Navigating the Dubai Legal Job Market: Opportunities and Insights

Dubai Legal Jobs Market Overview

The legal job market in Dubai is not only strong, but incredibly dynamic as well. Dubai is increasingly becoming a global hub for commerce and finance in the region. Globalization has spread the influence of Dubai throughout the region. It currently serves as a trade and finance center and is home to overseas firms from all corners of the world. It is also a favored launching pad for new markets, a destination for hotel development, tourism and leisure and a destination for investor real estate. So with Dubai seeing a rapid influx of foreigners in recent years seeking work, local and international firms have expanded considerably.
As a result, the legal job market is among the fastest growing in the world. According to the Morgan McKinley Employment Outlook Q1 2017 , Saudi Arabia and Dubai are the top two markets in overall hiring sentiment in the middle east for professional service jobs. There are a number of factors contributing to this growth, including;
This high level of activity, spurred by the need for regulatory compliance and risk management in the region has created an ever-increasing demand for legal services.
Dubai’s legal profession is evolving and spreading to new frontiers. Firms in Dubai are taking advantage of the country’s wealth of diversity and talent, looking to fill positions such as;
Dubai’s legal landscape will continuously be affected by the variety of language skills, traditions and customs from the residents and businesses in the region.

Essential Qualifications for Dubai Legal Positions

Education and professional qualifications are critical to secure a legal position in Dubai. While there is not an absolute requirement to have completed law school to work in the legal field, from our experience it is the case most firms seek lawyers. International firms are increasingly eager to recruit UK-qualified lawyers, especially those with Litigation or International Arbitration experience, while UAE-qualified lawyers are in demand but seek more in-house roles rather than traditional private practice positions.
Similar to other jurisdictions in the region, Arabic fluency is generally required for clients representing Saudi entities. Particularly for Saudi practice firms, when conducting litigation proceedings, the requirements for court submissions in Arabic is strictly enforced.
For contractual related work, (such as drafting and reviewing employment agreements, vendor contracts, and corporate agreements) Arabic fluency is less essential, although any ability in Arabic is beneficial and natural, but English fluency is required.
Depending on the specific employer or client, certification from regulatory agencies in Qatar, Oman, or Abu Dhabi may be necessary, along with a willingness to co-operate with the regulatory body.

Top Employers and Law Firms Hiring in Dubai

When it comes to legal employment in Dubai, we see both local and international law firms. There are a number of established and reputable ones that have been in existence for many years and have a strong presence both in the GCC and further afield.
Within the Dubai Government itself, the Attorney General’s Office, Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Land Department, Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Dubai Supreme Petroleum Council, Dubai Financial Audit Department and Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority are just some examples of full-service legal counsel to these key Government departments and commercial enterprises.
Beyond the local legal market, we have some well-known international players in the Dubai market. Allen & Overy, Daneret Latham and White & Case each have a significant presence in the GCC and continue to be prominent players in Dubai. Global firms Baker McKenzie, Dentons, CMS DeBacker, DLA Piper, Herbert Smith Freehills and K&L Gates are all in Dubai. Also, with a number of strong Middle Eastern firms, including Al Tamimi & Co., Al Owais Advocates & Legal Consultants, Kamel & Fadly Law Firm and BSA, the competition is tough amongst the Dubai firms.
As you would expect, international law firms are more regularly recruiting for employees of all levels and for those lawyers looking for a career change, Dubai offers a number of opportunities for those with the right experience and skill-set. Salaries are competitive and often buoyed by a tax-free environment and additional benefits such as housing allowances, school fees, annual flights etc.

Workplace Culture and Professional Environment

While Dubai is an emirate of the UAE, it is famous for its cosmopolitan lifestyle and social network. This also applies to the workplace. There tends to be a good mix of UAE nationals (Emiratis) and expats working in law firms, as well as in-house teams. Although relatively recent constructions, most of the law offices are located in impressive office buildings, such as Al Fattan Plaza, Burj Khalifa Business Towers and Dubai Investment Tower. Also, new laws regulating the accounting and audit profession are expected and the legal profession is looking forward to more opportunities opening up in this area. One example is the establishment of the Audit Monitoring Committee in the UAE, which is required to issue regulations in relation to both audit standards and accounting standards.
Attitudes to work depend very much on the practice area and the team . As a generalisation, the corporate/corporate and construction departments tend to be busier and more demanding than other practice areas of the firm. Firms tend to have a very casual office culture, compared to firms in other jurisdictions like London or New York. There is a fair amount of interaction amongst lawyers on a personal level, although this does vary by team.
Internationals play a big role within the Dubai legal market and this is expected to be enhanced further with the continuing strengthening of relations between Dubai and China. This could result in more Chinese companies opening in Dubai, which in turn, will result in more Chinese lawyers being hired by law firms in Dubai. A handful of Chinese law firms, including King & Wood Mallesons, have already established law offices in Dubai.

Dubai Legal Salary Expectations

The salaries for legal positions in Dubai vary significantly based on experience, the size and prestige of the firm, and the area of specialization. Typically, salary levels in Dubai are competitive with those in major international cities, although the absence of income tax makes effective take-home pay potentially more attractive.
Generation Y/Associate level candidates with less than 2 years of experience usually command salaries between AED 11k and AED 14k per month, while associates with 2 to 4 years of PQE should expect to earn a salary of between AED 16k and AED 20k per month, and associates with 4 to 6 years of PQE will typically earn monthly salaries of AED 22k to AED 28k. Salaries for senior lawyers/partners depend on a number of factors, including the firm’s practice strength, location, and whether the firm has its own DIFC license. Salaries for partners/teams entering into the DIFC typically range from AED 35k to AED 50k per month.
Australasian and Asian lawyers are consistently in high demand, as well as European and American lawyers with Arabic language skills. In addition, corporate M&A, real estate, and dispute resolution lawyers are generally in high demand.

Career Networking and Professional Growth

Networking and professional development are vital components of navigating the legal job market in Dubai, particularly given the competitive nature of the industry and the limited number of opportunities available. For individuals looking to secure positions and advance their careers within the legal field, engaging with professional associations, attending events, and seeking out development opportunities are essential steps.
Professional associations play a significant role in promoting the interests of legal practitioners in Dubai, advocating for their rights, and offering a range of services designed to meet their needs. Over the years, these organizations have attracted a growing membership, which includes both foreign and local legal professionals, creating a robust network of contacts that can prove invaluable as you seek new opportunities or navigate challenges within your career.
Events organised by these associations often feature discussions with members of the bar, allowing members to get a sense of the current state of the industry, gain insights into potential future developments, and hear directly from peers regarding their experiences within the legal profession. Such events help build a real sense of community, fostering collaboration and leading to a more connected network of legal professionals .
In addition to associations, a wide range of programs, seminars, and continuing legal education (CLE) opportunities are available to professionals in the legal field. Many of these programs are offered for free or at a reduced cost to association members, while non-members may be able to access them at a discount. These sessions address a variety of topics, from specific areas of law to general skills that are useful to legal practitioners, providing a means of professional development that should never be overlooked.
Attending training sessions, seminars, and conferences is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the legal field and to maximise your own career potential. That being said, even if you aren’t able to access the training offered by various professional associations, it’s important to gather as much knowledge on the profession as possible.
Local law firms and agencies that specialize in recruitment can also be beneficial in expanding one’s network. Many of these agencies will host their own events, providing opportunities to meet with potential employers and fellow legal practitioners. This is another way to build valuable connections, particularly for individuals with limited experience in the UAE or knowledge of the legal field within the emirates.