Associate (4–5 PQE) – Funds / Capital Solutions

Buchanan; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 1,126,000 - 1,325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Job summary

Buchanan is seeking a mid-level Associate (4–5 years’ PQE) to join its Abu Dhabi office, focusing on funds and capital solutions. The role offers high responsibility and direct exposure to premium sponsor-side work across the Middle East within a globally integrated platform.

Ideal candidates have 4–5 years’ PQE with funds, private equity or capital solutions experience, and London market exposure. The firm values collaboration, with a lean team and significant partner interaction on

Qualifications

• 4–5 years’ PQE with strong experience in funds, private equity, or capital solutions.
• London market experience required.
• Background from top-tier international or US law firms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a broad range of funds, private equity, and capital solutions matters.
• Work on sponsor-side mandates, including fund structuring and capital raising.
• Support on complex private capital transactions across multiple jurisdictions.
• Draft and negotiate key fund and transactional documentation.
• Collaborate closely with senior lawyers and international teams.

Skills

Funds experience

Private equity

Capital solutions

Sponsor-side work

London market experience

Job description

Overview
An elite international law firm is looking for a mid-level Associate (4–5 years’ PQE) to join its Abu Dhabi office, focusing on funds and capital solutions. This is a key hire into a lean and growing team, offering high levels of responsibility and direct exposure to premium sponsor-side work across the Middle East. The role provides an excellent opportunity to work on sophisticated private capital mandates within a globally integrated platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on a broad range of funds, private equity, and capital solutions matters
• Work on sponsor-side mandates, including fund structuring and capital raising
• Support on complex private capital transactions across multiple jurisdictions
• Draft and negotiate key fund and transactional documentation
• Collaborate closely with senior lawyers and international teams

Candidate Profile

• 4–5 years’ PQE with strong experience in funds, private equity, or capital solutions
• London market experience required
• Background from top-tier international or US law firms preferred
• Strong exposure to sponsor-side work and fund structuring highly desirable
• Arabic language skills not required
• Open to candidates currently based in London or those willing to relocate to Abu Dhabi

Working Conditions & Culture

• Lean team structure with significant partner exposure
• Highly collaborative environment with integration across a global platform
• High level of responsibility and visibility on transactions
• Approximate expectation of ~1,800 billable hours annually (no formal target)

Compensation & Benefits

• Highly competitive, tax-free salary:
  • 4 PQE: approximately £226,500
  • 5 PQE: approximately £266,500
• Bonus structure:
  • Base bonus ~10%
  • 1,800–2,000 hours: ~50% uplift on bonus
  • 2,000+ hours: ~100% uplift on bonus
• Relocation support (if applicable)
• Exposure to high-quality international private capital work

Application Process

• Three-stage interview process:
  • Initial interview (Partner + HR)
  • Technical and partner interviews
  • Final stage with wider team

Why Apply

• Opportunity to join a growing private capital and funds practice in the Middle East
• Strong pipeline of sponsor-led, private equity, and capital solutions work
• Lean team offering excellent responsibility and career development at mid-level
• Attractive entry point into the UAE market for London-based candidates
• Backed by a top-tier global platform in funds and private capital