Lynn Alrifai
Dubai
Summary
Legal Advisor with over 4 years of legal experience in the UAE and more than 10 years of combined legal and management experience, with experience in civil, commercial, labour, rental, and real estate litigation before UAE Courts, with extensive expertise in corporate legal affairs, contract drafting and negotiation, legal research, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. Skilled in managing litigation throughout its full lifecycle, from case registration to judgment enforcement, while preparing legal memoranda, negotiating commercial agreements, advising executive management on legal risk mitigation, and providing commercially focused legal solutions that support business objectives. Extensive practical experience dealing with UAE government authorities, judicial bodies, free zones, and leading real estate developers, including Dubai Courts, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), Ajman Courts, Rental Disputes Center (RDC), Dubai Land Department (DLD), Dubai Development Authority (DDA), Dubai Holding Real Estate (DHRE)Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), Trakhees, Dubai Municipality, Notary Public, Public Prosecution, UAE Police, and major developers such as Wasl and Nakheel. Strong expertise in UAE real estate transactions, corporate structuring, company incorporation, restructuring, liquidation, licensing, corporate governance, property resale transactions, and regulatory procedures across Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore jurisdictions; recognized for strong analytical thinking, negotiation skills, strategic problem-solving, and the ability to deliver practical, business-oriented legal advice in fast-paced corporate environments.
Overview
4
4
years of post-secondary education
12
12
years of professional experience
Work history
Legal Advisor
Atwad Real Estate – Al Mazrouei Investment Group
Dubai
2022.01 - Current
- Manage civil, commercial, labour, rental, and real estate litigation before UAE Courts throughout all stages, from case registration and hearings to final judgments, execution proceedings, and enforcement.
- Represent the company's legal interests by developing litigation strategies, attending hearings, monitoring court procedures, managing legal deadlines, and coordinating with external legal counsel where required.
- Handle legal proceedings through the electronic systems of Dubai Courts, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), Ajman Courts, and the Rental Disputes Center (RDC).
- Prepare, review, and submit legal applications, statements of claim, Powers of Attorney (POAs), legal notices, execution requests, petitions, and other court-related filings.
- Liaise with Dubai Land Department (DLD), Dubai Development Authority (DDA), Dubai Holding Real Estate (DHRE) Trakhees, Dubai Municipality, Notary Public, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), developers, government authorities, and regulatory bodies regarding corporate, licensing, and real estate matters.
- Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on commercial contracts, tenancy agreements and addendum, Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), settlement agreements, legal notices, corporate documents, and legal memoranda.
- Review and negotiate agreements with developers, contractors, consultants, brokerage companies, suppliers, and tenants to ensure legal compliance, protect the company's interests, and mitigate contractual risks.
- Handle police complaints, police reports, public prosecution procedures, and other legal and regulatory matters whenever required.
- Manage legal matters relating to Emirates Auctions and enforcement proceedings.
- Oversee real estate resale transactions from Letter of Intent (LOI) and valuation through Contract F negotiations, developer NOCs, service charge clearance, Dubai Land Department transfer procedures, title deed issuance, and completion of the transaction.
- Manage company incorporation, licensing, restructuring, liquidation, share transfers, constitutional amendments, corporate governance procedures, trade licence amendments, Memorandum of Association (MOA) drafting and notarization, and regulatory compliance across Mainland and Free Zone jurisdictions.
- Provide strategic legal advice to executive management and support the Leasing, Property Management, Sales, Finance, and Operations departments on corporate, commercial, and real estate legal matters.
- Conduct legal research, assess legal and commercial risks, prepare legal opinions, develop practical legal solutions, and recommend strategies that support business objectives while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Head of Operations Department
Global Center Logistics
Dubai
2021.02 - 2021.12
- Directed and managed the daily import and export operations across sea, air, and land freight, ensuring efficient logistics planning and operational continuity.
- Coordinated with UAE Customs, shipping lines, freight forwarders, clients, and other stakeholders to facilitate the smooth movement of shipments and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Reviewed logistics, transportation, and commercial agreements to ensure contractual compliance and operational efficiency.
- Prepared and reviewed Air Waybills (AWBs), Bills of Lading (BLs), customs declarations, commercial invoices, packing lists, and other shipping documentation.
- Monitored shipment schedules, customs clearance processes, and delivery timelines while resolving operational issues and minimizing delays.
- Collaborated with cross-functional departments to optimize operational workflows, improve service quality, and enhance overall business performance.
- Ensured compliance with UAE customs regulations, logistics procedures, and company operational policies.
Head of Legal Department
Prisoners Care Association (PCA)
Damascus
2015.01 - 2020.11
- Led the Legal Department and managed a team of 15 legal and administrative professionals, overseeing daily operations, allocating responsibilities, monitoring performance, and ensuring the effective delivery of legal services.
- Supervised the handling of legal matters, reviewed team activities, and provided strategic direction and guidance on complex legal issues.
- Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated contracts, legal agreements, internal policies, legal opinions, and official legal correspondence.
- Managed litigation files and coordinated with external legal counsel, government authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure the effective handling of legal proceedings.
- Advised senior management on legal, governance, compliance, and risk management matters while supporting strategic and operational decision-making.
- Prepared legal opinions, compliance reports, legal risk assessments, and recommendations to ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
- Developed internal legal procedures and supported the implementation of governance and compliance frameworks to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Education
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) -
Damascus University
Syria 2012.09 - 2017.02
Skills
- Extensive expertise in UAE Real Estate Law, Corporate & Commercial Law, Civil, Commercial & Labour Litigation, Rental Disputes (RDC), Corporate Legal Advisory, Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Corporate Governance, Company Incorporation, Corporate Structuring, Corporate Restructuring & Liquidation, Regulatory Compliance, Due Diligence, Legal Research, Legal Opinions, Risk Assessment & Legal Risk Management, Dispute Resolution, Property & Corporate Transactions, Legal Documentation, Stakeholder & Government Relations, and Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
- Extensive practical experience using Dubai Courts, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), Ajman Courts, Rental Disputes Center (RDC), Dubai Land Department (DLD), Dubai REST, Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET), Dubai Development Authority (DDA), Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE), Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), Trakhees, Dubai Municipality, Notary Public, UAE Public Prosecution, UAE Police Systems, UAE PASS, Dubai Holding Real Estate (DHRE), Wasl, Nakheel, and Microsoft Office Suite, supporting litigation, corporate, employment, regulatory, and real estate legal matters across the UAE
LANGUAGES
Arabic: Native.
English: Fluent.
French: Elementary.
Timeline
Legal Advisor
Atwad Real Estate – Al Mazrouei Investment Group
2022.01 - Current
Head of Operations Department
Global Center Logistics
2021.02 - 2021.12
Head of Legal Department
Prisoners Care Association (PCA)
2015.01 - 2020.11
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) -
Damascus University
2012.09 - 2017.02