The UAE, and Dubai in particular, has become the destination of choice for many lawyers looking to work overseas in a thriving and growing legal market. It offers an oasis of opportunity, attracting those looking to secure top jobs in leading firms offering great packages.
Beyond the obvious professional opportunities, it boasts an exceptional lifestyle. From 4-day working weeks and a diverse, cosmopolitan environment to a stable economy, tax-free pay and not forgetting year-round sunshine – the attraction is undeniable. If you’re an internationally qualified lawyer already established in the UAE, you’ve experienced the region’s dynamic legal scene and are probably very aware of the fierce competition in the UAE job market.
BARBRI recently hosted a roundtable with top-tier law firms and leaders from the UAE legal sector, where they shared insights on supporting their teams and how you can upskill to stand out in UAE legal recruitment. Here’s the lowdown of their advice so you can supercharge your next step.
Becoming a UAE Legal Powerhouse
Legal leaders emphasised the need for UAE lawyers to master international law, legal project management, and legal tech. By staying ahead in these areas, you can boost your career development and employability whilst also positioning yourself as an indispensable asset within a firm. These skills aren’t just about keeping up with trends – they’re crucial for delivering superior client service and driving a firm’s success in a market that expects the very best. As Ksenia Andreeva, Partner at Morgan Lewis’ Dubai office, noted during the webinar, “Having a unique skill set where you understand the law, have dual qualifications, and have some understanding of how technology works, is incredibly valuable. This combination really helps you stand out among job candidates.”
Sharpen Communication and Collaboration Skills
Effective communication and teamwork are also vital skills for lawyers looking to make their mark in the UAE. They’re the cornerstones of building trust with clients and colleagues, and you need great communication skills every day – so make time to hone them. Lawyers who excel in these areas are not only better equipped to handle complex clients and cases, but also have the ability to foster stronger relationships within their teams. This helps with client growth, retention, and business development and in a competitive market like the UAE, these ‘soft’ skills can set you apart and help you advance in your career. Ahmad Saleh, a Partner at Al Tamimi & Company, emphasised the importance of these skills during our recent webinar, stating, “It’s crucial for lawyers to speak the client’s language and understand their business realities and needs. This helps us communicate effectively with clients and understand their business and culture.”
Dual Qualification is Your Secret Weapon
Dual qualification is seen as one of the biggest differentiators for UAE lawyers, with law firms in the region actively seeking dual-qualified lawyers thanks to its growing legal market, and wider opportunities due to globalisation. It demonstrates enhanced expertise and commitment to personal development, and not only increases your earning potential, but provides greater career flexibility. With the ability to practise law in multiple jurisdictions, you’ll become more attractive to employers and have a significant advantage in a competitive job market, it’s a win-win.
Above all, dual qualification helps you to effectively support multinational clients in the UAE that require legal representation that goes beyond borders. It allows you to bridge the gap between legal systems, ensuring consistent and effective advice across global operations which is what UAE firms are seeking. Saleh highlighted, “Dual qualification is extremely important. At our firm, we have lawyers from over 53 nationalities, which brings a wealth of diversity and value.”
Boost Your Legal Career with BARBRI
Our SQE Prep and Ebar courses are designed to equip lawyers with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the UAE legal market. With structured study plans, expert guidance, and practical skills development ensures that you are well prepared.Ready to enhance your legal expertise and boost your career prospects in the UAE? Book a call with Chiugo Umezuruike, or enrol in our Ebar or SQE Prep courses.