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Middle East Report 2016 Is the law firm consolidation period over?

September 2016

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Middle East Report 2016 Contents

Introduction 3

Middle East Market Activity 4

Introduction

Financials

M&A Activity

Top Deals

IPO Activity

Looking Ahead

Talking Points 8

Brexit

Iran

Price of Oil

Law Firm Market Map 11

Introduction

New Entrants & Expansion

Saudi Arabia Expansion

Recruitment News 14

Associate Moves

Salary Trends

Partner Hire and Sector Trends

Partner Moves

Sources 22

Our Team 24

Our Offices 27

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Middle East Report 2016

Omar Kabbani Director, Dubai T: +971 (0) 528 000 128 [email protected] www.foxrodney.com

Fox Rodney Search is a global legal recruitment

boutique focusing on partner and associate

searches and team moves as well as general

counsel and head of legal in-house searches. The

strength and experience of our international team,

combined with our market knowledge and

specialist in-house research function, has led us to

be seen as a trusted advisor to many of the top law

firms and individuals within the legal sector. At the

core of our business is a clear vision and set of

values which underpin our work across all our

offices, ensuring we operate as one firm and one

team.

FRS’ Dubai-based practice has a unique and in-

depth understanding of the cultural and economic

realities of doing business in the Middle East. Our

team has been completing searches in the region

since 2008, focusing on partner searches, team

moves and office start ups. We are responsible for

some of the highest profile partner and team

moves in the market and have significant

experience in assisting both US and UK law firms in

establishing a presence across the region, including

in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The team is led by

Omar Kabbani who is a fluent Arabic speaker and

law graduate who spent a number of years living in

Saudi Arabia.

Introduction


Welcome to the third annual edition of our Middle East Report. And

what a year it has been so far. Nobody expected Brexit to actually

happen, but it did. FRS investigates how this has impacted on law

firm activity in the Middle East. We talk about: 2015/16 deal flow;

falling oil prices; Expo 2020; Vision 2030; Iran a year on after

sanctions being lifted; and all the latest movers and shakers across

the market. We analyse it all. Oh, and make way for a new US

President too!

mailto:[email protected]

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Financials

It was a good year for M&A activity, according to the

Thomson Reuters Middle East IB Analysis report, with the

total value of $56.2 bln for 2015 offering the best

performing year since 2008. The top deal values have

increased and though outbound transactions continued to

drive activity, inbound activity saw a 29% increase on

2014.

Asia continues to be a key acquirer in the Middle East,

with Hong Kong and Singapore taking first and third place

respectively as most acquisitive nations, separated by the

United States, currently the most acquisitive nation in H1

2016, followed by China. For the third year running we

see Egypt and the UAE in the top three most targeted

nations in the Middle East.

Introduction

It has been a challenging year for the GCC region, with member countries, in an uncertain economic climate,

making major fiscal policy changes in a bid to become less oil dependent. The price of oil has been incredibly

volatile, plummeting at the start of the year, and dropping again over the summer, as a result of the Brexit vote and

wider, global, economic and political concerns. It is a period of juggling priorities for the region, with Saudi Arabia

revealing its ambitious Vision 2030 program while also leading OPEC in an assertive oil production strategy that

recently gave the organisation its largest market share since 1975. Oil will continue to be important to the region,

especially as Iran becomes increasingly competitive in the market, but with oil barrel prices expected to stay

around the $50 mark for coming years, the region must accept and adjust to this ‘new normal’.

Middle East Market Activity

Announced Any Middle East Involvement M&A Values (since 2010)

Source: Thomson Reuters Middle East IB Analysis - Full Year 2015

55.7

32.8

40.5 42.2

49.9

56.2

$0

$10

$20

$30

$40

$50

$60

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Val

ue

(US$

bln

)

Outbound M&A continues to be driven by Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia with the latter leading as most

acquisitive nation so far this year. South Africa was the most targeted nation in 2015 thanks to the merger between

Al Noor Hospitals Group and Mediclinic International Ltd., while this year, the United States is currently leading as

the most targeted nation.

