Liberalisation, diversification, and a drive to align with international standards are transforming the Middle East's legal market into a crucible of change. Dubai remains the hub of legal activity, attracting international firms and lawyers with its liberal policies, world-class infrastructure, and excellent expatriate amenities. The region's economic growth has spurred a surge in corporate, finance, and project work, creating high demand for experienced legal professionals. In Saudi Arabia, relaxed regulations have opened opportunities for international law firms, particularly in corporate M&A, capital markets, technology, construction, and infrastructure projects. The government's Vision 2030 plan has catalysed a boom in projects and investments, driving the need for specialised legal expertise. Consequently, the legal recruitment market is buzzing with activity.
Nick Aiyegbusi, an associate director at the recruitment firm Robert Walters Middle East, has guided lawyers through the region's legal landscape for over a decade. He speaks to ALB about the importance of regional experience in the legal market, the growth of gender and cultural diversity, hybrid work policies, and the influx of international law firms to the Gulf.
ALB: What are the big law firm recruitment trends you are seeing in the Gulf?
Aiyegbusi: As it stands, those with regional experience or local understanding are the preferred credentials when big law firms are looking to hire. Additionally, a number of firms are actively working to increase gender and cultural diversity in their workforce by promoting a more inclusive and equitable work environment – as well as making further considerations in the hiring and recruitment process.
Hybrid working continues to dominate working practices in law firms; however, whilst by no means firms “demanding” their employees back into the office five days a week, we are beginning to see a shift in conversation. Questions around the flexibility of working-from-home policies are increasingly coming up - with some firms upping the presence of junior members of staff in the office in order to get them the exposure they need to learn, develop, and progress.
“Focus remains on the growth opportunities for legal firms in KSA. With recent regulation changes, international law firms are either already operating with a view to expanding further or making enquiries into opening in the Kingdom. In the wider Gulf region, corporate/M&A continues to boom with disputes roles making a steady return.”
The ongoing development of support systems being implemented in law firms is seeing a subsequent rise in demand for business development and technology specialists, as well as knowledge lawyers and legal project managers.
The focus remains on the growth opportunities for legal firms in Saudi Arabia. With recent regulation changes, international law firms are either already operating with a view to expanding further or making enquiries into opening in the Kingdom. In the wider Gulf region, corporate/M&A continues to thrive, with disputes roles making a steady return.
ALB: What kinds of lawyers are in demand the most at the moment?
Aiyegbusi: Corporate/M&A lawyers are still in demand across the region following a huge increase in activity over the last two years. Energy, infrastructure, and oil and gas practices are still extremely busy with a constant influx of roles and a focus on relocating projects lawyers due to the high demand and regional talent being quite secure in current positions.
Huge government investment into technology and gaming means that the UAE/KSA and wider Gulf region are very attractive locations for tech firms, which brings with them the need for good technology, media, and entertainment lawyers.
Bilingual lawyers are still of interest but mostly in disputes roles. There is also a huge demand for KSA national and UAE national talent in those respective jurisdictions.
