Associate

Department/Division: DCM, Middle East Banking and Finance
Duration: Permanent
Location: UAE (Abu Dhabi or Dubai)
Reports to: Partner
Type of Role: Office based
Reference no: 8491

Role

Our Middle East Debt Capital Markets (DCM) team is looking for 2 associates to support international debt capital markets transactions. Ideally, the candidates will have significant experience within the debt capital markets team of an international law firm, working for underwriters and issuers in connection with international bond issues.

We frequently advise issuers in emerging markets transactions (including financial institution issuers and sovereigns, as well as corporates) and are increasingly working for lead managers.

Our Middle East DCM team is part of a wider Middle East Banking & Finance Team and also works alongside our UK debt capital markets group which also covers structured finance, securitisation and derivatives. 

The first role would be ideal for an ambitious associate with at least 3 years + PQE. The second role would be ideal for a NQ candidate who has undertaken at least 1 seat in a DCM department.

Responsibilities 

Both roles will require:

•    Drafting, reviewing and negotiating standard bond documentation
•    Drafting prospectuses for issuers across a range of industry sectors and jurisdictions
•    Monitoring market developments and legal/regulatory changes

•    Supporting business development initiatives

The more senior role will also require:

•    Taking a lead role in managing transactions, working directly with clients and other transaction parties 
•    Managing and working with junior team members of the team

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Technical Skills

•    A strong academic background 
•    DCM experience and legal expertise gained within a top-tier leading city firm including:

• Drafting and negotiating standard DCM transaction documents
• Experience of a range of different transaction structures (including stand-alone bonds, medium term note programmes, liability management transactions) both on conventional and Islamic debt issuances
• Acting for underwriters on regional international DCM transactions, with a strong understanding of their key concerns
• Acting for issuers and with strong disclosure drafting skills across a range of industry sectors and markets (including, in particular, emerging market issuers)
• Detailed knowledge of listing rules, disclosure requirements and disclosure liability
• Experience of both Regulation S and Rule 144A transactions

Experience of the following would be helpful but is not an absolute requirement:

•    Liability management transactions
•    Sukuk transactions
•    Equity-linked bonds
•    A commitment to the Middle East
•    Arabic speaking

Personal attributes

•    Proactive attitude
•    Is dedicated to exceptional client service
•    Excellent business development ability and demonstrates market focus 
•    Strong financial and business awareness 
•    Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills 
•    Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
•    Demonstrates good judgment and resilience skills 
•    Shows strong initiative and drive and takes control of own career development  

Firm Profile

Across more than 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organisation by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com. 

Inclusion and Diversity

Essential to our success as a global law firm is our ability to attract and retain the best talent from a diverse range of backgrounds. We want a work environment where everyone can reach their potential and we have an inclusive culture which respects individual differences.

We undertake and support a number of internal and external initiatives aimed at increasing diversity within the profession and we encourage all our partners and staff to get involved. We welcome you to learn more about inclusion and diversity at Dentons: Inclusion and Diversity.

Equal Opportunities

Dentons is committed to providing equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from everyone including of any age, ethnicity, religion, sex, nationality, neurodiversity, disability, or with parental or caring responsibilities.

During the application process, all applicants have the opportunity to tell us about any adjustments or support they require so they are able to perform at their best. Any information you share with us during the application process is treated in confidence.

If you have any questions about this or the role criteria, please email recruitment.matters@dentons.com. 

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

If you are interested in applying for this position, we welcome direct applications via our careers page, but if you have any questions beforehand, please email recruitment.matters@dentons.com. Enquiries only please - applications will not be accepted via email.

Please note that we will not accept unsolicited CVs sent to the business, not will we accept any associated terms of business.