Activity in the Middle East for H1 2016 is down 29% on 2015 for the same period, according to Thomson Reuters

data, with inbound M&A suffering a seven-year low, dropping by 76%. However, this is in line with sluggish M&A

activity globally, as the US awaits a new leader and China’s economic recovery stagnates. Above all, interest in

both the UAE and Saudi Arabia remains strong, and M&A activity is expected to recover and remain steady.

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Middle East Report 2016 Middle East Market Activity

2016 H1 Inbound ME M&A

Most Acquisitive Nations

United States 46%

China 29%

United Kingdom 16%

Most Targeted Nations

United Arab Emirates 65%

Egypt 15%

Iraq 15%

2016 H1 Outbound ME M&A


Saudi Arabia 42%

Qatar 31%



United States 46%

Singapore 27%

Spain 7%

2015 All Year Inbound ME M&A


Hong Kong 28%

United States 23%

Singapore 16%


Egypt 36%


Kuwait 16%

2015 All Year Outbound ME M&A



Qatar 36%

Saudi Arabia 10%


South Africa 32%

China 15%

United States 14%

Source: Thomson Reuters Middle East IB Analysis - H1 2016 Source: Thomson Reuters Middle East IB Analysis - Full Year 2015

Top Deals

With Real Estate being the most active sector in 2014,

Healthcare came out strongest in 2015, thanks to the

value-leading merger between Al Noor Hospitals

Group and Mediclinic International Ltd., while Energy

& Power continues to be an active market in terms of

value, with two deals in the top five.

In 2016, Technology has been the most active sector

thus far. Mergermarket recently reported that TMT

could be the major sector to watch this year, with the

UAE likely to play the biggest role in TMT deals. Their

Global M&A Heat Chart recognised 27 companies that

are either on sale or expected to be so, with solid

activity also expected in the Energy, Mining & Utilities

sector.

Sector activity is likely to become more diverse as GCC

members steer away from oil dependency, with

healthcare and education looking to be developed

significantly across the region, in response to an

increasing youth population.

Middle Eastern investors may look closer at the UK for

investment opportunities, as the London property

market in particular became more attractive post

Brexit, but it remains to be seen whether this interest

will go beyond bargain hunting. On the cards for a while

has been the sale of Grosvenor House Hotel by Sahara

Group, with offers from both Qatar and Saudi Arabia,

but the deal seems to have stalled since the

referendum.

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Top M&A Deals (any Middle East involvement) – Full Year 2015

Value (mil) Target Name Target Nation Sector Acquirer Name

11,082.00 Mediclinic International Ltd South Africa Healthcare Al Noor Hospitals Group PLC

5000.00 Shandong Dongming Petrochem China Energy & Power Investor Group

3150.00 Exeter Ppty Grp LLC-Industrial United States Real Estate Henley Holding Co

2940.00 Finansbank AS Turkey Financials QNB

2833.30 Dragon Oil PLC UAE Energy & Power Emirates National Oil Co Ltd

Source: Thomson Reuters Middle East IB Analysis H1 2016 & Full Year 2015

“The GCC governments' emphasis on the development of the healthcare sector has resulted in several

investment opportunities for the private sector. Over the last year, we have seen a steady flow of

private equity funds into the sector and the region has witnessed several successful M&A transactions”

– Sanjay Vig, Alpen Capital (ME). Source: Arabian Business, February 2016.

IPO activity was sluggish in 2015, with only six offerings totaling US$1439 mln in value, compared to 16

offerings totaling US$10,750 mln in 2014, as reported by PwC’s IPO Market Watch. The second half of last

year was particularly slow with only one offering, while in the first six months of this year there have been

three offerings. Much of this activity comes from Saudi Arabia, which accounted for 77% of the total

raised in 2015, and all offerings so far this year have come from the Tadawul. Then there is of course the

much anticipated Saudi Aramco IPO, although a date is yet to be announced.

“Valuations tend to fluctuate significantly in times of uncertainty and investors tend to stay out of equities. Any significant IPO activity we see in the short to medium term is therefore likely to be government sponsored.” - PwC IPO Market Watch, Q2 2016.

