Role overview
Our client is a leading US-headquartered law firm with a well-established Middle East practice and a reputation for handling complex, high-value projects and project finance transactions. The firm is looking to hire an associate to join its regional projects team, working across a mix of project development, project finance and infrastructure work. The practice acts for sponsors, developers, lenders and government entities on major projects across energy (including renewables), transport, water and social infrastructure. The firm's US platform gives it a particular strength on transactions involving US-linked financing, export credit agencies and multilateral development banks, alongside conventional Gulf-sourced project finance. This is a strong opportunity for a mid-level lawyer who wants a genuine blend of project development and project finance work, with the compensation and deal flow that comes with a top US firm platform.
Key responsibilities
- Advise on project finance transactions, including drafting and negotiating facility agreements, security packages, intercreditor arrangements and direct agreements
- Support on project development work including concession agreements, PPP structures, development agreements and government procurement frameworks
- Advise sponsors, lenders and ECA/DFI institutions across energy, infrastructure and utilities projects
- Draft and negotiate EPC, O&M and offtake agreements as part of broader project structures
- Advise on regulatory and structuring aspects of projects across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and wider GCC
- Coordinate with the firm's US and international offices on cross-border financing and development transactions
- Contribute to client development and knowledge sharing within the regional practice
Candidate profile
- Approximately 4 to 7 years' PQE
- Projects and/or project finance background from a recognised international law firm
- Experience across either the sponsor or lender side of project finance transactions
- Exposure to project development, EPC contracts or infrastructure work is highly valued
- GCC or wider Middle East experience is preferred, though strong candidates from other markets will be considered
- Confident managing workstreams independently and comfortable with direct client interaction
- Strong drafting skills across both finance and project documentation
- Motivated by the opportunity to work across both the development and financing sides of major regional projects
About Meyssa Legal
Meyssa Legal places lawyers across private practice and in-house roles in the UAE, with deep experience in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We work consultatively with leading firms, in-house teams, and senior counsel across banking and finance, disputes, corporate, regulatory, and TMT.
Our approach prioritises judgment over targets and discretion over volume. We brief every role in confidence, submit only candidates we genuinely believe fit, and treat every conversation as the start of a long-term relationship.
