UAE Paralegal / Support Lawyer (Transactional) - Dubai

Successfully deliver and assist others in the delivery of transactional matter work on instruction from the Practice.

Member of the MO team, working with the Practice and Business Services functions to achieve client-led deadlines.

• Banking practice support in the first instance, and able to support wider practice groups during period of capacity/need.
• The role will support the UAE office in the first instance, but able to provide global matter support during periods of capacity/ need working as part of the global MO team.
• Possesses an eagerness to see the job through to completion and displays strong communication, ownership and time management skills.
• Sufficient gravitas and experience to work effectively with more senior colleagues including Partners, Managing Associates and clients.

Key responsibilities and challenges

1. Management of Service Delivery

• Deliver and assist others in the delivery of transactional matter work on instruction from the Practice, in both English and Arabic where the role requires it.
• Ensure the Paralegals & Support Lawyers management team is made aware of all tasks/projects outside of the UAE, and the approach to delivery is approved.
• Ensure the Paralegals & Support Lawyers management team is made aware of all capacity and availability. Be actively involved in managing and generating future workflow.
• Anticipate and be reactive to changing client instructions and requirements.
• Monitor own performance, actively seek and act on feedback.
• Communicate effectively with team, recognising diverse working styles.

2. Subject Matter Expert

• Keep up-to-date with developments, ensuring knowledge is shared.
• Ability to use and have a good working knowledge of platforms and supporting technology, including post-closing assistance tools, legal research tools and due diligence platforms.
• End user / administrator of IT solutions aligned to the requirements of the practice, including virtual data rooms, the internal extranet and intranet sites.
• Use of the firm’s approved legal AI and document review tools, in accordance with firm policy.

3. Key Measures of Success

• Adherence to team processes; and ensuring best practice guidelines and policies are adhered to.
• Meeting personal utilisation targets, ensuring any decision which may impact these targets is discussed and agreed with the line manager.
• Demonstrating strong communication skills which are critical to the success of the team.

4. Point of Reference

• Provide assistance to the Practice in the smooth running of matters, including liaising professionally and efficiently with lawyers and clients on specific projects. 

5. Team Player

• Perform duties in accordance with agreed instructions / procedures.
• Report on work in progress and escalate any issues appropriately.
• Assist and provide best practice guidance to fellow paralegals.
• Ability to work autonomously where necessary, with a proactive and confident approach.
• Will work across all Matter Optimisation teams, and at external client sites as and when required.

6. Commercially Aware

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the legal market and what external factors influence it.

 Key Requirements

• Fluent Arabic and English language skills, with the ability to communicate professionally in both written and spoken formats.
• LPC / SQE or (Foreign) Qualified lawyers.
• 2 years' experience as a Banking Paralegal within an international law firm or leading financial institution.
• Experience supporting banking and finance transactions, including document management, due diligence and transaction execution processes.
• Exposure to international or Middle East/Dubai-related matters would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to build effective working relationships across jurisdictions.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate sound judgement and take ownership of tasks in a remote or hybrid working environment.
• Proactive, adaptable and committed to delivering high-quality work and exceptional client service

Technical Skills:

This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.