Senior Associate / Counsel - International Arbitration Dubai

A leading international arbitration practice is seeking a Senior Associate or Counsel to join its Dubai office, advising on complex, high-value international disputes. The position offers sustained exposure to significant international arbitrations, with senior lawyers taking genuine responsibility for written advocacy, case strategy and tribunal-facing work within lean, specialist teams.

The role

You will work closely with partners and colleagues across offices on international commercial, construction and investment treaty arbitrations. The work is international in scope and technically demanding, with senior lawyers involved directly in the core aspects of each case.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing case theory and strategy in collaboration with partners
• Drafting and supervising written submissions, including oversight of junior lawyers
• Managing research and document review processes efficiently and commercially
• Assisting with the preparation of witness and expert evidence
• Liaising directly with clients, experts, tribunals and opposing counsel
• Appearing in procedural and substantive hearings, including oral advocacy

Candidate profile

Competitive candidates are likely to have:

• At least 6 years' PQE (or 8+ years for Counsel) in international arbitration
• Experience acting on international commercial and or investment treaty disputes
• Exposure to complex construction or infrastructure arbitrations, including delay, technical or quantum-related issues, advantageous
• Excellent academic background
• Full professional proficiency in English
• Additional languages, including Arabic, welcomed but not required

Skills and approach

You should demonstrate:

• Clear, concise and persuasive written advocacy
• Strong analytical ability across complex legal and factual issues
• Sound understanding of arbitration procedure and practice
• Confidence presenting orally before tribunals while maintaining precision and credibility
• The ability to manage your own workload and supervise others professionally
• Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with partners and clients

What's offered

With significant scope for career progression and very competitive financial package available, this opportunity is ideal for those seeking premium international arbitration exposure within a specialist disputes practice.

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For more information, please send your CV and supporting details in confidence to or apply via this website. Only applicants who meet the stated criteria and match the requirements of our client will be contacted.

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