling cargo claims.
  • Handling crew claims.
  • Provide initial advice to all departments of the firm on legal matters and all documents and instruments having legal implications as and when requested.
  • Legal assistance for the Commercial Department: Reviewing, preparing Charter Party e.g. Barecon 2001, Bargehire 94, Gencon, and Saleform93, Supplytime 89, Supply time 2005, Barge hire 2008. Efficient in balancing the responsibility of both Owner and Charterers in proportion and pro rata basis. Appreciation from Executive Director for binding the Charterers in all respects and not leaving any room for confusion throughout the charter period. (Appreciated by the head of Dept for brilliantly verifying and negotiating the Equipment Supply Contract and saving the company from paying an interest of half a Million Euro and also received cash award for such an achievement).
  • Legal assistance for the Accounts Department: Assisting Head of Finance in dealing with bank finance documents, negotiating with the Banks, finalizing the deal. Guiding the Accounts Dept.
  • Legal assistance for the Crewing Department: Drafting Service Agreements, Joining letters, reviewing Manning Agency Agreement, negotiating with Agency, verifying the crew's documents, notifying the Agency regarding performance of their candidates.
  • Legal assistance for Personal Department: Assisting the administrative staffs in the administration of the issues relating to the service contracts, termination agreements and other related matters.
  • Co-ordination with External Law Firms (UAE & overseas) in suite as well as arbitration proceedings: Liaising with various Lawyers in different countries. Co-ordination and control of all assignment to external legal firms including optimization of the overall legal expenses. Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit. Understand the issues/dispute in totality, review from the legal perspective to advise or decide an appropriate course of action, collect the necessary inputs from the department and enunciate the company's stand. Also have experience in dealing with arbitration matters and have considerable knowledge regarding arbitration proceedings.
  • ETA Marine Logistics Company is a well-known regional shipping company with head office in Dubai and branch offices in Fujairah, Malaysia and India. They are known for chartering of quality vessels suitable to the requirements of the local and international customers. And also champions in providing quality logistics services to the regional customers.

Legal Assistant

Dar-Al Adalah Advocates and Legal consultants
Dubai
03.2007 - 12.2007
  • Company Overview: Dar-Al Adalah is a regional law firm consisting of local and international legal experts. They were the panel law firms of various major regional financial institutions and were well known in the field of litigation and intellectual property law.
  • Preparing a checklist of documents required for the preparation of legal documents.
  • Assist in the preparation of legal contracts, deeds, leases, trademark registration and other legal papers of a routine nature.
  • Undertaking legal research, drafting documents, contracts, petitions, power of attorney, wills, Deeds, claim petitions, defense submissions, providing substantive legal assistance to the head of the department.
  • Performing preliminary work in the preparation of legal opinion.
  • Review complaints and prepare preliminary assessments of validity.
  • Reviewing the documents provided for review by financial institutions.
  • Dar-Al Adalah is a regional law firm consisting of local and international legal experts. They were the panel law firms of various major regional financial institutions and were well known in the field of litigation and intellectual property law.

Education

Bachelor of Academic Law - Law

Mangalore University

Bachelor of Law - Law

Mangalore University

FIDICS Contracts & Management certificate -

Dubai Institute of Management

Anatomy of Container Logistics - undefined

Cambridge Academy

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt -

KPMG

Skills

  • Legal due diligence & Compliance
  • Corporate governance & Compliance
  • Insurance & Claims
  • Arbitration & Litigation
  • Regulatory & Environmental Compliance
  • Risk Assessment & Management
  • International Trade & Compliance
  • Business Communication
  • Customer Centricity
  • Reporting and Analytics
  • Process Optimization
  • Time Management
  • Supply Chain Knowledge
  • Supply Chain (Soft) Skills
  • Negotiation Skills
  • Planning
  • Business / Functional Acumen
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Intellectual property
  • Legal project management
  • Legal advisory
  • Reviewing documents
  • Efficient researcher
  • Settlement negotiation
  • Case file management
  • Court procedures
  • Drafting [Document]s
  • Business law
  • Legal compliance
  • Proficient in [software]
  • Contract negotiation
  • Legal due diligence & Compliance
  • Commercial litigation experience
  • Dispute arbitration
  • Corporate law
  • Document preparation
  • Case analysis
  • Evaluating contracts
  • Legal analysis
  • Transportation law
  • Employment law
  • Dispute resolution
  • Data privacy
  • Cross-border transactions
  • Alternative dispute resolution
  • Document review
  • Legal writing
  • Legal research
  • Contract drafting
  • Real estate transactions
  • Commercial contracts

Affiliations

Bar Council of India, 757 / 03, K/1072/2003

Languages

English
Advanced (C1)
Hindi
Advanced (C1)
Kannada
Advanced (C1)
Arabic
Elementary (A2)
Malayalam
Elementary (A2)

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 1981-08-02
  • Nationality: Indian
  • Driving License: UAE
  • Marital Status: Married
  • Visa Status: Residence Visa
  • Title: Senior Legal Counsel

Timeline

Senior Legal Counsel

Confidential Employer
10.2021 - 02.2024

In-House Legal Counsel

Hapag Lloyd
06.2017 - 01.2018

Group Legal Counsel

Dubai Trading Agency LLC
01.2017 - 06.2019

In-House Legal Counsel

Hapag Lloyd / United Arab Shipping Company (S.A.G)
01.2013 - 05.2017

Claims Analyst

United Arab Shipping Company (S.A.G) PJSC
07.2011 - 12.2012

Legal Executive

ETA Shipping Division / Marine Logistics Solutions LLC
01.2008 - 06.2011

Legal Assistant

Dar-Al Adalah Advocates and Legal consultants
03.2007 - 12.2007

Anatomy of Container Logistics - undefined

Cambridge Academy

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt -

KPMG

Bachelor of Academic Law - Law

Mangalore University

Bachelor of Law - Law

Mangalore University

FIDICS Contracts & Management certificate -

Dubai Institute of Management

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