Finance Lawyer - Associate – 4 PQE+, Dubai

Addleshaw Goddard LLP; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Addleshaw Goddard LLP in Dubai is seeking an Associate to support the Middle East Banking & Finance practice with high‑quality legal advice on complex financing matters across the region.

You will collaborate with partners and colleagues on leveraged finance, acquisition and real estate finance, handling drafting, due diligence and execution while engaging directly with lenders, sponsors and funds across the GCC.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years' post-qualification experience in banking & finance law.
• Strong technical knowledge and ability to provide clear, practical legal advice.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, meet deadlines and maintain client service standards.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review financing documentation for leveraged, real estate and corporate lending.
• Support deal structuring, due diligence and execution of transactions with clients and lenders.

Skills

Banking & Finance

Legal Drafting

Education

Qualified Lawyer

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

This role is to support Addleshaw Goddard's Middle East Banking & Finance practice by delivering high-quality legal advice on banking, finance and restructuring matters to clients across the region. You will play a key role in providing exceptional client service, upholding AG's reputation for excellence, and contributing to the continued growth and success of the firm's Finance practice in the Middle East.

THE TEAM

The Finance Practice is one of Addleshaw Goddard's core and most strategically important areas in Dubai and across the GCC. The team plays a central role in supporting the firm's regional growth and is deeply embedded in delivering high-quality, complex financing work across the market.

Our Dubai Finance team advises on a broad range of domestic and cross-border transactions, working closely with leading regional and international lenders, sponsors, funds, and corporates. We have particular strength across leveraged finance, acquisition finance, real estate finance, and general corporate lending, with a strong focus on transactions across the GCC.

The team is actively engaged throughout the full lifecycle of financing transactions – from initial structuring and documentation through to execution and closing – and works closely with colleagues across corporate and projects to deliver integrated solutions for clients.

We continue to see strong demand from both long-standing and new clients, reflecting the depth of our relationships and the strength of our market reputation. As the practice grows, we remain focused on expanding our offering and strengthening our position as a leading finance practice in the region.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS ROLE

As an Associate at in the team, you will work closely with experienced partners and colleagues across the region and wider international network, advising on a broad range of complex and high-value finance transactions.

You will be involved in all aspects of transactional finance work, including leveraged finance, acquisition finance, real estate finance, and general corporate lending. Your responsibilities will include drafting and reviewing financing documentation, supporting deal structuring, conducting due diligence, and assisting on the negotiation and execution of transactions. You will also work directly with clients, including lenders, sponsors, private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds and business's, gaining exposure to both domestic and cross-border deals across the Middle East.

The team advises on a wide range of market-leading transactions across sectors including Real Estate, Energy, Infrastructure, Industrials, and Financial Services. You will be part of a high-performing and collaborative team with a strong pipeline of work and a focus on delivering commercial, solutions-driven advice.

At AG, you can expect early responsibility, direct client exposure, and the opportunity to take ownership of workstreams, all within a supportive and fast-paced environment designed to develop your technical and commercial expertise.

YOUR AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

• At least 2 years' post-qualification experience in banking & finance law, ideally gained at a leading firm, with exposure to transactional finance and restructuring matters.
• Strong technical knowledge and the ability to provide clear, practical legal advice.
• Proven ability to manage multiple matters efficiently, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards of client service in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent drafting skills, with confidence in preparing legally effective documents tailored to client needs.
• Committed to professional growth, continuous learning, and contributing to the team's success.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and resilient under pressure, with a genuine interest in understanding clients' objectives to deliver impactful advice.

OUR FIRM

Our story of international growth is built on a performance mindset, innovation and true collaboration. We believe results follow relationships, so we work closely with each other, and develop deep client connections to deliver.

Our award-winning culture balances high standards and hard work with genuine care – looking out for each other, supporting professional development, in a down to earth and inclusive environment. We do the right things in the right ways, combining commercial excellence and innovative thinking with teamwork. Together, we deliver excellence, achieve stand out solutions, and enable career-defining opportunities.