UAE Early Careers

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 Dubai office from the outset, working on fast-paced transactions for sophisticated clients. Our programme allows you to rotate through different practice areas, and between UAE offices, 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 Dubai office.

To ensure a broad and well‑rounded experience, you will rotate through four different practice areas, spending six months in each, gaining 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. Our lean team structure means you will work closely with accomplished partners and lawyers who bring deep local experience and insight.

Over the course of your four-seat training period, you will have the opportunity to work on transactional and contentious matters. This will include gaining exposure to our finance, disputes, and trade practices. High‑performing trainees will 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 Dubai, 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.

• You must be available to start a two‑year training programme in Dubai from September 2026.
• You must be a law graduate or a non‑law graduate who has completed the PDGL. You must have completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), passing both the LPC / SQE1 and SQE2 on your first attempt.
• We look for a strong and consistent academic record at university, and you should have achieved at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent).
• You should demonstrate a genuine interest in, and long‑term commitment to, pursuing a legal career in the Middle East, with the intention of training and qualifying as an England and Wales solicitor based in Dubai. Please note that there will not be an opportunity to qualify into a London practice group following the two‑year training programme.

Step 1: Online Application Form

Your application is your opportunity to tell us about yourself - your academic record, achievements, and what specifically attracts you to Akin. We are looking for candidates who are genuinely motivated by a commercial law career in Dubai and who are interested in the unique practice opportunities that working in our Dubai office provides. We receive a high volume of strong applications, so it’s important that you research the firm thoroughly, use your word count wisely, and review your form carefully before submitting. Applications are screened on a rolling-basis.

Step 2: Akin’s Bespoke Online Strengths‑Based Assessment

Our untimed, web‑based assessment has been designed to give you a realistic insight into what life as a trainee solicitor at Akin is like. As you work through scenarios and challenges based on real aspects of the role, you’ll also have the opportunity to highlight the things you excel at and enjoy doing.

Step 3: Telephone Interview with the London Graduate Recruitment Team

This stage allows you to bring your application to life! We want to learn more about you, your motivations, and why you are interested in pursuing your England & Wales qualification in Dubai. The conversation will also include competency‑based questions, giving you the chance to demonstrate the skills and behaviours we look for in our trainees.

Step 4: Assessment Day

Our assessment days are held either in person at our London office or via Zoom, depending on your location. The day includes a commercial case‑study interview, a competency‑based interview, and two written assessments. You will meet with lawyers from both our London and Dubai offices, as well as spend time with our trainees, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about training at Akin.

Step 5: Panel Interview with Our Dubai Partners

The final stage of the process is a panel interview with three of our Dubai partners. This is your opportunity to meet the partners you will be working closely with, discuss your motivations for joining the team, and showcase the strengths you would bring to the role. The interview will take place either in person or via Zoom, depending on your location.

From Monday 2 March, you can submit your online application form for a place on our 2026 Dubai training programme. Application form coming soon.

This internship is a valuable opportunity to immerse yourself in life at Akin, develop essential legal and professional skills, and position yourself for success in future law firm applications - and beyond.

We are currently looking to recruit up to six interns.  

• Take on a variety of tasks such as drafting memorandums, writing client alerts and researching different areas of law.
• Collaborate closely with your intern cohort on group projects designed to encourage innovative thinking while strengthening your research, teamwork, and presentation skills.
• Connect with lawyers and professionals across the office, including informal lunches and networking sessions with senior leaders like Wael Jabsheh, Partner-in-Charge of the Abu Dhabi office.
• Receive guidance and feedback from qualified solicitors to help you refine your work and grow in confidence.
• Meet regularly with the London Graduate Recruitment team to reflect on your experience and receive tailored advice throughout the internship.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and time management skills
• Strong attention to detail, well organised and able to multitask
• Works well both independently and in a group
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office preferred however training will be provided

Stage 1: Submit Your Application

Please submit your CV accompanied by a cover letter detailing your interest in the internship and what you hope to gain from it. Please also confirm your status as a UAE national within your cover letter. 

Stage 2: Zoom Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a Zoom interview with Salma Hamisi, the Abu Dhabi Office Manager, and a member of the London Graduate Recruitment team. This interview will serve as an opportunity to discuss your motivations and interest in the programme in greater depth. Interviews are expected to be held at the end of March 2026.

Stage 3: Offers Extended

Internship offers will be sent to successful applicants in early April 2026.

We will be accepting applications from Monday 9 March 2026 – please note that any applications submitted prior to this date will not be reviewed.  

If you’re interested in applying, please send your CV and cover letter to graduaterecruitment@akingump.com with the subject heading ‘2026 Abu Dhabi Internship Application’ marked for the attention of Amy McCarthy, Graduate Recruitment Manager.

Applications close on Friday 20 March 2026.