About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading international law firm with a strong presence across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. With over 20 offices worldwide and a reputation for delivering high-quality legal services, Ashurst continues to expand its global footprint, particularly in the Middle East. The firm's banking and finance practice is recognized for its depth of expertise, innovative approach, and commitment to client service.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Partner – Banking & Finance to join our growing team in Dubai, UAE. This is a senior leadership role within Ashurst's global loans practice, reporting to the Head of Global Loans for the UK, US, and Middle East. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in expanding the firm's banking and finance capabilities across the Middle East region, with a particular focus on the UAE banking market.

This hire reflects Ashurst's strategic commitment to growth in the Middle East, where the banking and finance sectors are experiencing significant diversification and expansion. The firm recently made a similar senior hire to lead its white-collar crime and investigations team in Paris, underscoring its investment in top-tier legal talent across key markets.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the banking and finance practice in Dubai, driving business development and client relationship management across the Middle East region.
Advise financial institutions, borrowers, and sponsors on complex cross-border lending transactions, including syndicated loans, project finance, and structured finance deals.
Develop and execute a strategic growth plan for the Middle East banking practice, identifying new market opportunities and client prospects.
Build and mentor a high-performing team of associates and junior lawyers, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional development.
Collaborate closely with Ashurst's global offices to deliver seamless, multi-jurisdictional legal solutions for international clients operating in the Middle East.
Maintain and strengthen relationships with major UAE and regional banks, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies.
Monitor and interpret legislative and regulatory developments in the UAE and wider GCC banking sector to provide proactive, commercially focused legal advice.
Contribute to the firm's thought leadership through publications, seminars, and industry conferences, enhancing Ashurst's profile in the Middle East legal market.
Participate in firm-wide leadership initiatives and contribute to the strategic direction of Ashurst's global banking and finance practice.
Ensure all client engagements are managed in accordance with the firm's quality standards, risk management protocols, and compliance requirements.

Requirements

Qualified solicitor or attorney with a minimum of 15+ years of post-qualification experience (PQE) in banking and finance law.
Proven track record as a partner or senior lawyer at an internationally recognized law firm, with demonstrable experience in originating and managing significant client relationships.
Deep understanding of the UAE banking market, including familiarity with local regulatory frameworks, central bank guidelines, and Sharia-compliant finance structures.
Extensive experience in syndicated lending, cross-border project finance, and structured finance transactions.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire, develop, and retain top legal talent.
Excellent business development capabilities with an established network of contacts among banks, financial institutions, and corporates in the Middle East.
Outstanding communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to operate effectively across diverse cultural and legal environments.
Admission to practice in the UAE or willingness to obtain relevant qualifications is highly desirable.
Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in Arabic is a significant advantage.
A commercially minded approach with the ability to deliver innovative, client-focused legal solutions.

Technical Skills & Tools

Proficiency in legal research platforms such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Practical Law.
Experience with document management systems including iManage and NetDocuments.
Familiarity with deal management tools and CRM platforms such as InterAction or HubSpot.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, including Teams, SharePoint, and Excel for financial modeling support.
Understanding of regulatory compliance tools relevant to UAE Central Bank and Dubai Financial Authority requirements.

Work Environment & Culture

Ashurst fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture. The Dubai office is at the heart of the firm's Middle East strategy, offering a dynamic working environment with exposure to landmark transactions and a diverse, international team. The firm supports flexible and hybrid working arrangements, recognizing the importance of work-life balance while maintaining the highest standards of client service.

As a member of Ashurst's global leadership community, you will have access to international secondments, cross-office collaboration opportunities, and the firm's comprehensive professional development programs.

Benefits & Compensation

Competitive partner-level compensation package commensurate with experience and client portfolio.
Performance-based bonus and profit-sharing arrangements.
Comprehensive private medical insurance for the employee and dependents.
Relocation support and assistance with UAE visa and residency processes.
Generous annual leave entitlement in line with UAE labor law and firm policy.
Professional development budget for conferences, courses, and qualifications.
Access to Ashurst's global network of offices and international secondment opportunities.
Hybrid working flexibility with modern office facilities in Dubai's leading business district.

Career Growth

Thishis role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Ashurst's banking and finance practice in one of the world's fastest-growing legal markets. The successful candidate will have a clear path to senior leadership within the firm, including opportunities to serve on regional and global practice management committees. Ashurst is committed to supporting its partners in building sustainable, long-term practices with significant autonomy and strategic backing from the firm's global leadership.

How to Apply

If you are a senior banking and finance lawyer with a strong presence in the UAE market and are ready to take the next step in your career, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please submit your application through devkarriere.com including your CV and a brief summary of your client portfolio and recent transaction experience.

Ashurst is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion.