Iram blogs on a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in an international law firm in Abu Dhabi as part of The NCS Emerging Talent Programme…

On Thursday the 8th of June Arlina and I rushed to get from our last exam to Heathrow airport, to spend ten unforgettable days immersed in the beautiful legal landscape of Abu Dhabi. We were able to gain unparalleled, first-hand experience of what a career as a solicitor at the esteemed international law firm, White & Case, would be like during our stay with one of the partners and counsellors of the Abu Dhabi office. Alongside working as professional legal interns, we were fortunate enough to appreciate the flourishing social life there, visiting numerous malls, theme parks and beaches.

In the first two days preceding our work experience placement we visited some of Abu Dhabi’s renowned sights, such as the extravagant Emirates palace, while getting to grips with what project finance law is (a particular forte of the Abu Dhabi branch) and what White & Case as a firm do. Having specialised in numerous fields of law like mergers and acquisitions, international arbitration and project finance, White & Case has truly distinguished itself as a leading law firm with a history over a century old.

Upon entering the palatial office, with its breathtaking views of the skyline, the professional but convivial atmosphere was palpable. Throughout our week as legal interns we read and reviewed financial and technical proposals for projects that are still currently ongoing in the UAE. We were also handling and amending agreements, cross-referencing them to avoid any kind of errors and reading proposed deals to understand multifaceted party interests. To have worked on multi-billion dollar worth projects that were in the process of materialising allowed us to get a true reflection of what practising law is like in reality. We were viewed and treated as budding professional legal interns, capable of reviewing, analysing and amending reports and agreements, as we shadowed lawyers. Project finance, mergers and acquisitions as well as construction law are specific areas of law that are proving to be especially in demand in Abu Dhabi, due to the various projects that are presently occurring there, for example the building of more bridges, new government buildings or improved water facilities. White & Case’s established history and expertise in the Middle East therefore further consolidates this international image.

Following our week of work experience, Arlina and I were able to enjoy some free time at Yas Island, where we visited the biggest mall in Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall. We also visited Ferrari World on our last night and were pleasantly shocked by the speed of the world’s fastest ride. Having a picnic on the partner’s private boat and riding the jet ski was the perfect end to such an idyllic time.

It was incredibly eye-opening to gain such a personal insight into the different areas of law White & Case covers. The trip has meant that our ambitions to become lawyers at a leading law firm have been strengthened and we even envisage ourselves hopefully applying for training contracts at White & Case, or similarly prestigious law firms.

We are profoundly thankful to the NCS for such a unique and invaluable opportunity, which we would definitely encourage future NCS students to consider!