Senior Associate

The role

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are currently looking to recruit a Mid-level Associate to join our growing team in Dubai. 

This is your opportunity to join our Tier 1 Energy, Infrastructure and Projects team, which has a track record of successfully delivering first of kind projects across the Middle East in the renewables, power and water, transport and infrastructure sectors.

You will work with our global team to drive change, open new opportunities and accelerate growth for both our clients and our people.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The group represents governments, sponsors, contractors, multilateral institutions,  equity investors, financial institutions, utilities and regulatory bodies in the procurement, development, financing, acquisition, construction and operation of a wide range of complex infrastructure and energy projects across the MENA region.

Candidates will have a broad range of work, including advising private and public sector clients, funders and consortia on the development and financing of projects across all sectors. As well as advising on the structuring, drafting and negotiation of project agreements and finance documents up to financial close, our work frequently sees us providing advice and support to our clients post-close, including in relation to any refinancings or acquisitions. 

ABOUT YOU

We do not set upper or lower limits of PQE for any of our vacancies. We have however given an indicative PQE as an approximate guide for applicants. Candidates who have between 4 and 6 years PQE are likely to have the right level of knowledge and have gained the right level of experience needed to be able to undertake this role. The ideal candidate will:

• Be a qualified solicitor;
• Have an interest in the development of renewables, utilities and infrastructure in the Middle East, particularly in relation to sustainable development;
• Be experienced in: 

1. Drafting and negotiating construction contracts, EPC contracts, consultancy appointments, O&M agreements and termsheets related to the same; 
2. Drafting and negotiating concession agreements, land agreements, shareholders agreements, connection agreements, ancillary developerment agreements; 
3. Providing advice on procurement laws and framework, procurement strategies and procurement processes (clarifications, bid evaluations, final negotiations);
4. Delegating tasks to junior associates and general project management;

• Ideally have experience working on projects in the Middle East, though this is not essential;
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (Arabic language skills would be advantageous but are not essential);
• Have the ability to present information in a succinct way and an acute attention to detail;
• Be able to demonstrate an eagerness to learn new skills and feel comfortable in a growth-mindset environment;
• Use initiative and be well organised, with the ability to juggle numerous tasks at once;
• Be able to display excellent technical legal drafting skills;
• Take ownership for achieving agreed objects;
• Recognise and seize opportunities for the firm, including repeat business;
• Build and develop their own network of internal and external contacts;
• Be commercially astute and stays current on key legal and business news; 
• Be able to confidently communicate with and manage clients;
• Work well as part of a team;
• Be aware of business development initiatives in the department and identifies ways to contribute;
• Maintain a controlled, objective and flexible approach under pressure; 
• Be proactive and innovative; and
• Exhibit behaviour consistent with the firm’s values and build relationships based on respect, trust and integrity.

This job description is not designed to be exhaustive and can be varied as required to develop or fulfil this role. 

The firm offers excellent training, learning and development programmes as well as a genuine opportunity to experience a wide range of work and clients in a friendly, supportive and diverse environment.

ABOUT US

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Our global reach ensures that we can help businesses with their legal needs anywhere in the world. We strive to be the leading global business law firm by delivering quality, service excellence and value to our clients and offering practical and innovative legal solutions to help them succeed. Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies developing industry-leading technologies, as well as government and public sector bodies.

OUR VALUES

In everything we do connected with our People, our Clients and our Communities, we live by these values:

• Be Supportive – we are compassionate and inclusive, valuing diversity and acting thoughtfully
• Be Collaborative – we are proactive, passionate team players investing in our relationships
• Be Bold – we are fearless and inquisitive, challenging ourselves to think big and find creative new solutions
• Be Exceptional – we are strategic and driven, exceeding standards and expectations

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At DLA Piper, diversity and inclusion underpins how we live our values and everything we do.  We believe that everyone has a voice, and that everyone’s voice counts. We know that the rich diversity across our firm makes us stronger, more innovative and creative, which helps us to better serve our clients and communities. We are committed to providing an inclusive working environment and culture across our global firm, where everyone can bring their authentic self to work. 

Diversity of perspective, thought, background and culture combine to make us the leading global law firm; that’s why we actively seek to build balanced teams. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We support anyone with a disability or long term health condition to ensure they have the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

AGILE WORKING

We know that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

PRE-ENGAGEMENT SCREENING

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability and references from previous employers.