Middle East Training Agreement
Are you interested in starting a career in international law, specifically in the Middle East? A leading international law firm based in the region offers an exciting opportunity for aspiring lawyers. Here's a comprehensive guide to the application requirements and what you can expect from the training contract.
Application Requirements
To apply for a training contract, candidates must meet certain criteria. Generally, an undergraduate law degree or an equivalent qualification is required, with a minimum of a 2:1 degree or equivalent. Candidates must also complete the Solicitor Qualifying Examination (SQE) and achieve the necessary scores.
Relevant work experience in the Middle East or international law contexts is highly valued, as it demonstrates an understanding of the specific legal market and practice areas.
Training Contract
The training contract is a two-year program consisting of four, six-month seat rotations. At least two of these seats will be spent in the London Office, with the remaining seats spent in the Middle East. The program offers a wide exposure to different practice areas and offices worldwide, making it one of the most varied among leading firms.
Trainees will be challenged with tasks and legal issues by industry professionals, enhancing analytical thinking and introducing the demands of the profession. Guidance and support throughout the program include a trainee buddy, partner mentor, seat-specific practice area training, day-to-day associate support, and a trainee development team.
Career Progression
After excelling in the training contract, trainees qualify into their choice of area as an associate. As an associate, one grows business acumen, commerciality, and client relationships, and nurtures those around them. Becoming a senior associate signifies further development in one's career, with a focus on guiding team members and the firm. Becoming a partner requires being a strong leader with an established client base, guiding one's team and the firm.
Professional Development
The training program offers various programs for enhancing legal and professional business skills over the career. Shorter skills sessions are offered on topics such as being an outstanding presenter, persuading and influencing for success, and managing upwards. Trainees also attend International Academies and single/multi-day skills programs for topics like business development, team working, and project management.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment portal for trainee solicitors is posted every two years on the ME careers page. The next recruitment window is around October - December 2025 for a training contract start date of September 2026.
In summary, leading international law firms in the Middle East require applicants to have a relevant law degree or equivalent, completion (or willingness to complete) professional legal qualification exams like the SQE, a minimum training contract duration (usually 18+ months), relevant work experience, and strong skills in local and international legal matters, especially commercial and Islamic finance law. Practical, technological, and ethical competence combined with regional legal knowledge is essential to succeed in the application process.
- To pursue a career in international law at a leading firm in the Middle East, an undergraduate law degree or equivalent qualification is necessary, along with the willingness to complete the Solicitor Qualifying Examination (SQE).
- The training contract, spanning two years, consists of four six-month seat rotations, including positions in the London Office and the Middle East, to provide a broad understanding of various practice areas.
- Career development within the firm involves becoming an associate, where one gains business and client management skills, progressing to a senior associate role, and ultimately striving for partnership, which requires being a strong leader with an established client base.
- For professional growth, the firm offers ongoing skills training programs in areas such as presentation, persuasion, and project management, as well as International Academies for specialized topics like business development and teamwork.
