Senior Associate-Banking & Finance

Why join us?:

DWF are seeking a highly skilled Senior Associate to join our Transactional Banking Team in our Dubai office. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advising international and regional clients on a wide range of complex banking and finance transactions, including syndicated loans, acquisition finance and real estate finance all on either a conventional or Sharia-compliant basis. The role requires a blend of technical expertise, transactional experience, and the ability to manage and mentor junior lawyers.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage banking and finance transactions from start to finish, including drafting, negotiating and reviewing financing documentation.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients and other advisers throughout transactions.
• Build strong internal and external relationships to support business networks and growth.
• Support Partners with business development and client-facing activities.
• Meet financial and performance targets.
• Supervise and support junior team members.
• Stay up to date with legal developments and market trends in the banking sector.

What will help you succeed in this role?:

Essential

• Qualified solicitor with strong experience in banking and finance law, preferably with experience in syndicated lending, acquisition financing, or real estate finance.
• Proven track record in cross-border transactions and experience working with international clients.
• Commercially driven, demonstrating technical excellence alongside strong negotiation capability and stakeholder management skills.
• Collaborative approach, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Experience in leading people development through coaching, supervision and feedback.

Desirable

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a client-focused mindset.
• A positive, supportive and collegiate approach to teamwork.
• Strong technical knowledge of banking law and practice in the UAE would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of the Arabic Language is preferred but not essential.

What we offer:

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us:

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.