Top M&A Deals (any Middle East involvement) – H1 2016

Value (mil) Target Name Target Nation Sector Acquirer Name

3,500.0 Uber Technologies Inc United States High Technology Public Investment Fund

2,506.3 BlackRock Inc-Asia Sq Tower 1 Singapore Real Estate Qatar Investment Authority

2,104.6 Kuwait Food Co KSCP Kuwait Consumer Staples Adeptio AD Investments SPC Ltd

1,079.7 Icopal A/S Denmark Industrials GAF Corp

1,066.1 Kuwait Food Co KSCP Kuwait Consumer Staples Adeptio AD Investments SPC Ltd

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In the search for alternative and inexpensive sources of funds, this year has seen improved activity in the Bond

and Sukuk market, despite a previous lack of appetite for this form of fund raising. While 2015 was decidedly

lacklustre, 2016 has seen some high profile government issuances with Qatar offering a US$9bn bond, and Abu

Dhabi offering its first bond since 2009, amounting to US$5bn, while there are great expectations and interest

surrounding an expected high value bond issuance from Saudi Arabia to help fund its Vision 2030 program.

Looking Ahead

There is near to no certainty as to the economic future of the GCC. The region is going through a period of reform,

and there are innumerable regional and external factors that could impact on the outcome. The IMF has revised

down it’s growth forecast for the GCC, with projected figures for 2016 and 2017 at 1.8% and 2.3% respectively,

citing “low oil prices and deepening conflicts” as key factors. Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain have had their credit

ratings downgraded by multiple agencies, with other GCC countries being given a negative outlook. Although anti

oil dependency measures are being recognised and supported, it will take time for these to have a positive impact

on budget deficits.

A great positive is the commitment and attitude in the region to install change, and upcoming mega events Expo

2020 Dubai and Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, are well timed to help attract foreign investment. Development of the

private sector is a key part of reform, especially for Saudi Arabia, where over 70% of Saudis are employed in the

public sector. Although there is particular concern for the economic health of the Kingdom, the Vision 2030

program aims to drive foreign investment, with Asian trading partners expected to play a key role. The anticipated

bond issuance from the Kingdom and the upcoming Saudi Aramco IPO have also reportedly generated a lot of

interest from investors.

We are still waiting to see the full implications of Iran’s reintegration into the global market, and uncertainty

surrounds the economic recovery of Russia and Asia. The region’s relationship with the US may well change

drastically depending on who wins the next presidential election and the recent US interest rate hike alongside a

strong dollar could impede recovery for dollar pegged currencies. These factors suggest a continued period of

uncertainty globally, which the GCC states will have to navigate while also assessing their priorities and remaining

focused on long term goals.

“The pace and scale of debt issuance in the GCC this year shows few signs of slowing. In fact, the

months ahead promise more, not fewer, debt sales as investor appetite for fixed income remains

strong.” - The National, July 2016.

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Following the result of the EU referendum, GCC members expressed assurances publicly that Brexit will not have a

negative effect on relations with the UK. Trade between the UK & the GCC is worth over £22 bln per year, and

new international trade secretary Liam Fox is expected to strengthen and build on those ties having himself

worked closely with the Middle East in his previous role as defence secretary. In fact, the departure from the EU is

likely to strengthen trade, as the UK will be released from the stalled free trade agreement between the EU and

the GCC.

Beyond the initial impact on oil prices and general knee-jerk market reaction, the referendum result is not thought

to have a long-term negative impact on the Middle East. Expecting to see some loss of business is the UAE, for

which the UK is a leading source of foreign direct investment and where British citizens are one of the top

investors in the real estate market. Combine this with struggling tour operators and a fall in visitors from Russia

and China, which have their own economic woes, the Emirates will likely feel some fallout, being the most

economically engaged with the global markets of all GCC member states.

Global banks with headquarters in London, deciding whether to stay or leave themselves, were taking a wait and

see approach immediately after the result, and confidence was buoyed by the quick action of the UK government

in installing new leader Theresa May. However, the pound has been performing badly against the euro and the

dollar, which isn’t necessarily bad news for the Middle East: falling prices in the property market has seen an

increase in investment enquiries from the Middle East, as well as Asia.

