Paralegal

Department purpose
Banks and borrowers need innovative, adaptable legal services from lawyers who are able to offer robust advice in an uncertain economic climate. Now, more than ever, general lending transactions need to be structured and negotiated to take account of market and client requirements. A&O Shearman can advise on any form of financing that borrowers or lenders choose to undertake, and clients often call on us to advise on the ground-breaking deals and structures which eventually become the market standard.

A&O Shearman's UAE Civil Law team is widely recognised as the market leader. We are able to offer our clients exceptional market knowledge, built from a broad client base and from regularly working on big-ticket, cross-border deals, gained in times of both boom and bust. Our knowledge of advising domestic and international financiers, as well as borrowers, means that we can advise on all types of financing transactions worldwide.

We are looking for high quality applicants with strong experience in advising on the enforceability of a wide variety of structured finance and derivative products in the Middle East to join a dynamic team where the quality of work is second to none.

Role and responsibilities

• The role involves advising on the enforceability of a wide variety of structured finance and derivative products in the Middle East;
• Drafting, reviewing and amending documentation;
• Strategically advising clients in meetings, on the phone and in writing;
• Managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately;
• Business development - development of personal plan, assistance with and implementation of business development campaign;
• Legal research.

Key requirements

• Already Bar Admitted or working towards Bar admission (Civil) and/or Working towards SQE requirements under, SRA;
• Strong technical knowledge of the legal framework surrounding structured finance and derivative products in the Middle East;
• Outstanding advisory background and legal drafting;
• Intellectual curiosity and versatility;
• Self-starter with the desire and ability to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge;
• Detail-focused and self-motivated approach;
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines;
• Excellent client relationship skills;
• Sound experience of operating at Paralegal level within a complex international organisation;
• Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels and particularly to win the respect of the partner and fee-earner community, building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders;
• Collaborative team player with the ability to develop and work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment;
• A person of sound judgment, able to establish a high level of credibility;
• Native level Arabic speaker is a plus.

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world's leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.