Project Finance Associate (NQ – 4 PQE)

We are currently recruiting for a Project Finance Associate to join our Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure (ENRI) practice in Dubai.

Department purpose

A&O Shearman is the world’s leading Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure practice. With over 70 partners and 250 lawyers worldwide, we have, since 2000, consistently closed more transactions in this space globally than any other law firm and are an acknowledged market leader.

We advise the most sophisticated sponsors, debt providers, borrowers, project and construction companies as well as governments across a wide array of sub-sectors, including all aspects of power generation and transmission, networks, social infrastructure, transport, telecommunications, traditional energy and energy transition.

We provide our clients with a totally integrated service on all aspects of their infrastructure projects, drawing on and marshalling A&O Shearman’s specialist skills in relation to, among other things, project development, deal-structuring, bankability, equity strategy, M&A, debt financing and refinancing (including bank, private placement capital markets, ECA and multilateral), hedging, contracts, construction and regulatory compliance.

Role purpose

The group is currently recruiting for a junior and a mid-level associate with a broad skill base and ideally, relevant sector experience. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong track record in infrastructure, structured and/or project finance and an understanding of the energy and infrastructure sector.

Role and responsibilities
Drafting, reviewing and amending documentation
Providing strategic guidance to clients through strong market awareness and an understanding of key objectives
Managing client expectations, deadlines and project delivery appropriately
Collaborating across teams, departments and jurisdictions in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment
Matter (or sub-section) management and maximising financial contribution
Leadership and supervision of junior team members
Recognising opportunities for business development, assistance with and implementation of group and firm-wide business development strategies
Proactive engagement with clients both on and off deal with a view towards building and maintaining strong client relationships
Legal and sector knowledge development and sharing (internally and externally)
Assisting with billing activities and timely invoicing
Key requirements
Qualified lawyer ideally NQ-4 PQE
Resilient self-starter with the intellectual curiosity and versatility to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge
Experience in at least one of: project finance related work, infrastructure finance work, or structured finance work
Evidence of a keen interest in Energy and Infrastructure allied to strong technical knowledge
Highly motivated team player with excellent organisational skills
Clear and concise verbal and written communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills and a good eye for detail
Entrepreneurial drive
Strong commercial/business acumen
Clear understanding of law firm economics and an understanding of the firm’s strategic priorities
A person of sound judgement and core values, able to establish a high level of credibility

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with 48 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work,  helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you’re helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to  an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.