Banking & Finance Associate

Associate (3 PQE) – Banking & Finance

Dubai | Permanent

Must be an English-qualified solicitor with approximately 3 years post-qualification experience

An international law firm with a strong Middle East presence is looking to hire a Banking & Finance Associate (around 3 years PQE) to join its Dubai-based team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing and highly regarded finance practice advising on complex, high-quality transactions across the GCC and internationally.

The Dubai banking team advises on bespoke and innovative financing structures, working with a broad mix of borrowers and lenders on both conventional and Shari'ah-compliant matters.

The practice has recently been strengthened with senior hires from top-tier global firms and is entering a new phase of growth. The team regularly works opposite Magic Circle and leading US firms, and the quality and breadth of work is a real differentiator in the regional market.

Associates work closely with partners on sophisticated matters and benefit from a collaborative, high-performance environment with genuine scope for progression.

The Role

You will play a key role advising on a wide range of financing transactions, including:

• Acting for borrowers and lenders on GCC and cross-border financings
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating LMA facility agreements, security documents and related finance documentation
• Managing conditions precedent (CP) checklists and coordinating completions across multiple jurisdictions
• Supporting transactions across private credit, real estate finance and Islamic finance
• Conducting due diligence on borrowers, guarantors and collateral, identifying risks and proposing mitigants
• Advising on security packages and overseeing perfection steps
• Drafting and reviewing legal opinions and coordinating with local counsel
• Undertaking legal research as required

About You

• English-qualified solicitor with approximately 3 years post-qualification experience
• Strong background in banking and finance
• Exposure to Islamic finance and/or real estate finance is advantageous but not essential
• Comfortable working on cross-border transactions
• Solid understanding of LMA documentation, security structures and CP management
• Commercial, detail-oriented and proactive
• Confident working independently and as part of a team
• Strong drafting, negotiation and communication skills
• Fluent English required; Arabic is helpful but not essential

What's on Offer

• High-quality, international-level work from Dubai
• Close partner access and early responsibility
• A genuinely collaborative and inclusive culture
• Career development support, training and mentoring
• Exposure to cross-border and international matters
• Competitive remuneration and benefits
• Flexible and agile working arrangements considered

Diversity & Inclusion

The firm is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential. Flexible working arrangements are supported where possible, and reasonable adjustments can be made throughout the recruitment process.