Judicial Appointment – Foreign Judges (Common Law Jurisdictions)

Company Description

Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) is one of the leading judicial institutions in the GCC, recognized for its judicial innovation, cosmopolitan courts, and commitment to international best practice.

It is the only court in the region where Arabic and foreign judges sit together on the same bench, operating under a bilingual (Arabic–English) framework that reflects Abu Dhabi’s diverse and globally connected society. ADJD is renowned for its Civil Family Court, the first in the Middle East to offer civil marriage, civil wills, and no-fault divorce services for expatriates, alongside bilingual commercial courts and the region’s first English Notary Services Bureau.

With its cosmopolitan judiciary, digital transformation, and transparent procedures, ADJD continues to lead judicial modernization across the region.

Role Description

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) is the first and only court in the Arab region to introduce a bilingual judiciary, where English-speaking common law judges sit alongside Emirati judges to adjudicate commercial disputes under a modern hybrid framework.

We are seeking Solicitors and Common Law Judges from leading jurisdictions — including England and Wales, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States (New York or California Bars) — to join our Commercial Court in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

As part of this judicial modernization initiative, you will serve as a Foreign Judge, hearing and deciding complex commercial cases involving international parties, cross-border transactions, and corporate disputes. You will collaborate with local and foreign colleagues to ensure clarity, efficiency, and global best practice in judicial reasoning and process.

Arabic language skills are not required. Proceedings are bilingual, with judgments and records available in English and Arabic.

This appointment offers the opportunity to contribute to one of the most progressive and cosmopolitan court systems in the Middle East, with a strong focus on judicial transparency, digital transformation, and global engagement.

You will be based in Abu Dhabi, serving on a full-time, fixed-term judicial contract with a competitive tax-free package and full relocation support.

Qualifications

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is inviting applications from Common Law Judges, barristers, and solicitors with litigation or dispute resolution experience to join its Money Claims Court.

• Admission as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Judge in a recognised common law jurisdiction, such as England and Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the United States (New York or California Bars).
• Law degree from a recognised common law jurisdiction
• Strong background in litigation, commercial law, arbitration, or judicial practice.
• Prior judicial, tribunal, or arbitral experience is an advantage.
• Native English speaker ( Arabic not required ).

Benefits and Terms

• Tax-free judicial package, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Housing allowance and relocation assistance provided.
• Annual flights, medical coverage, and paid leave.
• Opportunity to serve within one of the most progressive and internationally integrated court systems in the region.
• Balanced work–home environment.
• Access to on-site gym and wellness facilities within the judicial complex.
• Full-time appointment based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, under a renewable fixed-term judicial contract.