Middle Eastern property investors are no strangers to the UK property market, and temporary volatility will not

dissuade those looking for long-term investments. Should the pound continue to struggle, this interest will likely

only increase, as longer term confidence in the UK economy remains strong. With property being the first sector

to be hit by Brexit volatility, it is too early to tell if we will see broader investment coming from the Middle East,

and trade agreements will be officially on hold until the UK has departed from the European Union.

Brexit

Talking Points

“Despite the added short-term volatility in oil prices

triggered by Brexit, we expect its impact on GCC

economies via the trade channel to be limited” -

Moody’s, quoted in Gulf Business, July 2016.

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A year on from the lifting of sanctions, the full impact on Iran still awaits to be seen. There was a distinct lack of

related news in the first half of this year, as financial institutions, fearing repercussions from the US, have been

especially cautious about doing business with Iran. Despite recent assurances direct from US Secretary of State

John Kerry, it seems none of the big banks wants to be the first to test the waters.

There is, however, a great deal of appetite for deal making, but foreign direct investment is falling short of

expectations and companies are having difficulties getting financed. There has also been a highly public backlash

in the US against Iran’s deal with Boeing Co. to provide 109 aircraft, potentially the biggest deal between Iran and

the US since 1979. Republican representatives have argued that the deal could be used to assist Iran in

weaponisation, ultimately contributing to terrorist activities, and have been attempting to block it.

Talking Points

“If we’re not allowed to go forward, then sure as heck no other US company should be allowed to

go forward either, and that would be any US supplier to any other manufacturer.”

- Ray Conner, Boeing CEO, quoted in Seattle Times, July 2016.

Boeing has since been given a licence to sell planes to Iran, but opposition rhetoric won’t instill confidence in

other companies wishing to enter Iran, especially if they have links with the US. The upcoming presidential

election is also a source of concern, as Republican nominee Donald Trump has been highly critical of the nuclear

deal. Meanwhile the current administration has been trying to reassure European banks that they are free to do

business in Iran, but a number of banks including Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank, Societe Generale SA and

Credit Suisse are reportedly not yet willing to do so.

Law firms are also not rushing to formally enter the market, opting instead to work from dedicated Iran desks in

Dubai. The first major international office opening came from CMS Cameron McKenna, led by corporate and

energy partners from CMS Germany. Asian law firm Colibri Law and Swiss firm Python & Peter have also recently

opened offices in Tehran. Other firms are active in Iran matters, with Simmons & Simmons recently acting on the

restructuring of Sturgeon Central Asia Fund, allowing it to be the first fund to invest in Iran. Clyde & Co,

Stephenson Harwood, Pinsent Masons and Eversheds are all said to be exploring their options in Iran and firms

are actively promoting and seeking associates with Farsi capabilities.

“There are sanctions that are still in place that financial institutions, international banks still don’t

have a clear understanding of.” - Mark Toner, US State Department, quoted in Forbes, August 2016.

Iran

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The oil market continues to be volatile. After a short period of recovery, the barrel price took a negative turn over

the summer and fell again below $50 per barrel, due to a number of factors including the fall of the pound and a

jump in oil production from OPEC. Despite various efforts to reinstall confidence in the market, there is no

expectation that prices will climb back to the triple figures seen in 2014. The recent MENA Quarterly Economic

Brief by The World Bank refers to a “new normal” of oil prices, expecting them to settle between $53-$60 by

2020.

The effect of the fall in the price of oil cannot be overestimated. According to the World Bank report “MENA oil

exporters swung from a surplus of $128 bln in 2013 to a deficit of $264 bln in 2016” with Saudi Arabia being

“depleted $178 bln in reserves”. Yet Saudi Arabia continues to lead OPEC in a fight for oil market dominance,

while other member producers have called for a production freeze. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi recently

spoke in support of limiting oil production and it has been reported that Iran’s oil minister will attend the

upcoming OPEC meeting at the International Energy Forum. In response, Russia and Saudi Arabia arrived at an

agreement at the G20 summit to cooperate on oil, but without committing to any specific means.

