2025 UAE Legal Salary Guide and Market Trends

Salaries for legal professionals have increased by an overall average of 1.6%. Legal counsels with 3-5 years of experience are the most in demand with the median salary increasing by 15%, while the salary for legal managers has also increased by 2%.

Global investment companies are looking to invest in UAE-based companies, which is driving demand for legal talent that can support with IPO readiness. The UAE government is also looking to raise investment for infrastructure development, so there will be significant competition for those with experience of IPOs in the year ahead.

With a booming real estate market in the region, those with property experience are also in-demand. Two-thirds (66%) of those in the legal sector are currently very or somewhat satisfied in their roles, which means companies will need to offer attractive packages to lure them away from their current employers.

View salaries by category

Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size, and demand for the role.

In-house

Position title

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Chief Legal Officer/Head of Legal/General Counsel

262000

310000

406250

Regional Legal Counsel

175000

225000

275000

Legal Manager

130000

153500

191750

Legal Counsel 6-9 yearsʼ experience

150000

170000

192000

Legal Counsel 3-5 yearsʼ experience

85000

103750

125000

Paralegal

60000

65000

76250

Legal Assistant

55000

65000

75000

25th Percentile

The applicant has limited or no experience in the position and is still developing their skills.

50th Percentile

The applicant has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

The applicant has above-average experience, has (nearly) all necessary skills, and may also have specialised qualifications.

Top jobs in legal

Legal counsel (3-5 years’ experience)

Legal counsel (6-9 years’ experience)

Head of legal

General counsel

Top skills and experience in legal

Multi-lingual

UK/US qualified

Real estate or Islamic Finance experience

IPO and M&A experience

How much should I pay or earn?

Top legal certifications and degrees

US and UK Qualified Solicitor

LPC

Bachelor/Master of Laws Degrees

Top industries for legal specialists

Renewable energy

Construction and engineering

Asset management

Manufacturing

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the United Arab Emirates. The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Our estimates do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is from two online surveys developed by Robert Half and conducted by research consultancy Savanta. In May 2024, Robert Half commissioned a survey of 103 senior business decision makers in the UAE with hiring responsibilities. In August 2024, Robert Half commissioned a survey of 521 professionals living and working in the UAE. Both surveys used an online data collection methodology, and drew respondents from different business sectors and areas of the UAE.