Associate​/Senior Associate - DCM; Qualified Lawyer

Department/Division: DCM, Middle East Banking and Finance

Duration: Permanent

Location: UAE (Abu Dhabi or Dubai)

Reports to: Partner

Type of Role: Office based

Reference no.: 9269

Our Middle East Debt Capital Markets (DCM) team is seeking a mid to senior level associate to support a broad range of international debt capital markets transactions. The successful candidate will have strong experience within the DCM practice of an international law firm, advising underwriters and issuers on international bond issuances.

We frequently advise issuers on emerging markets transactions, including financial institutions, sovereigns and corporates, and are increasingly instructed by lead managers on complex and high-profile matters.

The Middle East DCM team forms part of the wider Middle East Banking & Finance practice and works closely with our UK DCM group, which also covers structured finance, securitisation and derivatives, offering exposure to a broad and sophisticated transactional platform.

This role is suited to an ambitious associate at mid to senior level (c.4+ years’ PQE) who is looking to take on increased responsibility, client exposure and leadership within a growing regional practice.

The associate will be expected to:

• Draft, review and negotiate standard and complex bond documentation on international DCM transactions.
• Take a leading role in drafting prospectuses for issuers across a range of jurisdictions and industry sectors, including emerging markets.
• Manage transactions on a day-to-day basis, coordinating with clients, underwriters, regulators and other advisers.
• Monitor and advise on market developments and legal and regulatory changes affecting international DCM.
• Support and contribute to business development initiatives, including pitches, client presentations and market-facing publications.
• Supervise, mentor and work closely with junior associates and trainees within the team.

Technical Skills

• Strong academic background.
• Significant DCM experience gained at a leading international or top-tier firm, including:
• Drafting and negotiating standard DCM transaction documents.
• Experience across a range of transaction structures, including stand-alone bonds, medium term note programmes and liability management transactions, on both conventional and Islamic debt issuances.
• Acting for underwriters on regional and international DCM transactions, with a strong understanding of their key commercial and risk considerations.
• Acting for issuers, with strong disclosure drafting skills across multiple sectors and jurisdictions, particularly emerging markets.
• Detailed knowledge of listing rules, disclosure requirements and disclosure liability.
• Experience of both Regulation S and Rule 144A transactions.

Experience in the following areas would be advantageous, but is not essential:

• Liability management transactions
• Equity-linked bonds
• A demonstrated commitment to the Middle East

• Proactive, commercially minded and committed to exceptional client service.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to manage client relationships.
• Strong business development instincts and market awareness.
• Sound judgment, resilience and problem-solving skills in complex transactional environments.
• Demonstrates initiative, leadership potential and ownership of career development.

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