Legal Consultant (Interim) – Corporate M&A – UAE

We are seeking experienced corporate M&A lawyers (5+ years’ PQE) for interim consultant assignments based in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Assignments typically run for six months on a full-time basis, with some flexibility available.

In this role, you will support a range of high-profile transactions, including:

• Drafting and negotiating share purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, shareholders’ agreements and joint venture documentation.
• Advising on corporate governance, restructuring and foreign ownership regimes.
• Coordinating regulatory approvals with the DFSA, ADGM FSRA, SCA and CBUAE.
• Leading buy-side and sell-side due diligence.
• Structuring complex cross-border and Shari’a-compliant transactions.
• Supporting pre- and post-completion integration, reorganisations and corporate secretarial matters across free zones and onshore regimes.

Example assignments include: supporting a sovereign wealth-backed portfolio company in Abu Dhabi on bolt-on acquisitions and strategic investments; acting as in-house counsel for a Dubai-based conglomerate on joint ventures and majority acquisitions in the GCC; and assisting a regional financial institution with share acquisitions and asset transfers, including DFSA compliance and multi-jurisdictional coordination.

Criteria:

• Minimum five years’ post-qualification experience at a top-tier firm for Corporate/M&A work.
• Recent in-house experience supporting M&A execution or corporate development is ideal.
• Middle East experience and Arabic fluency are preferred.
• A consultant mindset—professional, flexible and adaptable.
• A practising certificate (or equivalent) entitling you to practise in the region.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of your career with the full backing of a global firm, including access to training, development and networking events, as well as the flexibility to balance your personal and professional life.

• Minimum 5 years’ PQE in corporate M&A at a top-tier firm.
• Experience drafting and negotiating transaction documents (SPAs, APAs, shareholders’ agreements, JV documents).
• Familiarity with UAE regulatory frameworks (DFSA, ADGM FSRA, SCA, CBUAE).
• Strong due diligence and transaction management skills.
• Recent in-house M&A experience preferred.
• Middle East experience and Arabic fluency preferred.
• Practising certificate (or equivalent) for the region.