From Legal to Consulting: Looking for Guidance on Entering the Middle East Market

Question

Hello everyone! I’m currently looking for career advice and would truly appreciate your insights.

Let me briefly introduce my background:

I hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Law (non-target schools), completed in Russia and Germany.
I have professional experience as a legal specialist (international trade law) and, more recently, as a business analyst and brand analyst.
I also completed an internship at the United Nations.

Now, I’m very interested in exploring opportunities in the consulting industry, especially in the Middle East region. I understand that we’re currently in a quieter hiring period, and that the next active recruitment season is expected to begin around September.

I have two main questions:

Based on my background, what are my chances of entering the consulting market in the Middle East?
Is it realistic to expect a noticeable increase in job opportunities in September compared to the summer?

Thank you very much in advance for your thoughts!

Answer 1

There are two realistic paths forward for you in the Middle East:

Option 1: Consulting
You’ll need to build a clear narrative around why you're pivoting from law to consulting. Focus on transferable skills: structured thinking, research, communication, and client-facing work.
That said, most candidates from non-STEM backgrounds struggle with case math and data handling. You’ll need to invest real time in mastering that. Start networking with consultants from your region who’ve made similar pivots (including Russian or Central Asian profiles now working in UAE/KSA, MBB office closures in Moscow led to a lot of people moving from Moscow to Dubai/Riyadh). Apply when you feel ready, as experienced hire application windows operate on a rolling deadline basis.

Option 2: Legal track
Don’t overlook top-tier legal firms. Magic Circle and white-shoe firms like A&O, White & Case, and Trowers & Hamlins are actively expanding in the region, especially in KSA and the UAE. Regional leaders like Al Tamimi are also scaling. Your legal background (especially in international trade) aligns well with regulatory, project finance, and infrastructure advisory roles they’re hiring for. These roles often require international exposure and adaptability.

Both paths are viable. Consulting will require heavier upskilling. Legal is closer to your core and may offer a faster entry point regionally. Depends what you want.

Answer 2

Hi there,

I've worked with several candidates transitioning from law to consulting, so feel free to reach out for a more in-depth discussion.

Overall, yes, former lawyers or law students are attractive to consulting firms because the field already signals a rigour of thought and high academic performance.

However, you need to craft and tell your story in the right way, to explain why you're making this transition and why you would be qualified to do it.

Regarding the Middle East specifically, if you don't have any connection with the place (you didn't study there, aren't from there, etc.) then chances are small that you'll pass the screening. Still, there are ways, such as ensuring you have a strong referral.

You might find these two guides useful:

Best,
Cristian

Answer 3

Hi there,

Your diverse background—law, business analysis, and international exposure—can absolutely translate into a compelling consulting profile, especially in the Middle East, where firms value multilingual, cross-functional candidates.

To your questions:

Chances of breaking in: While a non-traditional path and non-target schools mean you’ll need to tell a crisp, well-structured story (why consulting, why now, why you), your international experience and analytical roles are assets. Networking and referrals will be key—especially in the Gulf markets where warm intros matter.
Hiring timeline: Yes, September marks a clear uptick. Most firms ramp up hiring in early autumn, after summer slowdowns and budget resets. Now’s the time to prep cases, polish your CV/cover letter, and start building connections.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.

Best,

Evelina