However, the state of the oil market has forced the Kingdom in the direction of economic reform, which offers up

alternative avenues for investment. Earlier this year Saudi Arabia announced its Vision 2030 program, at the

centre of which will be the formation of the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, and to raise funding for the

program, the Kingdom will be selling a 5% stake in Saudi Aramco, a much anticipated IPO and one which will be

open to foreign investors. According to the Financial Times, there is also a a great deal of interest in, and demand

for, Saudi Arabia’s upcoming international debt sale, particularly from Asian investors.

The driving force behind Vision 2030, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been on a promotional

tour with the program to attract foreign investment, visiting China and Japan, as well as leading the Saudi

delegation at the G20 summit. While Asian trading partners will be key to the development and success of Saudi

Arabia’s reforms, it is thought that Britain’s expertise in engineering will be sought for developing infrastructure

and transportation. With or without oil revenues, through reforms and commitment to diversification, the GCC is

generating business opportunities and further opening itself up to the global market.

Talking Points

Vision 2030

By 2030 the program hopes to raise the GDP contribution of the private sector from 40% to 65%, to raise

the non-oil exports share of non-oil GDP from 16% to 50%, and turn the Public Investment Fund into the

world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, ruling out directly taxing citizens. Development opportunities will lie

in healthcare, education, energy, culture, tourism and infrastructure. Sectors will be privatised and small

businesses will be encouraged. Law firms have already been showing an increased interest in Saudi Arabia,

and we expect the Vision 2030 program to reinforce this.

The Price of Oil



Introduction

The number of new entrants into the market has visibly slowed compared to previous years, however regional

office openings continue at a steady rate, with the focus currently on Saudi Arabia. Losses in Abu Dhabi continue

with both Simmons & Simmons and Vinson & Elkins closing their doors since our last report. Law firms are yet to

rush into Iran following the lifting of sanctions, with many firms opting for a dedicated ‘Iran desk’ based in regional

hub Dubai instead. With law firms having recently steered their focus towards Africa, and the uncertainty

surrounding Brexit and the US presidential election, any law firm looking to open their first office in the region might

be waiting for more stable market conditions.

Dubai Abu Dhabi Qatar Oman Bahrain Kuwait Riyadh Jeddah

57 22 16 7 6 3 28 9

GCC Presence – International Law Firms (based on analysis of 63 US and UK law firms with offices in the GCC region)

Office distribution in the UAE Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai

Law Firm Market Map

Looking at the UAE specifically, only two of the 63 international law firms analyzed have an office in Abu Dhabi

alone, with almost 60% of firms choosing Dubai as their UAE base. Overall, 90% of firms analysed have at least

one of their offices in Dubai, and just over 30% are working out of Dubai only. Almost half of the firms now

have an office in Saudi Arabia, with the number of Jeddah based offices more than doubling since our 2014

report.

59%

3%

32%

6%

Dubai Only Abu Dhabi Only Both Neither

New Entrants and Expansion

While new entrants are down on last year, new

office openings are in line with 2015, with six new

offices so far this year compared to eight last year.

As established law firms look to expansion, Saudi

Arabia is currently the prime target, with four of this

year’s new offices opening in either Riyadh or

Jeddah.

Both new entrants to the market chose to launch

their first office in Dubai. Mayer Brown opened with

two corporate partners recently hired from Baker &

McKenzie, and tax specialist Withers opened with a

hire from EY’s Dubai office. Out of the 10 most

recent entrants into the GCC, only one has opted

against a Dubai launch.


Middle East Report 2016 Law Firm Market Map

New US/UK Entrants in the Middle East Number of new offices vs. new entrants

(2010-present) Firm First Office Year Offices

Mayer Brown Dubai 2016 1

Withers Dubai 2016 1

DWF Dubai 2015 1

Winston Strawn Dubai 2015 1

Watson Farley Dubai 2014 1

Nabarro Dubai 2014 1

Fenwick Elliott Dubai 2014 1

Andrews Kurth Dubai 2013 1

Duane Morris Oman 2013 1

Morgan Lewis Dubai 2013 1

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Overall Office Openings New Entrants

