Content of the Week: 18th August 2025
Women in Law
We're seeing a growing push for women in senior roles in law. But progress is still slow in the UAE.
Over the past few years, we've seen an increase in the proportion of women ranked among top lawyers in the UAE, rising from 19.2% in 2023 to 21.5% in 2024 [1]. It's a shift in the right direction, but it's slow.
That said, generally across the Middle East we've seen a 50% increase in women in law over the last 10 years, so things are definitely improving [2].
This is all compared to 28% of all enrolled lawyers in the UAE being women, about one in three. Compare that to the UK (in 2023), where 53% of solicitors are women [3], the UAE is still a long way behind.
As the moment continues, as a legal community we need to not lose sight of focusing on this growth.
Here are some ideas on how we can improve the representation and progression of women in law:
1) prioritise transparent promotion paths
2) invest in targeted leadership development, particularly programs, mentorships, negotiating training (especially for salary - another big issue of course), and visibility
3) support flexible and remote work without penalty
4) publicly report gender diversity data
5) strengthen returnship programs - yes, women take time out for maternity leave or other career gaps, but let's create better paths for their return
[1] https://lnkd.in/d_y_B26w
[2] https://lnkd.in/djpFp_Qk
[3] https://lnkd.in/dqXMmmcN
Creating Your Own Destiny
Remember, you're the author of your own story.
I speak to candidates who feel stuck, like their career is happening to them, not because of them. They're sat waiting for someone to come to them for the perfect job, or for their team to realise their potential.
But here's the truth: no one's more invested in your career than you. And no one is in a better position the change it's direction.
You can reach out to recruiters, speak to people in your network. You can reframe your CV to reflect the kind of role that you want, not just the work you've done.
I love this quote by Abraham Lincoln - "The best way to predict your future is to create it."
Cost Comparison Table
Lots of GCs/CEOs are struggling with budgets at the moment. It's hard to know what the most cost-effective approach is for legal.
So I made a cost calculator. It's the first in the region focused on the legal market.
It breaks down the difference between
- law firm spend
- hiring someone in-house
- engaging a consultant/secondee
I've done the hard work, so just plug in your details and have a play. You can see the cost savings at the bottom, and even distribute the costs out between all three options to predict outgoings.
It's completely free, hopefully a good tool to benchmark the best approach.
If you have any questions or feedback please drop me a note. I'm also happy to run through the tool with anyone struggling to use it!
https://www.collins-search.com/cost-comparison
Why the Dubai dream is dead for ‘arrogant British workers - comment
I think this article makes some good points (even if I don't love the title!).
- Salaries aren't what they used to be - I expect GC packages toaveragee 10% in 2025 compared to 2024.
- Cost of living is increasing (though I paid the same here for a brand new apartment vs the rent my friends pay for a 50 year old flat in London, so not sure that's a major factor)
- "10 years ago, there was an inbalance on supply and demand. That has flipped pretty aggressively" - 100% true, it's an employers market now.
- There's a huge focus on local talent. We have some great people working in the UAE, and 9 times out of 10 we'll aim to find someone here first. That one other time is where we need outside expertise e.g. from a particular regulator.
- Considering the above, you have to find another 'sell' for why someone would take you on for a role vs someone locally. Usually, that's lower salaries when you land your first job.
- You can have an amazing life here. Sunshine, one of the most multicultural environments worldwide, high quality living, schooling, medical facilities - if you can get here, you still should!
https://lnkd.in/d_7s4Rmp