Asia Making Links University Programme - Abu Dhabi

Linklaters; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Linklaters in Abu Dhabi invites applications for the Making Links Asia University Programme. It supports talented university students from underrepresented backgrounds to build commercial law skills through webinars, coaching and a paid local-work experience, with English language development and local activity invitations. The deadline is 31 October 2026.

Qualifications

• Native Arabic speaking first-year law students from an underrepresented background.
• Committed to pursuing a career in commercial law.
• Consistent academic performance.

Responsibilities

• Attend a series of interactive webinars and online learning organised regionally (Jan–June).
• Receive one-on-one coaching sessions.
• Participate in a paid work experience programme in the closest local office.
• Benefit from an additional two-week salary sponsorship paid at the start of the work experience programme.
• Engage in local office activities and develop confidence using English in a professional setting.

Education

First year law students (Arabic speaking)

Job description

Making Links Asia University Programme - Abu Dhabi

About us People want a law firm they can trust, one with global capabilities that has a commitment to investing in excellent client service and empowers its teams to deliver innovative solutions. We want to stand out for our distinctive Linklaters mindset, so that our clients want to work with us above all others. To do this, we recruit and develop exceptional people and encourage them to think and do things differently. We serve our clients as a team, with a common focus on innovation, efficiency and agility.

Making Links Asia University Programme

The Making Links Asia University Programme is designed to help talented university students with underrepresented backgrounds succeed in their early legal careers by developing technical and professional skills whilst building up strong commercial fluency and a global outlook. The programme will be offered in our network offices in Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Riyadh, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo, and its content will be delivered in English.

The programme will include:

• a series of interactive webinars and online learning organised on a regional basis (from January to June)
• one-on-one coaching sessions
• a paid work experience programme in the closest local office
• an additional sponsorship of two-weeks’ salary which will be paid at the beginning of the work experience programme
• invitations to local office activities throughout the programme
• a strong focus on developing confidence using English (written and oral) in a professional setting

Who is eligible?

We are looking for native Arabic speaking first year law students who have an underrepresented background, are committed to pursuing a career in commercial law and demonstrate consistent academic performance.

Application Deadline

31 October 2026

Technical Skills

This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required. This is the place where talent meets opportunity and where passion meets purpose. At Linklaters, the work we do means carving a path through unexplored territory, working on complex legal matters, across jurisdictions and borders and providing outstanding service and confidence to our clients. Having the vision to see things differently and the determination to deliver excellence, every time. That’s what makes us who we are. You can see your true potential connecting with dynamic colleagues all over the world, united by purpose and shared values and working together as one inclusive, collaborative team. With second to none training and support, this is the place where you meet your future. This is Linklaters.

We know that diversity makes us a better law firm and helps us attract the best talent, drive innovation with diversity of thought, and deliver the best experience to everyone who comes into contact with us. We recruit on the basis of merit, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Selection decisions, and the reasons for those decisions, are recorded at each stage of the selection process. Selection criteria and, where appropriate, technical skills tests are in place to measure an individual’s ability for the safe and effective performance of a job. Those involved in recruitment and selection decisions and processes are also provided with guidance on diversity issues. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the selection process, please talk to a member of the recruitment team so that any required adjustments can be made in advance. Specific experience requirements advertised on a role do not intend to preclude applications from candidates who may have more or less experience. Our intention is only to indicate a guideline as to the necessary skills for the role as described.