Senior Associate

1. JOB DETAILS:

Position Title

Senior Associate - Arbitrations

2. JOB OBJECTIVE:

The Senior Associate will play a key role in supporting the Partners and senior members of the department in managing a robust portfolio of arbitration disputes and construction advisory services.

3. DETAILED DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Case management and strategy

• Manage all stages of disputes
  : Supervise and actively manage arbitration matters from the initial filing through to the final award and enforcement.
• Handle disputes under various rules
  : Manage cases governed by institutional rules such as the ICC, SIAC, and LCIA, as well as ad hoc arbitrations, including those under UNCITRAL rules.
• Develop case strategy
  : Collaborate with partners to formulate the overall legal strategy for each case, including jurisdiction arguments, choice of law, and procedural approaches.
• Conduct legal research
  : Perform in-depth research on legal precedents, procedural rules, and relevant industry regulations to build robust case arguments.
• Oversee case documentation
  : Direct the collection, organization, and analysis of large volumes of documents and evidence, including drafting document.

Legal drafting and advocacy

• Prepare key submissions
  : Draft complex and persuasive written submissions, including statements of claim and defense, replies, and procedural applications.
• Draft witness and expert statements
  : Manage the process of preparing witness statements and coordinating with expert witnesses, ensuring they align with the overall case strategy.
• Conduct oral advocacy
  : Actively participate in procedural and merits hearings, including presenting arguments and cross-examining witnesses before the arbitral tribunal.
• Analyze opposing party submissions
  : Scrutinize and respond to submissions, evidence, and arguments presented by opposing counsel.
• Manage post-hearing submissions
  : Oversee the preparation and submission of post-hearing briefs and any additional information requested by the tribunal, including cost submissions.

Client and external counsel liaison

• Serve as a primary client contact
  : Act as a key point of contact for clients, providing regular updates, managing expectations, and offering proactive advice.
• Advise on dispute resolution clauses
  : Assist clients in drafting and negotiating effective arbitration clauses in commercial contracts to mitigate future litigation risk.
• Coordinate with external counsel
  : Collaborate with local and international co-counsel, as well as experts and other third parties, to manage the case effectively.

Team leadership and development

• Supervise junior associates
  : Mentor and guide junior associates and other legal staff, delegating tasks and reviewing their work to ensure high quality and professional standards.
• Conduct internal training
  : Help develop the team's skills by contributing to internal knowledge-sharing sessions and preparing training materials on arbitration law.
• Contribute to business development
  : Assist in preparing for pitches to prospective clients and play a role in networking events to help generate new business. This includes assisting in submissions made to legal platforms (legal 500, IFLR, etc)
• Drafting scope of work
  : Assisting in engagement letters by providing a detailed scope and assumptions.

Administrative and risk management

• Draft reports and analyses
  : Prepare legal risk analyses, cost-benefit assessments, and internal case reports for partners and clients.
• Manage case files
  : Ensure meticulous organization of case files and documents, adhering to firm policies and best practices.
• Handle jurisdictional issues
  : Draft and manage applications related to jurisdictional challenges or interim relief in national courts, where required.

4. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Education:
• Bachelor's degree in law or related field.
• Minimum of 7 PQE;
• Experience:
• At least 5 years of experience in a law firm, with experience in arbitration.
• Language:
• Strong speaking and writing Arabic language ability.
• Strong speaking and writing English language ability
• Skills:
• Strong knowledge of arbitration law and procedures (local and international)
• Understanding of contract law, civil law, commercial law, and dispute resolution mechanisms
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues and interpret laws and precedents
• Excellent written and oral advocacy for drafting submissions and presenting cases
• Ability to negotiate and mediate effectively
• Ability to build trust with clients and stakeholders
• Upholding confidentiality and ethical standards

5. PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Creative thinker with a strategic mindset.
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a passion for communications and media.