Law students in the UAE face one of the most rigorous academic journeys, with demanding case studies, legal essays, statute analysis, moot court preparations, and research-based assignments. Whether studying at AUS, Zayed University, University of Sharjah, ADU, AUS, or any international branch campus in Dubai, students must demonstrate strong legal reasoning, interpretation of statutes, and application of UAE legal frameworks. This guide provides structured, ethical, and practical support for writing high-quality law assignments. It includes writing strategies, topic guidance, research methods, legal analysis techniques, and best practices aligned with UAE academic standards.

Why Law Assignments Are Challenging for UAE Students

Law education in the UAE integrates multiple legal systems and subjects, making assignments complex. Students often struggle with:

Understanding Multiple Legal Frameworks
UAE legal studies require familiarity with Civil Law, Sharia principles, international law instruments, and federal vs. emirate-level legislation.

Case Law Interpretation
Analyzing judgments, identifying ratio decidendi, and applying legal principles require strong analytical skills.

Academic Writing Standards
Legal writing must be concise, objective, and supported by evidence.

Complex Research Requirements
Students must use UAE legislation, federal decrees, court judgments, and international treaties.

Time-Intensive Projects
Law assignments often involve extensive reading of statutes, cases, and academic commentary.

UAE Universities Offering Law Programs

This study guide is relevant for students from:

• University of Sharjah (College of Law)

• Zayed University

• United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

• Abu Dhabi University

• American University of Sharjah (AUS)

• Middlesex University Dubai (LLB)

• University of Birmingham Dubai (Law)

• London-based campuses in Dubai (LLB programs)

• AURAK (Ras Al Khaimah)

Each institution requires high standards of legal writing, analysis, and research.

Types of Law Assignments in UAE Universities

Legal Essays

These test your ability to explain, discuss, and evaluate legal principles.

Case Study Analysis

Students must read real or hypothetical cases and apply relevant legal rules.

Problem Questions

These require identifying legal issues, applying statutory provisions, and reasoning toward a conclusion.

Research Papers

Longer assignments based on deeper investigation of legislation, judicial decisions, and scholarly commentary.

Statutory Interpretation Tasks

Analyzing articles from UAE Federal Laws or specific emirate-level regulations.

Moot Court Summaries

Preparing written submissions for oral advocacy.

How to Approach a Law Assignment Effectively

To excel, students should follow a structured approach based on legal methodology.

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirement

Break down the question into:

• Topic

• Legal issues

• Required jurisdictions (UAE Federal Law, Dubai laws, international treaties)

• Word count

• Writing style

• Referencing format (APA or OSCOLA)

Step 2: Conduct Preliminary Research

Start by gathering:

• UAE Federal Laws (e.g., Law No. 5 of 1985 Civil Transactions Law)

• UAE Penal Code

• Commercial Companies Law

• Labour Law

• Court judgments (Federal Supreme Court, Dubai Court of Cassation)

• Academic articles

• International treaties relevant to the topic

Step 3: Identify Legal Issues

Ask yourself:

• What legal questions arise from the scenario?

• Which statutes govern the issue?

• Are there relevant precedents?

Step 4: Apply IRAC or ILAC Method

This is the gold standard for law assignments.

IRAC Structure:

• Issue

• Rule (Statute + Case Law)

• Application (Legal reasoning)

• Conclusion

This ensures clear, logical, and academically accepted structure.

Step 5: Use Authoritative Legal Sources

Prioritize UAE-specific references:

• Federal Decrees

• Ministerial Decisions

• UAE Courts of Cassation judgments

• Legal commentaries

• UAE government portals

Step 6: Write in a Clear Legal Style

Good legal writing is:

• Precise

• Structured

• Objective

• Supported by evidence

• Free from emotional language

Step 7: Review and Proofread

Check:

• Coherence

• Grammar

• Citation accuracy

• Consistency of legal terminology

• Logical flow

• Compliance with UAE academic guidelines

Common Areas of UAE Law Covered in Assignments

Civil Law (Contracts, Torts & Obligations)

UAE Civil Transactions Law is central to many assignments, especially those involving breach of contract, civil liability, or negligence.

Commercial Law

Covers business regulations, commercial transactions, and companies law.

Criminal Law

Includes intent, criminal responsibility, penalties, and procedures.

Labour & Employment Law

Assignments focus on employer obligations, employee rights, and dispute resolution.

Family Law

Based on a combination of UAE Federal laws and Sharia principles.

Banking & Finance Law

Includes anti-money-laundering statutes, Islamic finance principles, and banking regulations.

International Law

Students may analyze treaties, conventions, and cross-border legal issues.

How to Research UAE Law Effectively

Use Government Sources

• UAE MOJ

• Official Gazette

• Ministry websites

• Federal Supreme Court database

Use Academic Sources

• University library databases

• LexisNexis

• Westlaw

• JSTOR

Use Practitioner Sources

• UAE legal commentaries

• Law firm publications

• Legal journals

Sample Law Assignment Structure (UAE-Specific)

Title Page
Assignment title, course name, student details.

Introduction
Brief overview and purpose.

Background / Legal Context
Discuss relevant UAE statutes and legal frameworks.

Legal Issues
Identify key questions.

Analysis (IRAC/ILAC)
Apply statutes and case law.

Counterarguments
Consider opposing interpretations.

Conclusion
Summarize findings.

References
Use APA or OSCOLA.

Tips for Scoring High in UAE Law Assignments

• Always include UAE laws even if the topic has an international angle

• Cite Federal Decrees, Court decisions, and Ministerial Resolutions

• Use IRAC method consistently

• Support arguments with case law

• Keep the writing concise and analytical

• Avoid unsupported opinions

• Maintain academic integrity

• Proofread thoroughly

Mistakes to Avoid in Law Assignments

• Relying only on general sources (Wikipedia, blogs)

• Ignoring UAE-specific laws

• Writing descriptive content instead of analysis

• Missing citations

• Inconsistent terminology

• Plagiarizing case summaries

• Using emotional or persuasive language

• Poor structure

Conclusion 

Law assignments in the UAE require strong analytical skills, understanding of statutory frameworks, and accurate application of legal principles. By following structured legal methods, conducting proper research, and referencing authoritative sources, students can produce high-quality academic work that meets UAE university standards. This guide provides a complete roadmap for writing effective legal essays, case studies, problem questions, and research papers. With the right tools and structured approach, law students can excel in their coursework and develop essential skills for their future legal careers.