Working in Law

The British are coming and so are the Yanks

It used to be that a posting to the Gulf was like being stuck in the backwater.  But the regions new found wealth has spurred the growth of the British firms in the Middle East.  Close on the heels are the large US practices (often coming in and stealing entire teams out of existing firms).

Add to this the fact that the regulatory environment and framework is still being mapped out in the Middle East and you have a period of unprecedented growth going on in law.  While this is creating an abundance of opportunity the employers are now starting to be more choosey having been burnt by rapid hires in the past few years.

The demand is strongest for professionals who have worked at branded companies

Quality is key.  Employers want to see that you have footed it with the best so generally speaking they are after top quality private practice lawyers or in-house out of large multi-nationals.

What people earn and how it stacks up

Generally speaking you will earn good money

The unprecedented growth of Dubai (with a population that doubles every ten years) has driven the need for law professionals which has in turn driven up their salaries in the Gulf.  This means that annual salaries are comparable with what can be earned in London and are significantly higher than those earned in New Zealand and Australia.

^{1. AUD and NZD salaries are conversions only, not what you would be paid if you were in Australia or New Zealand}
 

Don't expect a contract job though...

There is no real contracting market to speak of in Dubai with nearly all the jobs being permanent.  Therefore, there does not tend to be the same turnover in roles as countries such as the United Kingdom.  There is still an over supply of opportunity as new jobs are being created constantly.

Things you need to know to make the most of it

Prepare for your interviews

Remember you are not a pioneer in going to Dubai anymore and so will be competing with many other talented individuals for jobs.  You therefore need to be prepared.

Choose your job wisely

Choose your job carefully.  Switching jobs is not easy in Dubai so it is best to make sure you choose a company that you really want to work for - as your visa will depend on them.

To speak with one of our experienced consultants, please contact us on info@globalcareerlink.com.