Saudi Arabia Expansion

As we reported last year, expansion into Saudi Arabia

continues to be a major theme for law firms already

based in the region, and with the announcement of

Vision 2030, we expect this to continue. Herbert

Smith Freehills re-entered the market with the Law

Office of Nasser Al-Hamdan, after the previous

dissolution of their agreement with Al-Ghazzawi

Professional Association. Taylor Wessing and Holman

Fenwick Willan have also recently entered the

market with Alsulaim Alawaji & Partners Law Firm

and Al-Enezee respectively, and The Lawyer has

reported that DWF is currently considering

expansion into the Kingdom. Associations continue

to be the preferred option for law firms entering the

market, as Clifford Chance recently announced that a

new Saudi alliance will replace its previous operation

following questions of legality around its integration

with Al-Jadaan & Partners.

1981|Baker & McKenzie 2011|Simmons & Simmons

1989|White & Case 2011|Jones Day

1996|Clifford Chance 2011|Vinson & Elkins

2001|Baker Botts 2012|Squire Sanders

2005|Norton Rose Fulbright 2012|Patton Boggs

2006|DLA Piper 2012|Linklaters

2007|King & Spalding 2013|McGuire Woods

2007|Allen & Overy 2013|Ashurst

2007|Dentons 2014|King & Wood Mallesons

2008|Herbert Smith 2014|Charles Russell

2008|Freshfields 2015|Shearman & Sterling

2009|Eversheds 2015|Dechert

2009|Hogan Lovells 2015|Herbert Smith Freehills

2009|Clyde & Co 2016|Holman Fenwick Willan

2010|Latham & Watkins 2016|Taylor Wessing

US/UK Law Firms in Saudi Arabia


Middle East Report 2016 Law Firm Market Map

Top 20 US & UK Law Firms based on Number of Partners

Firm No. Partners (2016)* No. Partners (2015)

1 Clyde & Co ↑ 37 36

2 Dentons ↑ 28 26

3 Allen & Overy ↓ 23 25

3 Trowers & Hamlins ↑ 23 19

5 Baker & McKenzie ↓ 16 23

6 DLA Piper ↓ 15 16

6 Clifford Chance ↓ 15 21

8 Pinsent Masons ↓ 13 15

9 Squire Patton Boggs ↑ 12 10

10 King & Spalding ↑ 11 9

10 Hogan Lovells 11 **

10 Norton Rose Fulbright ↓ 11 13

10 Holman Fenwick Willan 11 **

14 Baker Botts ↓ 10 12

15 Simmons & Simmons ↓ 9 12

15 Addleshaw Goddard ↓ 9 10

15 K&L Gates → 9 9

15 Eversheds ↓ 9 10

19 Berwin Leighton Paisner 8 **

19 White & Case ↓ 8 10

19 Herbert Smith Freehills → 8 8

*Based on the website analysis of 63 US and UK law firms and their GCC based offices. Excludes KSA

offices and all partners who split their time between Middle East and international offices.

** Not in top 20 in 2015


Middle East Report 2016 Recruitment News

Associate Moves

As with most of 2015, the corporate sector has seen the most demand for associates in H1 of 2016. This is a result

of many firms having hired corporate partners in 2015 and, subsequently, now looking for corporate associates to

provide support. Disputes is also going strong and in contrast to last year’s demand for commercial disputes

associates, this year has seen an increased demand for construction focused associates with exposure to

arbitration. The banking and finance sector was very quiet in H1 2016 but this has changed over the summer and

we have seen a noticeable increase in the number of firms looking to hire junior associates in this sector. There

has been an increase in firms looking for projects lawyers with experience on Middle East matters (even if they

are based in another jurisdiction) with power, water, renewables being in demand over wider infrastructure and

oil and gas experience. The real estate sector is still a practice area that firms are looking to strengthen and seek

support for partners that specialise in hospitality and management agreements. Due to the differences in the

implementation of the law compared to the UK, US and Europe, associates with experience in the region is an

advantage.

Although there have been senior moves/hires in the region, the demand really has been for associates at the NQ –

5PQE with the sweet spot being 2-4PQE across all practice sectors. The emphasis is to find quality associates that

are already based in the region. However, firms have been increasingly looking to other markets with London

being an obvious choice from which to source quality associates. The impact of Brexit may not have affected

business to a substantial degree in the region but it provides an extra pull factor for law firms to hire associates

from the UK (in addition to the usual benefits of a tax-free salary, international experience, and an assumed

better work/life balance).

