UAE Students

Our 2026 four-week Summer Internship, hosted in our Abu Dhabi office, is designed for UAE Nationals studying law who are keen to explore a legal career in the Middle East.

Overview

This is a fantastic opportunity for UAE Nationals studying law to undertake four weeks of tailored work experience in the Abu Dhabi office of Akin, located in Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, the heart of Abu Dhabi’s new central business district.

The Internship  

Our four-week internship offers an exciting opportunity to experience life at Akin. This carefully designed programme provides an immersive and realistic insight into the work undertaken by trainee solicitors at the firm; while also offering a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations of an international law firm. You will follow a structured timetable that balances hands-on experience, professional development and networking opportunities.

Key Dates

  • Applications open: Monday 10 March 2026
  • Applications close: Friday 21 March 2026
  • 2026 Summer Internship Dates: Monday 25 May – Friday 19 June 2026

What to Expect

  • 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.

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.  

What We Look For

  • 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

Recruitment Process

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.

Internship Dates

The internship will run from Monday 25 May - Friday 19 June 2026. Please be advised that these dates
are not flexible, and all participants are required to attend the Abu Dhabi office in person for the entire four-week period.

How To Apply  

We will be accepting applications from Monday 10 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 21 March 2026.