81 Legal Department jobs in the United Arab Emirates

The role

The Middle East practice mainly comprises of Financial Markets Corporate Litigation and Real Estate Departments. The role of the Legal Support Secretary (LSS) is to provide a first-class professional support service to the Middle East Partners/Lawyers in the Abu Dhabi office.

The Abu Dhabi Office Managing Partner (OMP) will be part of the successful candidates allocation.

Key responsibilities

The support provided will be as part of a team with shared responsibilities and the LSS will be expected to refocus tasks and priorities periodically as required by the practice area. The LSS reports to the Office Manager whilst predominantly supporting the Abu Dhabi Managing Partner as well as Associates in the wider GF team. The LSS is also expected on a daily basis to create a positive working relationship with the fee earner(s) and the team with whom they work. Below describes the core areas of the support service which an LSS provides.

Core services

• Calendar/Meeting Management - maintain and manage fee earner schedules and act as the key contact point for fee earners both internally and externally.
• Travel organize complex travel bookings in liaison with the local travel agent together with any visa applications and transport bookings.
• Time & Expenses oversee time entries and amendments for fee earners on a timely basis; timely submission of expense reports.
• Liaising with Reception for meeting and video conference set-up.
• Draft emails and letters printing/copying/scanning updates to client contacts in InterAction.
• Submit annual mandatory training summary for Dubai fee earners on CLPD portal.
• Client Support - support client activities and requirements in a proactive manner.
• Team Support - work collaboratively with other LSS team members to provide a responsive and professional support service to fee earners; covering for team members during absences with some occasional Reception cover.
• Onboarding assist with onboarding of new fee earners through scheduling of onboarding sessions with various departments office introductions practice area introduction event explanation of matter lifecycle processes time recording expenses and overview of LSS support.

Practice support services

Clearance Risk and Compliance

• Handle client conflict checks and clearance with the conflicts team based in London.
• Coordinate matter set up in liaison with Partner/fee earner to ensure minimum mandatory information has been provided and liaising with HR regarding client secondment setup.
• Follow-up with Partners/fee earners in respect to compliance around engagement letters and MTM.

Matter Management

• Matter project administration organize client & matter team meetings regular document archiving drives create matter folders upload documents to matter site and create working parties lists.
• Monitor and recommend matters that would benefit from a project management resource or the use of certain Best Delivery tools to matter team.
• Notify Billing Business Development and Best delivery when a Partner instructs a matter to be closed.

Matter Team Support

• Document Management/Production - manage document processing from beginning to end including edits formatting house styles and proofreading liaising with the Document Production Unit in London if required.
• Assist the originals team with the original process (soft & hard copies) when necessary.
• Liaise with the print room staff regarding printing of bibles and bundles together with any other bulk printing requests.
• Liaise with clients on behalf of the matter team when necessary.
• Attend practice area meetings or client calls taking notes and providing other administrative support.

Business Development

• Utilize PowerPoint skills to assist Business Development and Partners with creating and amending pitches.
• Coordinate updates to fee earner master CVs as per information received in Deal Updates.
• Monitor Live Pitch emails from Business Development and update all teams should there be any missing pitches/offers.
• Notify Business Development Finance and Best Delivery of pitches that are won or lost if Business Development are not aware through their updates.

Finance

• Update and maintain all system information for fee earners clients including working with the local billing team to generate monthly bills running matter financial reports amending billing narratives and invoice mark-ups.
• Add phases tasks rates and debtors to matter financial information.

Key working relationships

Along with all Secretarial Services staff a key attribute of the LSSs success will be dependent on the positive and collaborative working relationships which they build with colleagues in the Practice Area. The key working relationships for the LSS will be:

• Fee earners to whom they provide first-line support and cover support
• Fee earners clients
• Office Manager
• Local Finance Business Development Best Delivery and IT teams
• Local Offices Services team including other LSS and Reception
• London Document Production Unit

Qualifications :

Your experience

• Minimum typing speed of 60 wpm
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word Excel and Powerpoint
• Previous work experience in a professional services environment
• A-Level standard or equivalent
• Excellent Communication skills
• Self-Management and Organisation
• Problem solving judgment and decision making
• Working with others as a part of a team and on your own initiative
• Client focus
• Networking and organisational awareness

Please note this role is based in Abu Dhabi full-time.

Additional Information :

Equal Opportunities

At Clifford Chance we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender gender identity and expression marital or civil partnership status race colour national or ethnic origin social or economic background disability religious belief sexual orientation or age. This applies to recruitment and selection terms and conditions of employment including pay promotion training transfer and every other aspect of employment.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. Find out morehere.

#LI-Hybrid

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Along with all Secretarial Services staff, a key attribute of the LSS's success will be dependent on the positive and collaborative working relationships which they build with colleagues in the Practice Area.

The key working relationships for the LSS will be:

• Fee earners to whom they provide first-line support and cover support
• Fee earners' clients
• Office Manager
• Local Finance, Business Development, Best Delivery and IT teams
• Local Offices Services team including other LSS and Reception
• London Document Production Unit

• Your experience
• Minimum typing speed of 60+ wpm
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Previous work experience in a professional services environment
• A-Level standard or equivalent
• Excellent communication skills
• Self-management and organisation
• Problem solving, judgment and decision making
• Working with others as part of a team and on your own initiative
• Client focus
• Networking and organisational awareness

Please note, this role is based in Abu Dhabi full-time.

Equal Opportunities

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm, and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.

This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer, and every other aspect of employment.

Our goal is to deliver equality of opportunity, aspiration, and experience to everyone in our firm.

Find out more here.

