Solicitor ‑ Advocate

Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants (LLC-SO); United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in the UAE is seeking a common law-trained advocate to handle offshore litigation and international arbitrations. The successful candidate will be responsible for drafting pleadings, conducting legal research, and advising clients on litigation risks. A strong academic background in law and 2-5 years of experience in commercial disputes are essential. The role requires professionalism, integrity, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice law in England & Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or Ireland.
• 2–5 years’ post-call experience in commercial disputes, with strong drafting ability.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review pleadings for international arbitrations and offshore court proceedings.
• Conduct legal research on common law court procedures and prepare detailed memoranda.
• Advise clients on litigation risk and alternative dispute resolution.

Skills

Advocacy

Legal Research

Advisory

Education

Strong academic foundation in law

Advanced education in international arbitration

Job description

About the IDR Group

The International Dispute Resolution (IDR) team at Galadari is at the forefront of complex cross- border disputes. The IDR team handles a broad scope of matters, including high-value international arbitrations under major institutional rules (ICC, UNCITRAL, DIAC, arbitrateAD) and heavyweight litigation in the UAE’s common law courts (DIFC and ADGM). Its members undertake their own advocacy before international courts and tribunals in the UAE and abroad.

The Role

We are recruiting a common law‑trained advocate (Barrister or Specialist Advocate/ Solicitor‑Advocate) to take a leading role in offshore litigation before the DIFC and ADGM Courts, as well as arbitral proceedings seated in the region.

The successful candidate will have a strong pedigree in drafting submissions and pleadings—including skeleton arguments, statements of case, and applications. Courtroom experience is an advantage, but superior drafting ability is essential.

Core Responsibilities

• Advocacy: Draft and review pleadings, memorials, applications, and other substantive submissions for international arbitrations and offshore court proceedings. Assist senior lawyers in developing case strategy and managing complex files from inception through final award/judgment.
• Legal Research: Legal Research: Conduct rigorous research on common law court procedure, with proven familiarity with the Rules of the DIFC (RDC) or ADGM Courts, or equivalents in the candidate’s home jurisdiction. Prepare detailed memoranda on procedural law, case management, and cross-border enforcement issues, and apply these insights to draft persuasive written submissions and procedural applications.
• Advisory: Assist in enforcement of arbitral awards and foreign judgments within and outside the DIFC/ADGM. Advise clients on litigation risk, dispute avoidance, and alternative dispute resolution (mediation/negotiation) where appropriate, reflecting a proactive problem‑solving approach.

Candidate Requirements

• Professional Qualifications: Admitted to practice law in either England &Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or Ireland jurisdiction, with higher rights of audience (as a barrister or solicitor-advocate, or equivalent). Eligibility for registration as a legal practitioner before the DIFC and/or ADGM Courts is essential; existing registration is an advantage.
• Experience: 2–5 years’ post-call (or post-qualification) experience gained in a leading set of barristers’ chambers, a specialist in‑house advocacy team, or a trial litigation team within a premier law firm. Candidates must demonstrate a strong record of drafting pleadings, skeleton arguments, applications, and written submissions for commercial disputes. Prior involvement in contested hearings or trial preparation is advantageous but secondary to a proven pedigree in persuasive written advocacy.
• Education: Strong academic foundation in law with an excellent first degree. Advanced education in international arbitration or comparative dispute resolution (such as an LL.M. or equivalent postgraduate study) will be considered an advantage.
• Personal Qualities: High level of professionalism, integrity, and work ethic. A team player with strong interpersonal skills, able to collaborate in a multicultural environment. Proven ability to thrive under pressure, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt to the demands of high‑value, fast‑paced disputes.