Commercial Lawyer

Accelerate Your Legal Career with Peerpoint - A&O Shearman's Global Consulting Platform

Peerpoint offers experienced lawyers the opportunity to undertake high-impact interim legal consulting assignments in the UAE and internationally.

As part of A&O Shearman, our consultants support the firm and its clients on complex, often landmark matters across sectors. Whether you are seeking contract roles, fractional engagements, or flexible secondments, Peerpoint enables you to build a career that combines autonomy with the prestige of a leading global law firm.

Assignments are typically full-time for six months, based in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, with remote or hybrid options available.

We provide visa sponsorship, DLAD registration, and access to professional development.

We are seeking talented lawyers with expertise in commercial law, a comprehensive understanding of both local and international business laws, with particular expertise in UAE federal legislation, free zone regulations, and Sharia principles as they pertain to commercial transactions.

Experienced at drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of contracts, including joint venture agreements, distribution arrangements, and shareholder agreements, ensuring compliance with the UAE's evolving legal framework.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for advising clients on complex corporate structures, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory matters.

Additionally, as a commercial lawyer in the UAE you must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and effective communication skills to navigate the country's diverse business environment, often working with multinational clients and government authorities.

Examples of opportunities include:

• Tech Company: Our client required a commercial contracts lawyer, to draft, review, and negotiate contracts, manage legal risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and support contract management. Additionally, the role involved collaborating with stakeholders, resolving disputes, enforcing contracts, and providing intellectual property support.
• Energy Supplier: The client engaged with one of our commercial contracts' lawyers, drafting, reviewing and negotiating a variety of commercial contracts including supply, procurement, service, joint ventures and partnership agreements for major projects, tenders and transactions
• Logistics Organisation: The client was looking for a commercial contracts lawyer responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and advising on a wide range of procurement-related contracts and agreements. This role typically supported the overall business businesses, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations, and mitigating legal risks associated with procurement activities.
• Defence Organisation: Our client was seeking an experienced Commercial Lawyer to join its legal team. The successful consultant provided expert legal advice on a wide range of commercial matters, including contract negotiation, drafting, and review, with a focus on defence procurement, supply chain agreements, and regulatory compliance. The role involved supporting business operations, managing legal risks, and ensuring adherence to UAE laws and international standards

Our Criteria

Successful candidates will:

Have a minimum of four years' post-qualification experience at a law firm ranked as top tier for construction, projects and infrastructure work.

Ideally have recent in-house legal experience within a technology & telecommunications, oil & gas, constructions & real estate, financial services, healthcare & pharmaceuticals or media & entertainment organisation.

Experience in the Middle East and fluency in Arabic would be advantageous

have a desire to take ownership of their career and be responsible for their own professional development and network, proactively making use of any support and resources available.

Have researched the personal and financial factors that you need to consider when commencing a career as a legal consultant and be comfortable with the ways in which it differs from permanent employment.

Have a consultant mindset, including a highly professional, flexible and adaptable outlook and approach.

Have a practising certificate (or equivalent) which entitles them to practise as a lawyer in the region.

What makes consulting with Peerpoint different?

A career with Peerpoint stands apart. Over the past decade, we've helped redefine legal consulting as a credible, compelling alternative to private practice and in-house roles, backed by one of the most supportive platforms in the market and the full strength of A&O Shearman.

Empowering your growth - You'll be supported by our experienced team and gain access to A&O Shearman training, development and networking, plus opportunities to build your skills with A&O Shearman's Advanced Delivery & Solutions businesses.

Access to the best - With connections to leading global businesses and cutting edge roles, we'll match you to work that fits. On assignment, you'll have access to A&O Shearman partners, professional support lawyers and extensive knowledge resources.

Your priorities first - Find the balance that works for you, with flexibility to shape your time, whether to pursue a passion, focus on family or take time out to travel.

Future proof your path - If you want coaching or mentoring, our team will help you navigate diverse career routes and grow your experience. We'll understand your goals, support you at every step and set you up to thrive.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Legal and Consulting