Restructuring Lawyer

The Role

Clifford Chance Abu Dhabi is a full service office which is completely integrated with, and supported by, our global network.  We advise clients on major transactions in the Middle East and beyond.

We have one of the leading restructuring and insolvency groups in the region and can offer our lawyers the chance to develop their careers through advising on the most significant transactions in the region. 

The Work

Our work spans the whole of the MET region. We work on a broad variety of matters under both English and UAE law including:

• Local and international Banks – we advise syndicate and bilateral banks on their exposures to distressed borrowers in the Middle East – transaction may include amend and extends, refinancings, balance sheet restructurings, court sanctioned restructuring tools and enforcement options.

• Directors and Corporates – we advise companies, shareholders and/or their directors on restructuring options and duties in insolvency and distress.

• Specialist distressed investors – we advise a range of local and international secondary players on their options under local restructuring frameworks (including debt for equity swaps) to facilitate value creation on their investments.

Key Attractions

• We are the world's leading global finance practice. 

• You will work on ground-breaking deals for top tier clients and across the asset classes. The range, calibre and international scope of our deal flow is unique - and makes us stand out from our competitors.  Recent deal highlights include:

• JBF RAK LLC - advised certain senior secured lenders to the JBF Group on the UAE's first successfully completed large scale restructuring plan under the UAE's Onshore Bankruptcy Law, which included the cram down of certain secured creditors and a debt for equity swap the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on the financing for six solar projects in Egypt.

• NMC Healthcare – advised the Ad Hoc Creditors' Committee of NMC Helathcare on its groundbreaking USD 7 billion financial restructuring, including the first ever use of ADGM administration and deeds of company arrangement. 

• Drydocks World restructuring – advised on the landmark and award-winning restructuring of US$2.2 billion of syndicated debt, which was implemented using schemes of arrangement in Singapore and company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) in Dubai. Included advising in relation to ground breaking Decree 57 proceedings and inaugural use of a DIFC trust structure to implement a debt to equity style conversion.

• We are proud of our reputation for being a very informal, supportive, meritocratic and diverse group and reinforce this with regular social events - both ad hoc and organised.

• We are based in one of the most prestigious business developments in Abu Dhabi.

• We run a sophisticated internal training programme that is unmatched in the region, including local courses run by The Academy plus residential training courses that take place in offices across our network.

• The team also supports on restructuring matters in Saudi Arabia

• Our remuneration package is one of the most attractive in the market.

Key Responsibilities

You will be given responsibility for running transactions and working closely with clients, who will include a range of local and international investors.  This means that you will develop outstanding transaction management and organisational skills as well as developing superb technical abilities.

Your Experience

• We are currently seeking a committed and ambitious junior to mid-level restructuring and insolvency lawyer.

• In all cases, you should have first class legal ability coupled with a practical commercial approach; and excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills.

• All candidates should be fluent in English.  Fluency in Arabic language would be advantageous but is not a prerequisite. 

• You must also have exceptional results throughout your academic history.

Skills & Experience

• We are currently seeking a committed and ambitious junior to mid-level restructuring and insolvency lawyer .

• In all cases, you should have first class legal ability coupled with a practical commercial approach; and excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills.

• All candidates should be fluent in English.  Fluency in Arabic language would be advantageous but is not a prerequisite. 

• You must also have exceptional results throughout your academic history.

Who we are

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.

Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

Equal opportunities statement

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society. 

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

Find out more about our inclusive culture here.