Competition Lawyer

Progressive legal careers

Peerpoint is A&O Shearman’s global platform for self-directed consultant lawyers seeking access to high-calibre work, leading clients, market‑leading resources and tailored support. Assignments typically run for six months or longer and may be undertaken within A&O Shearman’s practice groups or directly with clients. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, roles are usually full-time for six months, with some opportunities offering flexible working arrangements.

To find out more, please visit www.peerpoint.com.

We are seeking seasoned competition lawyers with a minimum of five years’ top-tier post-qualification experience to advise the company across the full spectrum of competition law. Core responsibilities include designing and implementing compliance and risk management frameworks, managing merger control filings, and responding to antitrust investigations.

Examples of current opportunities include:

• Senior Competition Lawyer — In-House Counsel (6‑month interim) Renewables/Energy or Construction sector - Responsibility for delivering expert legal advice and strategic guidance on global antitrust and competition law, with a strong emphasis on merger control and foreign subsidies regulation. The counsel will design and implement comprehensive antitrust compliance programs and internal policies, oversee and coordinate merger control filings across multiple jurisdictions, and track developments in foreign subsidies and foreign direct investment regimes relevant to international transactions and investments
• Senior Competition Lawyer — In-House Counsel (6‑month interim) — Financial Institution – As Senior Competition Counsel you will lead antitrust and competition law advisory across the institution’s Middle East operations, with a primary focus on wholesale and retail banking, payments, asset management, fintech partnerships, and digital platforms. The role combines strategic advisory, complex merger control and conduct analysis, regulatory engagement, and risk management in a rapidly evolving competition landscape across the GCC and wider MENA region.

Our Criteria

Successful candidates will:

• have a minimum of five years post-qualification experience at a law firm ranked as top tier for competition work;
• ideally have recent in-house legal experience within competition law.
• preferably have experience in the Middle East and fluency in Arabic
• have a desire to take ownership of their career and be responsible for their own professional development and network, proactively making use of any support and resources available;
• have researched the personal and financial factors that you need to consider when commencing a career as a legal consultant and be comfortable with the ways in which it differs from permanent employment;
• have a consultant mindset, including a highly professional, flexible and adaptable outlook and approach;
• have a practising certificate (or equivalent) which entitles them to practise as a lawyer in the region.

What makes consulting with Peerpoint different?

• A career with Peerpoint stands apart. Over the past decade, we have helped redefine legal consulting as a credible and compelling path alongside private practice and in-house roles. With the full backing of A&O Shearman, we combine market-leading opportunities with one of the most comprehensive support offerings available, so you can build a career on your terms without compromising on excellence.

Empowering your development

• You will be supported by an experienced, dedicated team and gain access to A&O Shearman’s training, development and networking programmes. From expert-led sessions to hands-on exposure through A&O Shearman’s Advanced Delivery & Solutions businesses, you will have multiple avenues to expand your skills, deepen your sector knowledge and accelerate your professional growth.

Only the best for you

• We connect you with many of the world’s leading businesses and the most progressive, high-impact roles, taking the time to align each assignment with your strengths, ambitions and working style. While on assignment, you will benefit from access to A&O Shearman partners, professional support lawyers and extensive knowledge resources, ensuring you can deliver at your best with confidence.

Let your priorities lead

• Your career should flex around your life. Whether you want greater autonomy over your workload, the space to pursue personal passions, time with family or opportunities to travel, we help you shape an engagement model that supports your goals. With Peerpoint, you set the rhythm, without sacrificing quality or momentum.

Futureproof your career

• From coaching and mentoring to structured guidance on diverse career pathways, we support your long-term trajectory. By understanding your aspirations and backing you at every stage, we help you build the experience, resilience and network to thrive today and be ready for what comes next.