As with partner hires, Dubai is still the hub for the majority of recruitment activity. Even with additional

retrenchments from Abu Dhabi, there has still been recruitment activity in the capital, particularly with the US

firms. The majority of associates that have moved have been from the Magic Circle firms, seeking higher salaries

and better work life balance, and the US firms have been the most active in recruiting. There has been a challenge

with firms recruiting associates within the NQ-5PQE as many that have the required technical skills are quite loyal

to the “brand” and there isn’t an endless supply of associates such as in London. Recruiting for the Abu Dhabi

market is particularly difficult with many associates seeing Dubai as the business and social hub of the region with

a reluctance to consider relocation to the capital.



Salary Trends

The Middle East legal recruitment market remains very competitive and the majority of firms seek candidates that

are either Magic Circle trained or from a highly regarded Silver Circle/White Shoe firm. Candidates that have a

strong academic background and have trained at an elite firm do have an advantage in the market and they can

be very particular in selecting a firm that they wish to join. Compensation packages are reflective of PQE level,

qualification jurisdiction and experience gained.

Associates at US firms often receive packages in line with NY rates, although US citizens are taxed on their

remuneration whilst this is not applicable to UK citizens. Local firms’ remuneration structures vary slightly, with

some firms rewarding associates with the commissions relating to their personal billings at the end of each

quarter rather than the conventional salary bandings being determined by PQE level. They will also pay a premium

for candidates with an international background. Arabic language skills are also still very much in demand.

Due to Brexit, London based candidates are once again being targeted by law firms who are willing to pay for

quality and relocate high calibre candidates to the Middle East. With fewer career growth opportunities in London

and with the current GBP-AED exchange in their favour, we are witnessing a surge in the number of London based

associates willing to consider roles in the UAE and wider GCC. Relocation, travel and accommodation allowances

are still very much the norm for many but some law firms opt to pay associates an all-inclusive lump sum figure.

Bonuses remain (mostly) discretionary but some firms do offer guaranteed bonuses to lure the best candidates.

NQ 1PQE 2PQE 3PQE 4-7PQE

Magic Circle 28,000-32,000

AED

33,000-45,000

AED

33,000-45,000

AED

33,000-45,000

AED

50,000-65,000

AED

Silver Circle 28,000-32,000

AED

35,000-40,000

AED

35,000-40,000

AED

35,000-40,000

AED

45,000-65,000

AED

International

Firms

28,000-32,000

AED

32,000-40,000

AED

32,000-40,000

AED

32,000-40,000

AED

45,000-60,000

AED

Top US Firms 30,000-40,000

AED

33,000-55,000

AED

33,000-55,000

AED

33,000-55,000

AED

50,000-80,000

AED

UAE Local Firms 18,000-25,000

AED

25,000-35,000

AED

25,000-35,000

AED

25,000-35,000

AED

35,000-55,000

AED

Dubai Associate Salary Table 2016



1 – 3 Years PQE

Name Moved From Moved To Location Practice Area

Mehreen Shafiq Allen & Overy Latham & Watkins Dubai Corporate

Nick West Kennedys Ince & Co London | Dubai Insurance

Andrew McMullan Dentons Ethihad Airways Abu Dhabi Finance

Ahmed Hammadi Hogan Lovells DLA Piper Dubai Disputes

Usman Khan Paul Hastings Hogan Lovells London | Dubai Finance

Freya Bryne Norton Rose Hogan Lovells Dubai Corporate

Ashley Connick Clifford Chance Baker & McKenzie Dubai Corporate

Sonia Rahman Freshfields White & Case Dubai Corporate

Caro Abram Weil Gotshal Morgan Lewis London | Dubai Funds

Evelina Petraviciute Freshfields Shearman & Sterling Dubai | Abu Dhabi Project Finance

