Trainee - March 2027

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.

With our KSA Training Contract, we are giving you the opportunity to learn from exceptional professionals, while earning a competitive salary, so you can reach your full potential and become a successful commercial solicitor.

Department purpose

Our office in Riyadh capitalizes on our lawyers’ decades of experience advising clients in the Kingdom. Our team has extensive experience of high-profile, multijurisdictional transactions, which when combined with their deep understanding of the local landscape helps our clients unlock new growth opportunities.

Our laser focus on exceptional client service makes us the go-to legal advisor for many of the region’s most prestigious entities. We combine outstanding service, innovative delivery and original legal thinking to provide commercially astute solutions to our clients’ most complex challenges

Role purpose

This two-year training contract allows you to experience four six-month seats, that cover a variety of departments/practice areas. Our core areas of expertise are Finance, Corporate, Disputes and ENRI (Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure). You will also explore the possibility of spending a seat in one of our UAE offices, which will give you the chance to grow and strengthen your network.

You can expand your knowledge in the areas that interest you, whilst also discovering more about the areas of work we do, that you weren’t as aware of. Over the course of the two-year Training Contract, you’ll be able to find your strengths, overcome challenges, and bring your best self.

We offer exceptional professional and personal development - providing training, mentoring and practical support. In every seat of the Training Contract, you have mentors and other dedicated points of contact to ensure that you receive the best pastoral care possible. With us, you will constantly be learning and growing

Role & responsibilities

As a Trainee Associate, you will;

• Assist with legal research, drafting and document review across a variety of matters

• Support transaction execution (e.g. due diligence, preparing closing documents, coordinating with parties)

• Attend internal and client meetings, taking notes and tracking action points

• Prepare first drafts of memos, contracts and client communications under supervision

• Maintain matter files and support knowledge management activities

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments and offices

• Ensure compliance with firm policies, confidentiality and professional standards

Key requirements

• Saudi National Candidate

• Law Degree (LLB or equivalent) GPA of 3.25/4 or 4.25/5

• Strong analytical, research and drafting skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication in English

• Demonstrated interest in commercial law and the Middle East market

• Commitment to completing a 24-month structured training programme

• We are looking for candidates with ambition and passion and skills/experience in collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation.