Associate/Senior Associate

We are recruiting a Mid or Senior Associate in Dubai to join our dynamic structured finance and derivative team in Dubai.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE

Banks and borrowers need innovative, adaptable legal services from lawyers who are able to offer robust advice in an uncertain economic climate. Now, more than ever, finance transactions need to be structured and negotiated to take account of market and client requirements. A&O Shearman can advise on any form of financing that clients choose to undertake, and they often call on us to advise on the ground-breaking deals and structures which eventually become the market standard.

A&O Shearman debt finance team is widely recognised as the market leader in the structured finance/derivatives space. We are able to offer our clients exceptional market knowledge, built from a broad client base and from regularly working on big-ticket, cross-border deals, gained in times of both boom and bust. Our knowledge of advising domestic and international financiers means that we can advise on all types of financing transactions worldwide.

ROLE PURPOSE

We are looking for high quality applicants with strong experience in advising on the enforceability of a wide variety of structured finance and derivative products in the Middle East to join a dynamic team where the quality of work is second to none

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

• The role involves advising on the enforceability of a wide variety of structured finance and derivative products in the Middle East;
• Drafting, reviewing and amending documentation
• Strategically advising clients in meetings, on the phone and in writing
• Managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately
• Business development – development of personal plan, assistance with and implementation of business development campaign
• Legal research

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Qualified lawyer (4+ PQE) - Dual qualified (civil and common law) lawyer is a plus
• Strong technical knowledge of the legal framework surrounding structured finance and derivative products in the Middle East including the netting and collateral regimes in KSA, UAE and Qatar.
• Outstanding advisory background and legal drafting
• Intellectual curiosity and versatility
• Self-starter with the desire and ability to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge
• Detail-focused and self-motivated approach
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Excellent client relationship skills
• Sound experience of operating at associate level within a complex international organisation
• Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels and particularly to win the respect of the partner and fee-earner community, building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborative team player with the ability to develop and work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment
• A person of sound judgment, able to establish a high level of credibility
• Native level Arabic speaker is a plus

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

Additional information - External

A&O Shearman is a global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world's leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.