Saudi Arabia Early Careers

Be among the first to help build the future of our Riyadh office. As part of a small trainee cohort, you will embark on a rigorous and rewarding two-year training programme that sets you on a strong career path at Akin. You will be an integral member of the office from the outset, working on fast-paced transactions for sophisticated clients. Our programme allows you to rotate through different practice areas, offering you broad exposure to a range of legal disciplines.

No two days will be the same - whether you’re conducting legal research, drafting key documents, attending client meetings, taking part in firmwide events, or building your skills alongside your fellow trainees, you can expect a fast‑paced, varied experience filled with opportunities to learn and contribute.

Learn more about our Riyadh office.

To ensure a broad and well‑rounded experience, you will rotate through different practice areas to gain exposure to the full breadth of our work. Our programme is designed to give you a deep understanding of our business, our clients and our people.

From the outset, you will contribute to some of the most significant and high‑profile matters in Saudi, the wider Middle East and internationally, working with our global teams on complex, multi‑jurisdictional matters. Our lean team structure means you will work closely with accomplished partners and lawyers who bring deep local experience and insight.

You will gain exposure across our finance, corporate M&A, regulatory, and energy and infrastructure practices. High‑performing trainees may also be offered tailored international secondment opportunities - providing the chance to deepen your legal expertise, expand your professional network, and build a truly global legal career.

Everyone’s legal journey is different. Our Trainee Development team will be on hand throughout your training to support you and help tailor your training programme to your interests and career goals.

We recognise the importance of not only building strong connections within your trainee cohort in Riyadh, but also developing a wider network across the firm. Upon starting the training programme, you will travel to our London office for the Trainee Academy – a comprehensive, in‑person induction with all your fellow trainees, designed to give you the best possible start and help you feel fully integrated into the wider cohort. Training with the broader trainee group continues throughout the programme through virtual technical and legal skills sessions, including modules on public speaking and optimal performance for junior lawyers.

Feedback and development sit at the heart of our training programme. You will receive regular feedback from your supervisor and the wider team. In addition, you will benefit from two formal reviews in each seat, giving you at least eight structured reviews over the course of the programme. These reviews are designed to support your ongoing development, with a clear focus on setting and achieving personalised goals, guided by your supervisor.

Training & Development

There is no limit to your learning as an Akin trainee. You will attend regular training sessions covering relevant areas of law and essential practical skills. Throughout your training programme and beyond, you will also work closely with our internal talent team and leading external consultants to support your professional growth and will have access to a wide range of on‑demand training and technical legal updates from expert platforms. By working together, we will ensure your skills and knowledge continue to grow, providing you with everything you need to excel during the training programme and transition smoothly into the role of qualified lawyer.

• Law students graduating in 2026 or law graduates with an LLB / JD (or any other degree recognised by the Ministry of Education) from a Saudi, UK or US university, ready to commence a two‑year training programme in Riyadh from September 2026.
• A strong academic record, demonstrated by a minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0, 4.5/5.0, or a 2:1 law degree (expected or obtained).
• Saudi nationals with fluency in both written and spoken Arabic.
• A genuine interest in, and long‑term commitment to, pursuing a legal career in the Middle East, with the aim of obtaining a Saudi Law Practice License.

Step 1: Online Application Form

Your chance to tell us all about yourself, your academic record, your achievements and what attracts you to Akin. We are looking for people who are genuinely interested and motivated by a commercial law career in Saudi. We receive a lot of strong applications, so it’s essential you do your research, make every word count, and carefully review your form before pressing submit.

Step 2: Telephone Interview with the Graduate Recruitment Team 

Your opportunity to bring your application to life! We want to learn more about you and your motivations for pursuing a career at Akin. The interview will also include competency‑based questions, giving you the chance to demonstrate the key skills we look for in our trainees.

Step 3: Final Interviews & Drafting Assessments - Riyadh Office  

Our interviews and assessments take place in person, giving you the opportunity to meet the team and see first‑hand what day-to-day life in Akin’s Riyadh office is like. As part of this stage, candidates will be required to complete assessments in both English and Arabic.

• Applications Open: Sunday 5 April 2026
• Applications Close: Thursday 30 April 2026
• Start Date: You will join the Riyadh office as a trainee associate from September 2026.

From Sunday 5 April, you can submit your online application form for a place on our 2026 Saudi training programme here.

If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, contact us at graduaterecruitment@akingump.com and we would be very happy to arrange a time to talk.