Legal consultant (interim) – 6yrs PQE - Derivatives - UAE

Job description

Progressive legal careers
Peerpoint is A&O Shearman’s global platform for self-directed consultant lawyers who want to access the best work, clients, resources and bespoke support, while undertaking assignments of typically six months or more, either within A&O Shearman’s practice groups or directly with clients.
Typical assignments based in Abu Dhabi or Dubai are 6 months in length and full time. There can also be opportunities that allow for flexible working arrangements.
To find out more, please visit www.peerpoint.com.

Role Profile
We are seeking experienced and commercially minded Senior Derivatives Lawyers for financial services clients in the UAE. These are high-profile roles offering the opportunity to advise on a broad range of complex derivatives and structured products transactions across multiple asset classes and jurisdictions.

Examples of recent opportunities

6 mth contract for a Senior Derivatives Lawyer – Leading International Bank (Dubai, UAE)
Our client, a major international bank is hiring a Senior Derivatives Lawyer for its Dubai legal team. The role covers advisory work across interest rate, credit, equity, commodity, and Islamic finance derivatives, as well as structured products. Core responsibilities include negotiating and drafting ISDA Master Agreements, CSAs, and related documentation, and advising the front office and risk teams. Candidates must hold a common law qualification with 8–12 years' PQE at a leading law firm or financial institution, with strong expertise in derivatives regulation (including EMIR and UAE regulatory frameworks). Arabic language skills are desirable but not essential.

6 mth contract for a Senior Derivatives Lawyer – Global Asset Manager (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
A leading global asset manager, a client of Peerpoint is seeking a Senior Derivatives Lawyer in Abu Dhabi to build and lead the derivatives legal function for its Middle Eastern operations. The position involves advising portfolio managers on OTC and exchange-traded derivatives, prime brokerage, securities lending, and repo arrangements, and leading all ISDA, GMRA, and GMSLA negotiations. Candidates should be qualified lawyers with at least 10 years' derivatives experience at a top law firm or buy-side institution. Experience with ADGM or DIFC-regulated fund structures is highly advantageous.

What makes consulting with Peerpoint different?
Peerpoint represents a genuinely unique proposition in the legal profession. With over a decade of experience, we have pioneered the recognition of legal consulting as a credible and rewarding career path, one that stands as a true equal to conventional roles in private practice or in-house teams. As part of A&O Shearman, we deliver an unparalleled support network that few others can match.

Empowering your development – our experienced team is committed to supporting you throughout your journey. You'll have complete access to A&O Shearman's training programmes, career development resources and networking events, along with opportunities to broaden your skill set through A&O Shearman's Advanced Delivery & Solutions businesses.

Only the best for you – we introduce you to leading global organisations and cutting-edge opportunities, carefully pairing you with assignments that reflect your goals and expertise. During each engagement, you'll have direct access to A&O Shearman partners, professional support lawyers and extensive knowledge resources.

Let your priorities lead – striking the right balance between work and life has become increasingly important. Whether you wish to pursue personal passions, spend quality time with family, or take sabbaticals to travel, we give you the freedom to build a career that centres on your priorities.

Futureproof your career – our team offers personalised coaching and mentoring to help you navigate the diverse opportunities available for your professional development. By gaining a deep understanding of your goals and providing support at every turn, we help you succeed today and well into the future.