International Arbitration Partner

About the role

Our client, a profitable mid‑sized international law firm with a strong Gulf presence, is expanding its Middle East dispute resolution practice. The firm seeks an experienced International Arbitration Partner to join its Dubai or Abu Dhabi office and help drive its high‑value, cross‑border arbitration work.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex international arbitration matters for states, state‑owned entities and major commercial clients.
• Represent clients before major arbitral institutions (ICC, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC, GAFTA, LMAA, DIAC) and in ad‑hoc UNCITRAL arbitrations.
• Handle post‑award enforcement, challenge proceedings and investor‑state disputes before bodies such as ICSID.
• Advise on investment treaty protections and public international law issues across sectors like energy, infrastructure and natural resources.
• Develop and grow the firm’s arbitration practice in the Gulf region.

Required profile

• Current partner at an international law firm in the region, or a London‑based partner willing to relocate.
• Established arbitration practice (commercial and/or investor‑state) with portable client relationships.
• Demonstrated regional experience or a clear strategic rationale for being based in the Gulf.

Required skills

• In‑depth knowledge of major arbitral institutions (ICC, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC, GAFTA, LMAA, DIAC, UNCITRAL, ICSID).
• Extensive experience in commercial and investor‑state arbitration, including post‑award enforcement.

What we offer

• Opportunity to join a fast‑growing firm with ambitious Gulf expansion plans.
• Strong financial performance and an expanding international platform.
• Ability to shape and lead the firm’s Gulf disputes practice.