Paralegal - Dubai

We are recruiting a Paralegal to support our Finance - Civil Team in Dubai.

Department Purpose

Banks and borrowers need innovative, adaptable legal services from lawyers who are able to offer robust advice in an uncertain economic climate. Now, more than ever, general lending transactions need to be structured and negotiated to take account of market and client requirements. A&O Shearman can advise on any form of financing that borrowers or lenders choose to undertake, and clients often call on us to advise on the ground breaking deals and structures which eventually become the market standard. A&O Shearman's UAE Civil Law team is widely recognised as the market leader. We are able to offer our clients exceptional market knowledge, built from a broad client base and from regularly working on big ticket, cross border deals, gained in times of both boom and bust. Our knowledge of advising domestic and international financiers, as well as borrowers, means that we can advise on all types of financing transactions worldwide.

Role & Responsibilities

• The role involves advising on the enforceability of a wide variety of structured finance and derivative products in the Middle East;
• Drafting, reviewing and amending documentation;
• Strategically advising clients in meetings, on the phone and in writing;
• Managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately;
• Business development - development of personal plan, assistance with and implementation of business development campaign;
• Legal research.

Key Requirements

• Already Bar Admitted or working towards Bar admission (Civil) and/or Working towards SQE requirements under, SRA;
• Strong technical knowledge of the legal framework surrounding structured finance and derivative products in the Middle East;
• Outstanding advisory background and legal drafting;
• Intellectual curiosity and versatility;
• Self starter with the desire and ability to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge;
• Detail focused and self motivated approach;
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines;
• Excellent client relationship skills;
• Sound experience of operating at Paralegal level within a complex international organisation;
• Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels and particularly to win the respect of the partner and fee earner community, building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders;
• Collaborative team player with the ability to develop and work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment;
• A person of sound judgment, able to establish a high level of credibility;
• Native level Arabic speaker is a plus.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

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