Advocate, International Dispute Resolution – common law background (UK, AUS, NZ)

JEX Personnel; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal recruitment firm is seeking a qualified advocate to take a role in offshore litigation before Dubai's DIFC and ADGM Courts. Candidates should have proven drafting capabilities and 2-5 years of experience in law. The role involves drafting pleadings, conducting legal research, and assisting on arbitration awards. A strong academic background and registration before the DIFC/ADGM Courts are essential.

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice law in England & Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or Ireland.
• 2-5 years’ post-call experience in a leading barristers’ chamber or trial litigation team.
• Existing registration as a legal practitioner before DIFC and/or ADGM Courts advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review pleadings, memorials, applications for international arbitrations and offshore court proceedings.
• Conduct rigorous research on common law court procedures.
• Assist in enforcement of arbitral awards and provide advisory on litigation risk.

Skills

Drafting ability

Legal research

Advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Education

Strong academic foundation in law

Advanced studies in international arbitration or comparative dispute resolution (e.g., LL.M.)

Job description

Overview

Role Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Department: International Dispute Resolution Group (IDR)
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-Time

The firm is one of the UAE’s oldest full-service law firms, with a legacy spanning over three decades. It is recognized for leadership in high-stakes disputes, deep regional expertise, client service, and multilingual capabilities in civil and common law contexts. The International Dispute Resolution (IDR) team handles a broad scope of matters, including high-value international arbitrations under major institutional rules (ICC, UNCITRAL, DIAC, arbitrateAD) and heavyweight litigation in the UAE’s common law courts (DIFC and ADGM). Team members undertake advocacy before international courts and tribunals in the UAE and abroad.

The Role

We are recruiting a well-qualified advocate trained in common law to take a leading role in offshore litigation before the DIFC and ADGM Courts, as well as arbitral proceedings seated in the region. The successful candidate will have strong drafting ability for submissions and pleadings (including skeleton arguments, statements of case, and applications). Courtroom experience is advantageous, but superior drafting ability is essential.

Core Responsibilities

• Advocacy: Draft and review pleadings, memorials, applications, and other substantive submissions for international arbitrations and offshore court proceedings. Assist senior lawyers in developing case strategy and managing complex files from inception through final award or judgment.
• Legal Research: Conduct rigorous research on common law court procedure with familiarity of the Rules of the DIFC (RDC) or ADGM Courts, or equivalents in the candidate’s home jurisdiction. Prepare detailed memoranda on procedural law, case management, and cross-border enforcement issues, and apply insights to draft persuasive written submissions and procedural applications.
• Advisory: Assist in enforcement of arbitral awards and foreign judgments within and outside the DIFC/ADGM. Advise clients on litigation risk, dispute avoidance, and alternative dispute resolution (mediation/negotiation) where appropriate.

Requirements

• Professional Qualifications: Admitted to practice law in England & Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or Ireland, with higher rights of audience (as a barrister or solicitor-advocate, or equivalent). Eligibility for registration as a legal practitioner before the DIFC and/or ADGM Courts is essential; existing registration is an advantage.
• Experience: 2–5 years’ post-call (or post-qualification) experience in a leading set of barristers’ chambers, specialist in-house advocacy team, or a trial litigation team within a premier law firm. Demonstrated track record of drafting pleadings, skeleton arguments, applications, and written submissions for commercial disputes. Prior involvement in contested hearings or trial preparation is advantageous but secondary to a proven pedigree in persuasive written advocacy.
• Education: Strong academic foundation in law with an excellent first degree. Advanced studies in international arbitration or comparative dispute resolution (e.g., LL.M.) are advantageous.
• Personal Qualities: High level of professionalism, integrity, and work ethic. Team player with strong interpersonal skills, able to collaborate in a multicultural environment. Ability to thrive under pressure, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt to high-value, fast-paced disputes.

About the Company / Recruitment Note

Executive search involvement may be conducted through a third party (e.g., JEX Personnel). JEX Personnel may be engaged to understand role requirements, benchmark skills/salaries, and identify suitable candidates. This description reflects the role and does not alter the responsibilities or obligations of the firm.