Candidates should have a minimum typing speed of 60+ wpm and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Previous experience in a professional services environment is required, along with excellent communication and organizational skills.

Legal Support Specialist

The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting the legal department in a wide array of legal work, including contract management, corporate governance, and research.

• Conduct thorough legal research, summarize findings, and draft high-quality documents, such as contracts and corporate governance related documentation.
• Assist in preparing board materials, resolutions, filings, and corporate governance documentation.
• Maintain organized legal files, databases, and records to ensure efficient access to critical information.
• Monitor deadlines and maintain a compliance calendar to guarantee timely filings and responses.
• Liaise with internal departments and external counsel as needed to achieve seamless collaboration.

• Approximately 2-5 years of experience in a legal or corporate environment.
• Bachelor's Degree or professional qualifications as a paralegal, legal executive, or equivalent qualification.

This role requires strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

As a key member of our legal team, we are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented professional to assist with various tasks. This role requires strong organizational skills and a solid understanding of legal procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Support lawyers in preparing for trials, hearings, and closings
• Conduct thorough research and draft documents
• Manage case files and maintain confidentiality
• Liaise with clients and provide updates on case progress

Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong research skills and ability to analyze complex information
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills

Benefits:

Our organization offers a dynamic work environment and opportunities for growth and development.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resumes and cover letters for review.

Our team is seeking a skilled professional to fill the role of Legal Support Specialist. In this position, you will provide administrative support to our General Counsel and contribute to the success of our organization.

We are a leading investment bank headquartered in the Dubai Financial Centre, specializing in managing Hedge Funds, Private Equity Funds and Private Debt Funds.

The ideal candidate will be a long-term contributor who aspires to be part of a growing and forward-looking firm that invests in its employees' learning and development.

While the work is challenging, it is rewarding and meaningful. The selected individual will be responsible for:

• Assisting the General Counsel with legal, compliance and administrative support across all business lines.
• Preparing and editing legal documents, regulatory filings, project plans and internal policies & procedures.
• Managing and tracking workflows and submission deadlines.
• Implementing corporate governance policies and monitoring their implementation.
• Liaising with clients and internal teams for due diligence and KYC/KYB materials preparation, review and collation.
• Assisting clients with onboarding at counterparties and service providers.
• Conducting legal research and preparing briefing notes.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A university degree and/or professional qualification.
• One or more years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant or similar in a reputable law firm, financial institution or corporate.
• Familiarity with legal procedures and financial services regulation in the DIFC, UAE or comparable jurisdiction.
• Corporate law, Banking & Finance experience preferred.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Paralegal to support our legal team. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

The Paralegal will assist attorneys with preparing documents, organizing files, and conducting research. The candidate must be able to multitask effectively and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Prepare affidavits, legal correspondence, and other documents for attorneys.
• Organize and maintain documents in a paper or electronic filing system.
• Meet with clients, attorneys, and other professionals to discuss case details.
• Filing pleadings with court clerks.
• Help prepare for trials by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as needed.
• Prepare briefs, wills, contracts, real estate closing statements, pleadings, appeals, and other legal documents.
• Investigate facts and laws of cases and search public records and other resources to prepare cases and determine causes of action.
• Direct and coordinate law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas.
• Gather and analyze statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, documents, and other data.
• Call on witnesses to testify at hearings.

• Certificate of completion from an ABA-approved paralegal certification program of education and training, or an associate degree in paralegal studies.
• Associate degree.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Must be able to effectively multi-task, manage time-sensitive documents, and have exceptional organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to function effectively in a busy, team-oriented environment.
• Office administration experience.

• Provide administrative assistance to lawyers.
• Manage calendars, schedule meetings, book travel, and coordinate daily activities.
• Draft and type correspondence, legal documents, reports, and presentations accurately and on time.
• Handle calls, emails, and client interactions professionally.
• Maintain digital filing systems; prepare court documents when needed.
• Enter time into a system and assist with billing and expense processes.
• Process invoices using an expense management system.
• Keep client contacts and meeting details updated in a contact management system.
• Support the team by covering for colleagues and helping with overflow work.

• Previous experience as a secretary or administrator.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other software used in the legal industry.
• A typing speed of 70 words per minute is preferred.
• Ability to manage email, billing, and expenses efficiently.
• A team player with a flexible approach.

The role of a Legal Support Specialist is to provide comprehensive assistance to the legal counsel division. This involves supporting senior counsels and regional chief counselors on all business matters.

This position requires a high level of organization, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain accurate records.

We are seeking a seasoned Administrative Professional to support our high-performing teams in the UAE. This opportunity is ideal for experienced individuals looking to leverage their skills in a dynamic, multicultural environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide exceptional administrative and secretarial support to Partners and Associates.
• Manage complex diaries, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel arrangements.
• Draft, format, and proofread a variety of legal documentation and correspondence.
• Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Liaise with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders on behalf of fee earners.
• Support billing processes, expense management, and general office administration.
• Assist with the onboarding of new joiners and coordination of team events when required.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience as an Administrative Professional within a similar field (essential).
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure.
• Advanced MS Office skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.
• Currently based in the UAE, OR open to relocating from the UK.

What's on Offer:

• A competitive salary package.
• The opportunity to work in a highly professional, multicultural environment.
• Career progression within top-tier international firms with strong global networks.
• Exposure to complex, high-profile legal work.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to take their career to the next level in a dynamic and challenging role.

Benefits include:

• A competitive remuneration package.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment.

This role offers the ideal candidate a chance to grow professionally and personally in a stimulating and rewarding environment.