Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Legal Translator / Bilingual Paralegal to join our Legal & Regulatory Operations team, based in A&O Shearman's United Arab Emirates (UAE) office.

Legal & Regulatory Operations Team – Middle East

Our Legal & Regulatory Operations team provides critical support to lawyers and clients across the Middle East, delivering high-quality legal operations, regulatory, and transactional support. The team works closely with fee earners on corporate transactions, regulatory matters, licensing requirements, legal document review, and multilingual client-facing documentation across the UAE and wider GCC region.

What you will do

The primary objective of this role is to provide high-quality legal translation and bilingual paralegal support across a range of client matters and internal legal projects. This is a business-critical position supporting fee earners and clients on chargeable work, ensuring the accurate translation and review of complex legal documentation while assisting with legal and regulatory operations activities.

Translate legal documents, agreements, correspondence, and communications between Arabic and English.
Translate draft laws, regulations, governmental guidance, and regulatory updates across the UAE and wider GCC region.
Review, proofread, and quality assure translated materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and legal integrity.
Assist with the preparation, review, and management of bilingual legal documentation.
Support lawyers on client transactions, regulatory filings, licensing matters, and legal document reviews.
Conduct legal research and assist with the preparation of legal and regulatory submissions where required.
Provide paralegal support across corporate, regulatory, and transactional matters.
Assist with document management, matter administration, and legal operations processes.
Collaborate with lawyers, clients, and internal stakeholders to deliver timely and accurate support.
Support ad hoc legal and regulatory projects across the Middle East region as required.

What you will have

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English.
Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
Strong organisational and time management skills.
Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues, lawyers, clients, and stakeholders.
Proactive, adaptable, and solution-focused approach to work.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
A collaborative mindset with a willingness to support wider team objectives.

Qualifications and Experience

Experience in legal translation within the UAE and/or wider Middle East region.
Demonstrated expertise in Arabic-to-English and English-to-Arabic legal translation.
Experience reviewing and drafting bilingual legal documentation.
Previous experience providing paralegal, legal operations, or legal support services.
Strong understanding of UAE legal, regulatory, and governmental processes.
Experience supporting corporate, regulatory, or transactional legal matters is advantageous.
Degree qualification in Law, Translation, Languages, or a related discipline is desirable.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and legal document management systems.

What we can offer you

To learn more about the culture and benefits available at A&O Shearman, please visit: Culture and Benefits | A&O Shearman Careers

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE – A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing.

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