Job Description

Progressive legal careers

Peerpoint is A&O Shearman’s global platform for self-directed consultant lawyers who want to access the best work, clients, resources and bespoke support, while undertaking assignments of typically six months or more, either within A&O Shearman’s practice groups or directly with clients.

To find out more, please visit www.peerpoint.com.

Join us

We are currently looking for talented funds and asset management lawyers with eight or more years’ top-tier post-qualification experience to join our UAE panel for assignments with A&O Shearman and leading clients. The successful candidate will advise sponsors, asset managers, investment funds, sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), financial institutions, corporate clients, institutional investors and family offices on the structuring, formation, establishment, management and operation of investment funds.

Examples of recent opportunities

The nature and scope of engagements vary, but the following are illustrative of the types of opportunities that might be available through Peerpoint.

• Senior Associate role within the A&O Shearman funds and asset management practice. Working as an integrated member of a leading team which specialises in advising clients on funds structuring, funds formation, funds establishment and related issues; the associated regulatory and compliance requirements for investment funds (including Shari’a funds); as well as advising on investments into a wide range of funds structures (from traditional funds to bespoke co-investment structures). The funds span a range of asset classes including private equity, infrastructure, venture capital, real estate and technology funds.
• Interim assignment with an Abu Dhabi-based private equity-focused investment manager on funds structuring and formation.
• Interim assignment with a SWF client in the UAE advising on funds structuring and formation, fund regulatory compliance, investor relations and cross-border legal support.

Our criteria

Successful applicants will:

• Have a minimum of eight years' post-qualification experience in funds and asset management, including substantial experience gained in private practice at a law firm ranked as top tier for funds work (e.g. Chambers Band 1-2 or Legal 500 Tier 1-2);
• Have in-house legal experience at a leading financial services institution or corporate (directly or as a secondee);
• Preferably have gained legal experience in the Middle East;
• Have a desire to take ownership of their career and be responsible for their own professional development and network, proactively making use of any support and resources available;
• Understand the personal and financial factors that you need to consider when commencing a career as a legal consultant and be comfortable with the ways in which it differs from permanent employment;
• Be committed to building a positive and productive relationship with Peerpoint, including having a transparent, open and responsive style of communication;
• Have a strong consultant mindset, including a highly professional, flexible and adaptable outlook and approach;
• Have an ability to make effective transitions into new environments and be motivated to deliver an excellent standard of service to each client;
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to professionally deal with stakeholders at all levels, building strong relationships internally and externally;
• Be resilient, autonomous and highly credible approach, with exemplary commercial/business acumen and client service ethic;
• Have proven project management skills; and
• Have a practising certificate (or equivalent) which entitles them to practise as a lawyer in the region.

What makes consulting with Peerpoint different?

A career with Peerpoint is unmatched in the market. Over the last decade, we’ve helped lead the transformation of legal consulting as a truly credible option alongside private practice and in-house legal careers. We also have one of the most supportive offerings around, all with the full backing of A&O Shearman.

Empowering your development – you’ll be fully supported by our experienced team and will have access to A&O Shearman’s training, development and networking events, including opportunities to grow your skillset with A&O Shearman’s Advanced Delivery & Solutions businesses. On assignment, you’ll have access to an A&O Shearman partner and professional support lawyers as well as extensive knowledge resources.

Variety you control – steer your legal career in whichever direction you choose. Whether you’re looking for more control, choice or variety, as a Peerpoint consultant you’ll have the pick of the best challenges from across a range of sectors.

Let your priorities lead – it’s never been more important to find the right balance. That could mean more flexibility over the time you spend between your personal and professional life, whether that's to pursue a passion, spend time with family or take breaks to travel the world.

Futureproof your career – if you need coaching or mentoring, our team can guide you on the range of diverse paths to help you grow your experience. By understanding your needs and supporting you at every step, we’ll help you succeed so you can flourish both today and tomorrow.

Important information

As a result of the high volume of applications we receive, it is our policy not to provide individual feedback at the application stage.

Equal opportunities

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.