Based UAE, General Litigation Lawyer with Employment and Advocacy, Associate / Barrister in City of London

Dubai Central: 5 plus PQE. This full-time General Litigation with employment and advocacy Associate / Barrister role is based with a Dubai law firm. The role involves managing a varied caseload of general commercial and civil litigation matters, with a particular focus on employment disputes and advocacy in local courts and tribunals. The successful candidate will draft pleadings, legal opinions, contracts, and correspondence, as well as prepare case strategies, evidence bundles, and settlement proposals. Day-to-day responsibilities include advising clients on contentious employment issues, attending hearings, conferences, and negotiations, and collaborating with colleagues across practice areas to deliver high-quality client service. The role also includes business development activities, such as supporting client pitches, contributing to thought leadership, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of UAE and international legal developments relevant to litigation and employment law.

You should have:

• Strong experience in general commercial and civil litigation, including case management, drafting pleadings, and handling disputes from inception to resolution.
• Demonstrated expertise in employment law matters, including advising on workplace disputes, contracts, regulatory compliance, and related contentious issues.
• Proven advocacy skills with experience appearing before courts or tribunals, conducting hearings, and engaging in negotiations and mediations.
• Excellent legal research and analytical abilities, with proficiency in preparing clear, concise legal opinions and strategic advice.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and the ability to present complex issues in an accessible manner.
• Qualification as a solicitor, barrister, or equivalent in a common law or other relevant jurisdiction; admission in the UAE or prior Middle East experience is an advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, collaborate across teams, and manage deadlines in a fast-paced, client-focused setting.

Based in the City of London, Dan qualified as a solicitor in 2003 and is the owner of one of the longest serving legal recruitment agencies in London and the South East of England, Ellis-Wake. He regularly advises his clients on the complexity of the legal market, on their strategic future and is a known 'connector' and 'influencer' in the recruitment market. Dan's experience stretches back to 2004 and he's seen many significant changes in Global and local legal and recruitment markets and has recruited successfully in all of them.

Ellis-Wake acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.