Big Law in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar? Forum

[zainlundell]

Hi, I am interested in Big Law in the mentioned cities, mainly due to the the salary being income tax free.

Is there anyone who has lived in these cities who can provide some information regarding pros and cons v. big law in NYC or Toronto.

Thanks a lot.

[Sauer Grapes]

I could be wrong, but I don't think your entire salary will be income tax free. I think it's the first $80K (still not a bad deal).

Also, the big law firms I've heard of don't really pay more, but they give generous cost of living allowances so that you are basically living rent free while you are there (with a live in maid and nanny if you have kids).

It can also be a good way to get some responsibility early in your career.

[Anonymous User]

Sharia law, huh? Just kidding. That would be a great thing to do though. My brother works for an american firm in the UAE and he loves it so far.

[Coprolalia]

I am an 0L.

[LSATNightmares]

Don't quote me on this, but wouldn't you still have to pay U.S. state taxes (though you would get a federal credit) if you're an American abroad earning money?

[bobtyme]

im guessing these opportunities will likely be transactional as opposed to litigation.

[Coprolalia]

...

[06102016]

..

[Anonymous User]

Any new insight/development in the past couple years about working as an attorney for a biglaw firm in Dubai?

[cfcm]

Not big law, but As Sayliyah was advertising on USA Jobs for a lawyer a few months ago.

[Anonymous User]

Not big law, but As Sayliyah was advertising on USA Jobs for a lawyer a few months ago.

Most of the biglaw associates I know who do work in those regions as US lawyers are still based in London or NYC and just travel a lot, rather than actually setting up locally, particularly if they're not actually from those places.

[sgd19]

do you need to know arabic to work in these places?