Courts Registry

Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts (the “Court”) are of two ranks: the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal. The Court of First Instance hears and determines civil and commercial cases that involve Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), ADGM Authorities, ADGM Establishments or at the request of parties.  The Court of Appeal hears and determines appeals against judgments and decisions made by the Court of First Instance.

The purpose of the role is to provide high-level operational support to the Registrar and Registry staff, including coordinating and overseeing all back-office services and administration of ADGM Courts. The role requires extensive liaison between the Court and ADGM internal stakeholders, particularly Corporate Communications, Procurement and General Services. The role also requires working closely with the Chief Justice, the Judges, the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Court, the legal profession and other external stakeholders, including Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the Ministry of Justice and other significant Abu Dhabi and global institutions.

Operational Responsibilities

• Support the Registrar in regard to the administration of the Court, including documenting and maintaining all regulations, rules, practice directions, court forms and corporate documents (annual Scorecards, reports on performance, business and strategic plans, budgets and financial reports).
• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Registrar, including diary and communication management, setting meetings, taking minutes, liaising with executive management of ADGM, drafting correspondence, court orders and other documents as required.
• With the Registrar, liaise closely with the ADGM and offshore IT teams in regard to the eCourts Platform and in particular, identify and develop changes to increase the performance of the Platform and undertake testing of changes and enhancements to the Platform.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of the Courts’ organisation and operational structure that will effectively deliver the Court’s strategic objectives and initiatives.
• Assume responsibility and facilitate the physical and IT infrastructure and equipment for the Court with direction from the Registrar for the smooth and efficient operations of the Court’s Registry and courtroom.
• Coordinate with Human Capital on the recruitment of employees into operational roles in the Court that will enable it to undertake its duties and powers.
• At the direction of the Registrar, prepare and manage court and registry documents, correspondence and other documents in accordance with the legislative requirements, procedural manuals, rules and practice directions.
• Provide precise information on court procedures and practices to relevant stakeholders including legal practitioners, litigants, government agencies and the public.
• In consultation with the Registrar, coordinate with Marketing & Communications the planning and management of all events or other marketing initiatives launched by the Court.
• Facilitate procurement, ERP and general services needs and requirements of the Court.
• In consultation with the Registrar, manage and update the Courts’ website content and identify areas of improvement and enhancement of the content and design of the website.
• In collaboration and shared responsibility with the Case Managers, support the Chief Justice and the Judges in administrative matters, including the preparation of their invoices and administrative arrangements.

Information Security compliance  

• Understand, adopt, adhere and practice responsibilities or controls as per ADGM Information Security policy and as per best practices explained in the induction and awareness sessions.
• Confidentiality, integrity and availability of the ADGM Information shall be maintained at all times i.e. within as well as outside ADGM.  

Education

• Bachelor’s degree.

Work Experience and Required Skills

• Minimum of 6-8 years’ administrative experience in a litigation environment in a common law system, including at a court, a law firm or an in-house legal department.
• Advanced knowledge of litigation processes, court policies and procedures.
• Strong organisational skills to successfully support the Registrar and to effectively contribute to strategic and operational activities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and inter-personal skills, including confidence to liaise with the Chief Justice, the judiciary and members of ADGM’s executive and senior management.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Strong team player with focus on being a collegiate team member.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting and preparation of spreadsheets for financial reporting.
• High level observance of confidentiality, judgment, tact and discretion.
• Fluent in English.

Desirable

• Previous experience in the UAE 

The ADGM Courts support ADGM with a fully independent common law framework to adjudicate civil and commercial disputes. The ADGM Courts’ regulations and supporting rules enshrine ADGM’s legal framework of the direct application of English common law, making it the first jurisdiction in the Middle East to adopt a similar approach to that of Singapore and Hong Kong.