Your Legal Career, Elevated

The Ascent is a private network for ambitious corporate lawyers based in or exploring opportunities in the Middle East. Designed by lawyers, for lawyers, we offer:🔹 Weekly Insights – Stay ahead with sharp, actionable advice on market trends in the region, expert interviews, and career strategy guidance, published each Friday.🔹 1-on-1 Career Coaching – Get free confidential tailored advice on moving to the region, positioning for partnership, or securing your next role.🔹 Exclusive In-Person Networking Events – Connect with senior lawyers, GCs, and decision-makers across the region for events and workshops.This isn’t just another networking group. It’s a career accelerator.

WHY JOIN?

Navigating the Middle East legal market, whether from within or from abroad, can be challenging. Advice from recruiters can be generic, whereas we’ve walked your path. We know how law firms think. Career progression can feel opaque, with unwritten rules, shifting expectations, and little transparency on what truly sets candidates apart.Read our weekly insight on pay, practice and UAE market updates here.The Ascent gives you an edge.

Membership is free, apply by filling in the form below:
(Make sure to check your spam for emails!)

Who are we?

The Ascent was founded by Shan Qureshi, a financial restructuring lawyer with over a decade of experience advising on complex cross-border matters.Shan lives in Dubai with his wife, a senior lawyer at an international firm and their two young children. As a family, they have embraced life in the region, and Shan is passionate about contributing to the legal community that has welcomed them.Shan began his legal career in London, training at Clifford Chance, with a seat in the UAE. He then practised at leading U.S. law firms in London with a focus on finance, distressed investing, and special situations.For the past eight years, Shan has been a senior member of the legal team at Octus (formerly Reorg), where he leads market-facing analysis on some of the most significant restructuring situations across Europe and the Middle East. His work is trusted by top law firms, funds, and financial advisers, and he maintains strong relationships with partners and teams in the UAE, UK, and New York.He founded The Ascent to help lawyers in the UAE and those considering a move here make informed, confident career decisions. Through The Ascent, Shan offers practical advice and insights based on real market experience.Whether you’re exploring new roles, weighing a move to the region, or just want to sense-check your options, Shan is someone who’s been there and is happy to help.