About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Oil & Gas Associate to join our busy Oil & Gas Practice in Abu Dhabi. The team advises on a broad range of non-contentious oil and gas matters, with a particular focus on upstream drilling, oilfield services and the development and construction of oil and gas assets, infrastructure and facilities. The practice predominantly advises national oil company operators across the Middle East and is appointed to the legal panels of three of the region’s largest sovereign oil and gas companies. The team has a significant and active portfolio of matters, offering the successful candidate exposure to complex, high-value projects and commercial arrangements across the sector.
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Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work alongside Partners and senior lawyers, advising clients on matters including:
- Upstream oil and gas projects and commercial arrangements
- Drilling and well services contracts
- Day-rate rig hire agreements
- Oilfield equipment procurement and supply contracts
- Procurement, supply chain and general commercial contracts within the oil and gas sector
- Front-end construction and development of oil and gas assets, infrastructure and facilities
- EPC, EPCIC and EPCM contracts
- FEED agreements
- BOOT arrangements
- PMC contracts
- Reviewing, drafting and negotiating complex commercial and project documentation
- Supporting clients throughout the contracting and procurement lifecycle
About You
We are looking for a commercially minded lawyer with strong experience in non-contentious oil and gas, energy or projects work. Ideally, you will have:
- At least 2 years’ post-qualification experience (PQE), or equivalent
- Strong academic credentials, with excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A self-driven and proactive approach to your work
- Experience within a recognised international, regional or specialist energy law firm, or a relevant in-house legal team
- Strong exposure to the oil and gas sector, ideally including upstream, drilling or oilfield services
- Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts
- Exposure to procurement and supply chain arrangements within the oil and gas or wider energy sector
- Experience with some of the following contract types: day-rate rig hire, drilling and well services, oilfield equipment procurement, EPC/EPCIC/EPCM, FEED, BOOT or PMC
- Strong drafting, negotiation and commercial skills
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively
- Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills, alongside the ability to work independently
- Strong commercial awareness and the confidence to build rapport with clients, understand their business needs and, with the support of Partners, actively develop these relationships
- The ability to lead and delegate effectively, while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment
- The ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders and clients
Direct experience across every contract listed above is beneficial rather than essential. Candidates with a strong background in non-contentious oil and gas or energy projects work who can demonstrate transferable commercial contracting experience would also be considered.
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity to join an established Abu Dhabi Oil & Gas Practice with a strong client base and an active pipeline of work. The role offers exposure to major national oil company clients and sophisticated upstream, drilling, procurement and energy infrastructure matters across the Middle East.
