Senior Associate

Arc Legal Recruitment; Dubai; On-site; AED 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

ARC Legal Recruitment is seeking an experienced Associate/Senior Associate for its client’s Middle East practice, based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The role focuses on high‑value M&A and private equity transactions across the UAE and wider region, with exposure to a sophisticated multinational client base.

You will manage significant transaction aspects, coordinate with international colleagues, and supervise junior lawyers. Fluency in English is required, and Middle East experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years' post-qualification experience in corporate M&A and private equity.
• Experience at a leading international or highly regarded corporate law practice.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and transaction management skills.
• Strong commercial judgment and ability to build trusted client relationships.
• Fluency in English; Arabic language skills welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Manage significant aspects of transactions, coordinating with clients and international colleagues.
• Supervise junior lawyers and oversee document drafting and due diligence.
• Contribute to cross-border deal execution and client servicing.

Skills

M&A transactions

Private equity

Transaction management

Client relationships

Drafting & Negotiation

Education

Law degree / Qualified lawyer

Job description

ARC Legal Recruitment works with leading international law firms and in-house legal teams across the GCC.

A client that our team has worked with extensively is seeking to appoint an experienced Associate or Senior Associate to its Middle East practice, based in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

This is an opportunity to join a highly regarded transactional team advising on complex, high-value M&A and private equity transactions across the UAE, wider Middle East and international markets.

The successful candidate will work alongside experienced partners and colleagues across multiple jurisdictions, advising a sophisticated client base that includes multinational corporations, financial institutions, private equity investors and sovereign wealth funds.

The role offers exposure to a broad range of corporate transactions, including:

• Public and private M&A transactions
• Private equity investments, acquisitions and exits
• Cross-border joint ventures and strategic investments
• Corporate restructurings and disposals
• Complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions across a range of sectors

You will take responsibility for managing significant aspects of transactions, working directly with clients, coordinating with international colleagues and supervising junior lawyers.

We are interested in speaking with lawyers who can demonstrate:

• Approximately 5–7 years' post-qualification experience in corporate M&A and private equity gained in a major US, Magic Circle or international law firm
• Experience gained with a leading international or highly regarded corporate law practice
• A strong track record of advising on complex, high-value transactions
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and transaction management skills
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to build trusted client relationships
• An excellent academic background

Previous Middle East experience would be advantageous but is not essential. Fluency in English is required, while Arabic language skills would be welcomed.

Why consider this opportunity?

• Work on significant regional and cross-border transactions for an impressive international client base
• Join an established corporate practice with a strong pipeline of sophisticated transactional work
• Benefit from direct client exposure and meaningful responsibility
• Collaborate with lawyers across a substantial international network
• Access structured professional development and long-term career progression
• Receive a highly competitive remuneration package

Candidates currently based in the Middle East or considering relocation to the region are encouraged to apply.