LEGAL
The legal sector has remained
fairly static in 2014, with few
vacancies being registered.
The legal sector has remained fairly
static from 2013 going into 2014, with few
vacancies being registered. However, when
new investments and the expansion plans of
multinationals in the region come to fruition,
hiring should pick up.
The UAE’s current construction and property
boom has fuelled a growing need for skilled
Arabic construction litigators. In-house
candidates with 3-5 years’ experience are
also highly sought after.
14 | UAE Salary Guide and Market Overview 2014
For those with over eight years’ experience,
the market is extremely competitive, with
supply far outweighing demand. This is
reflected in the stagnant salary levels
in 2013-14.
Top 3 roles in demand:
• Top tier Corporate Lawyers 3-5 years
PQE in house
• Excellent corporate bilingual Arabic
speakers for in-house roles 8 years
PQE plus
• Arabic construction litigators
Legal
Legal in-house AED Range
Typical
1-3 years’ PQE
32,000-38,000
35,000
3-4 years’ PQE
38,000-45,000
41,500
4-6 years’ PQE
45,000-55,000
50,000
6-8 years’ PQE
55,000-65,000
60,000
General Council/Head of Legal
75,000+
80,000
Private Practice – UK International AED Range
Typical
Newly Qualified
28,000-32,000
30,000
1 year PQE
32,000-35,000
33,000
2 years’ PQE
35,000-40,000
35,000
3 years’ PQE
40,000-44,000
42,000
4 years’ PQE
44,000-48,000
46,000
5 years’ PQE
48,000-54,000
50,000
6 years’ PQE
51,000-57,000
53,000
7 years’ PQE+
57,000+
65,000
Monthly gross salary in AED within the UAE for full time positions.
UAE Salary Guide and Market Overview 2014 | 15
Legal
Private Practice – UK Magic Circle AED Range
Typical
Newly Qualified
30,000-35,000
32,000
1 year PQE
35,000-40,000
37,000
2 years’ PQE
40,000-45,000
42,000
3 years’ PQE
50,000-60,000
55,000
4 years’ PQE
55,000-65,000
60,000
5 years’ PQE
60,000-70,000
65,000
6 years’ PQE
65,000-75,000
70,000
7 years’ PQE+
70,000+
80,000
Private Practice – US International AED Range
Typical
1 year PQE
40,000-45,000
42,000
2 years’ PQE
45,000-50,000
47,000
3 years’ PQE
50,000-60,000
55,000
4 years’ PQE
60,000-65,000
62,000
5 years’ PQE
67,000-77,000
70,000
6 years’ PQE
75,000-85,000
80,000
7 years’ PQE+
85,000+
85,000
Monthly gross salary in AED within the UAE for full time positions.
16 | UAE Salary Guide and Market Overview 2014