Role overview
Our client is a Magic Circle law firm with one of the strongest project development and construction practices in the Middle East. The firm is looking to hire a senior associate into the team, which advises developers, contractors, government entities and lenders on some of the region's most high-profile infrastructure and construction projects. The work spans the full project lifecycle, from procurement and contract structuring through to dispute avoidance and claims management. The practice is particularly active across energy, transport, social infrastructure and large-scale real estate development, with a client base that includes sovereign-backed developers, major EPC contractors and international project sponsors. This is an opportunity for a construction and project development lawyer who wants to work on landmark projects at the highest level, with strong partner access and a clear trajectory toward senior progression within the firm.
Key responsibilities
- Advise on the drafting, review and negotiation of EPC, design-build, O&M and other construction and engineering contracts
- Support on project development work including concession agreements, development agreements and joint venture structures
- Advise employers, contractors and subcontractors across major infrastructure, energy and real estate projects
- Provide counsel on procurement strategies, including bespoke and FIDIC-based contract suites
- Support on project finance transactions where construction risk is a key component
Candidate profile
- Approximately 7 to 10 years' PQE
- Strong project development and construction background from a recognised international law firm
- Experience advising on major infrastructure, energy or real estate projects in the GCC or wider Middle East
- Confident working with FIDIC contracts and bespoke procurement documentation
- Comfortable managing complex, multi-party transactions with a high degree of independence
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills with direct client-facing experience
- A lawyer who thrives on large-scale, complex projects and is motivated by the quality and profile of the work
About Meyssa Legal
Meyssa Legal places lawyers across private practice and in-house roles in the UAE, with deep experience in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We work consultatively with leading firms, in-house teams, and senior counsel across banking and finance, disputes, corporate, regulatory, and TMT.
Our approach prioritises judgment over targets and discretion over volume. We brief every role in confidence, submit only candidates we genuinely believe fit, and treat every conversation as the start of a long-term relationship.
