Senior Associate Corporate M&A

Who we are

AS&H Clifford Chance provides a market-leading legal offering for Saudi and international clients in the exceptionally dynamic and fast-growing market in Saudi Arabia.

AS&H Clifford Chance helps clients achieve their goals by combining the highest global standards with local expertise. Focusing on the core areas of commercial activity: capital markets; corporate and M&A; finance and banking; real estate; litigation and dispute resolution.

We have amassed a wealth of experience in Saudi Arabia and have led the market in developing many of the features of existing market practice. The team regularly advises key Saudi Ministries and government-owned entities as well as a wide range of government owned, privately and publicly held Saudi and international businesses, listed companies and financial institutions. The firm has a strong track record of advising on some of the most innovative and ground-breaking transactions in Saudi Arabia.

The role

We apply our significant regional, European and international experience to a broad range of corporate, regulatory and commercial activities including mergers, acquisitions and disposals (both public and private), joint ventures, corporate restructurings and ECM.

Key attractions

AS&H Clifford Chance is the current holder of the prestigious IFLR Saudi Arabian Law Firm of the Year, and the team has won the award for all but one of the past fourteen years since the inception of this award. The team was also ranked first by Merger market, both in terms of M&A deal value and deal volume in Saudi Arabia for 2018 and 2019.

You will work on leading deals for top tier clients. The range, calibre and international scope of the deal flow is unique.

Recent deal highlights include advising:

• Americana Restaurants PLC in relation to the first-ever concurrent dual IPO and listing on UAE and KSA’s stock exchanges
• Saudi Tadawul Group Company on its SAR 3.78 billion landmark IPO and SAR 12.6 billion listing on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul)
• The National Petrochemical Company (Petrochem) on its merger with Saudi Industrial Investment Group (SIIG) by way of a share exchange transaction
• Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB) on the “First of its Kind” transaction for the sale of treasury shares (through a rights issue mechanism) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• the Public Investment Fund on its secondary public offering of 100,200,000 shares in STC, with an offering size of SAR 12 billion; a first of its kind in the market
• the Public Investment Fund on the US$ 69.1 billion disposal of a 70% stake in SABIC to Saudi Arabian Oil Company, the largest M&A ever in the region
• the largest banking merger between NCB and SAMBA Financial Group
• the first statutory banking merger between SABB and Al-Awwal Bank
• Saudi Electricity Company on the conversion of its financial government liabilities into a SAR 167.92 billion (approx. USD 45 billion) Shari'a compliant subordinated financial equity-like instrument with a redemption option, considered the world's largest Shari’a compliant transaction ever to be executed the first Rule 144A IPO for Arabian Centres in Saudi Arabia

The sophisticated internal training programme offered is unmatched in the region and includes local monthly courses run by The Academy with the opportunity to attend training programmes across the Clifford Chance network of offices.

The team is proud of their reputation for being a very informal, supportive, and meritocratic group.

You will feel part of a well organised and structured team which forms a supportive environment in which you can learn and flourish.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee complex corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
• You will be given the chance to handle a variety of work, including public and private M&A, and ECM transactions across the Middle East.
• Provide high-level strategic legal advice to clients on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of sophisticated corporate documents and agreements.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop junior associates and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Collaborate with other practice areas within the firm to provide comprehensive and integrated legal solutions.
• Maintain and enhance client relationships, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and retention.
• Stay abreast of legal developments and industry trends to provide proactive and forward-thinking advice to clients.

Your experience

• Qualified lawyer with 7-8 years of post-qualification experience in corporate law, preferably within a top-tier international law firm.
• Proven track record of acting or leading on M&A and ECM transactions.
• Experience in, or exposure to, advising on Saudi Law aspects of international cross-border transactions would be advantageous.
• Extensive experience in managing and executing complex corporate transactions.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Proactive, with a strong sense of initiative and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in Arabic is advantageous.
• You should also have a genuine and demonstrable interest in, or affinity for, the Middle East.
• In all cases, candidates should have first class legal ability coupled with a practical commercial approach; excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills; and enjoy being part of a friendly outgoing team. You must also have exceptional results throughout your academic history.

Equal opportunities

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age. This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm.

Find out more about our inclusive culture here.