Derivatives Lawyer

Peerpoint is A&O Shearman's global platform for self-directed consultant lawyers who want to access the best work, clients, resources and bespoke support, while undertaking assignments of typically six months or more, either within A&O Shearman's practice groups or directly with clients.

Typical assignments based in Abu Dhabi or Dubai are 6 months in length and full time. There can also be opportunities that allow for flexible working arrangements.

Role Profile

We are seeking experienced and commercially minded Senior Derivatives Lawyers for financial services clients in the UAE. These are high-profile roles offering the opportunity to advise on a broad range of complex derivatives and structured products transactions across multiple asset classes and jurisdictions.

Examples of recent opportunities 6 mth contract for a Senior Derivatives Lawyer - Leading International Bank (Dubai, UAE)

Our client, a major international bank is hiring a Senior Derivatives Lawyer for its Dubai legal team. The role covers advisory work across interest rate, credit, equity, commodity, and Islamic finance derivatives, as well as structured products. Core responsibilities include negotiating and drafting ISDA Master Agreements, CSAs, and related documentation, and advising the front office and risk teams. Candidates must hold a common law qualification with 8-12 years' PQE at a leading law firm or financial institution, with strong expertise in derivatives regulation (including EMIR and UAE regulatory frameworks). Arabic language skills are desirable but not essential.

6 mth contract for a Senior Derivatives Lawyer - Global Asset Manager (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

A leading global asset manager, a client of Peerpoint is seeking a Senior Derivatives Lawyer in Abu Dhabi to build and lead the derivatives legal function for its Middle Eastern operations. The position involves advising portfolio managers on OTC and exchange-traded derivatives, prime brokerage, securities lending, and repo arrangements, and leading all ISDA, GMRA, and GMSLA negotiations. Candidates should be qualified lawyers with at least 10 years' derivatives experience at a top law firm or buy-side institution. Experience with ADGM or DIFC-regulated fund structures is highly advantageous.