Dubai-Based Business Development Manager, International Arbitration

Laborde Law; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Laborde Law, a specialist international arbitration practice with offices in Dubai, Paris and Belgrade, seeks an ambitious Business Development Manager to join its Dubai office. You will work directly with the Founding Partner to develop new client relationships, expand the firm’s international referral network, and generate new business opportunities.

This role focuses on identifying opportunities, building relationships, and turning them into business, not primarily marketing.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in business development or client development.
• Established network in UAE or GCC.
• Ability to engage with senior executives and government officials.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong research and opportunity identification skills.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial, and execution-focused.
• Experience in international arbitration is valuable.
• Arabic fluency is a significant advantage; other languages valued.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop relationships with prospective clients across the GCC and beyond.
• Build and develop relationships with referral sources and law firms.
• Map priority organisations, sectors, jurisdictions and decision-makers.
• Secure introductions and meetings for partners.
• Develop and manage a disciplined pipeline of opportunities.
• Coordinate pitches, proposals and targeted business-development initiatives.
• Identify conferences and speaking opportunities for the firm.
• Follow up after meetings and events to convert opportunities.

Skills

Business development

Professional services

Legal services

Relationship management

Networking

English communication

Arabic language (advantage)

Job description

Laborde Law, a specialist international arbitration practice with offices in Dubai, Paris and Belgrade, seeks an ambitious Business Development Manager to join its Dubai office. You will work directly with the Founding Partner to develop new client relationships, expand the firm’s international referral network, and generate new business opportunities.

This role focuses on identifying opportunities, building relationships, and turning them into business, not primarily marketing.