Associate - International Projects, Energy & Infrastructure

Trowers & Hamlins; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Trowers & Hamlins in Abu Dhabi is seeking an Associate for International Projects, Energy and Infrastructure to advise on non-contentious construction matters for high-profile clients in the oil and gas sector.

The role focuses on bespoke forms of contract, FIDIC standard forms, and close collaboration with in-house teams to deliver pragmatic, timely solutions while building the Construction team's profile in the Abu Dhabi market.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with 3-5 PQE in construction/infrastructure.
• Law degree from a recognised university with a minimum 2:1.
• Experience in private practice advising on lifecycle of major construction and infrastructure projects.
• Experience drafting, risk reviews, advising upon and negotiating construction contracts (FIDIC or similar).
• Fluent English speaker; strong drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters with accuracy under time pressure.

Responsibilities

• Draft, advise, negotiate and prepare construction contract documentation including building contracts (FIDIC) and ancillary agreements.
• Provide strategic contract advisory services on live Gulf projects, including risk identification and interpretation of provisions.
• Collaborate with in-house teams to align commercial and operational objectives.
• Mentor trainees and paralegals; contribute to legal research and client briefings.
• Build and maintain client relationships; participate in marketing and business development; deliver client seminars and presentations.

Skills

PQE 3-5

Fluent English

Drafting & negotiation

Time management

Business development

Education

Law degree (2:1)

Job description

Associate - International Projects, Energy & Infrastructure

Department: International Projects, Energy and Infrastructure

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Abu Dhabi

Description

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and client-focused lawyer to build long-term relationships with high-profile clients, while contributing to the growth of a leading Construction practice in the region.

Based in Abu Dhabi, the new recruit will focus on supporting a key institutional client in the oil and gas sector. The role will involve advising on bespoke forms of contract and working closely with the client's in-house legal and project management teams to delivery pragmatic, business-focused solutions which are time sensitive.

You will be part of a dynamic team handling non-contentious construction matters across the firm's Middle East offices, advising on UAE and English Law in relation to a wide range of projects, including EPC, infrastructure, industry-specific and development projects. In addition to client-facing responsibilities, you will also play a key role in enhancing the visibility and reputation of the Construction team and the firm in the Abu Dhabi market.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities are but not limited to:

• Drafting, advising upon, negotiating and preparing construction contract documentation including: building contracts (in particular FIDIC standard forms); consultancy agreements; and forms of ancillary security.
• Providing strategic contract advisory services on live projects across the Gulf, including risk identification and mitigation and interpretation of contractual provisions.
• Collaborating closely with in-house legal and project management teams to ensure alignment with commercial and operational objectives.
• Supporting the development and mentoring of trainees and paralegals within the team. Contributing to thought leadership initiatives through legal research, client briefings, and publication of articles.

The new recruit will also be responsible for:

• Building, maintaining and developing client relationships.
• Pro-active participation in marketing initiatives.
• Providing key client training seminars and presentations

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

The firm has a Career Development Framework which sets out the competencies we expect of those at the Associate grade. In particular for this role, the ideal candidate will have:

• Qualified lawyer, 3-5 PQE
• Degree in law from a recognised university -minimum of 2:1
• Previous private practice experience of advising on the life cycle of major construction and infrastructure projects. Experience working in the Middle East is advantageous but not essential.
• Experience of drafting, undertaking risk reviews, advising upon and negotiating forms of construction contracts and particular conditions to construction contracts, whether bespoke or based upon a standard form e.g. FIDC, and all associated project documentation.
• Fluent English speaker
• Can do, hardworking and flexible approach
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and commercially focused advice.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple matters concurrently, often under time pressure, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Proven ability to prioritise competing demands and adapt to changing deadlines or client needs in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
• Ability and enthusiasm to undertake business development.
• Drive and enthusiasm & commercial awareness
• Interacts well with people at all levels
• Commitment to exceeding client expectations
• Strong case and time management skills

Benefits

Trowers & Hamlins is an equal opportunities employer and values equity, diversity and inclusion. All applications will be considered on merit and the applicant's suitability to meet the requirements of the role and will be treated equally irrespective of Ethnicity, Gender, Race, Disability and Religion.

If you require any further information on any of our vacancies or would like to discuss any adjustments or additional support that you might need either during the recruitment process or after the offer stage, please feel free to contact our recruitment team on [e-mail]

As part of our firm recruitment policy our candidates are subject to employment screening background checks. These checks include personal details, education and employment history, professional qualifications and credit and criminal checks as appropriate.