Kathrine Chase Dentons Walkers Dubai Corporate

Andrew Massey In-House Baker & McKenzie Dubai Disputes

Amber Pledge Kirkland & Ellis Gibson Dunn London | Dubai Finance

Anna Newland Allen & Overy Clifford Chance Dubai Projects

Rachel Carragher Arthur Cox Eversheds Ireland | Abu Dhabi Commercial / Employment

Christopher Edwards Reed Smith Baker Botts Dubai Disputes

Timm Smith Wragge Lawrence King & Spalding Abu Dhabi Projects

Christian McMahon Walkers Freshfields Dubai Corporate

Ayodele Ogunfadebo Clifford Chance White & Case Dubai Finance

Joseph Bentley Trowers & Hamlins Herbert Smith Dubai Disputes

Associate Moves 2015 - 2016

Recruitment News



4 – 7 Years PQE

Farid Haroun MAG Mayer Brown Dubai Corporate

Alexandra Wilson Freshfields Shearman & Sterling Dubai | Abu Dhabi Corporate

Luke Meehan Freshfields Jones Day Bahrain | KSA Banking & Finance

Georgina Chan Hadef & Partners Lander & Rogers Dubai | Sydney Real Estate

Shannon Rogers Gadens Bird & Bird Melbourne | Abu Dhabi IP / Commercial

Hamzah Abu-Hassan Dentons Freshfields Doha | Dubai Disputes

Mahmoud El-Sayed Horizons Ince & Co Dubai Disputes

Charlotte Rowley-Robertson

Katten Muchin Hogan Lovells London | Dubai Banking & Finance

Chris Young Clifford Chance Pinsent Masons Dubai Disputes

Amr Jalhoub K&L Gates Allen & Overy Dubai Corporate

Tania Jarjur Chadbourne & Parke Tacitus Advisors FZE Dubai Corporate

Robyn Waller Trowers & Hamlins Gowling WLG Dubai Disputes

Fouad Shaban Bird & Bird Eversheds Abu Dhabi | Dubai Corporate

Alex Lester Pinsent Masons Clyde & Co London | Dubai Disputes

Andrew Kirk Pinsent Masons Norton Rose Dubai Disputes

Nathan Hooper Herbert Smith Herbert Smith London | Dubai Disputes

8+ Years PQE

Andrew MacKenzie Dechert Hogan Lovells Dubai Disputes

Haroon Baryalay Clyde & Co RIAA Barker Gillette Dubai Corporate / Finance

Jazz Moman King & Wood Mallesons

DWF Dubai Real Estate

Greg Sibbald CMS Cameron McKenna

Clyde & Co Dubai Disputes

Recruitment News



Andrew MacKenzie Simmons & Simmons Dechert Dubai Disputes

Ana Severova Baker Botts Clyde & Co Dubai Oil & Gas / Energy

Hani Nasseff Freshfields Eversheds Dubai Corporate

Victoria Grundy Linklaters Vardags Dubai | London Corporate / Family Law

Maria Sauliak Clifford Chance Bloom Holdings Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi Corporate

Dominic Varley Clyde & Co Eversheds Dubai Disputes

Lynn-Albert Brandes Linklaters Greensill Capital Dubai | London Finance

Ahmet Kalafat Norton Rose Hogan Lovells Dubai Banking & Finance

Daniel Xu Pinsent Masons DLA Piper Dubai Disputes

Recruitment News



Partner Hire and Sector Trends

DISPUTES VS TRANSACTIONAL

We have witnessed many more dispute partner hires in 2016 than in any other sector. In fact, litigation and

arbitration hires (including construction and all commercial sectors) account for over 30% of all major reported

lateral partner moves in 2016 (up from 25% last year). There are approximately the same number of transactional

partner moves in 2016 compared to 2015 (inclusive of corporate and banking & finance sectors), accounting for

50% of lateral recruitment activity. We are not surprised by these results given current economic conditions and

the uncertainty that hung over many anticipated deals courtesy of Brexit. We often find an uptick in other areas

when traditional corporate and banking sectors slow down. It is usually the disputes area that sees an increase in

activity.

ENERGY, OIL & GAS, PROJECTS

Within the Energy space, there have been fewer reported Oil & Gas (OG) partner moves but an increase in the

number of Projects partner hires (specifically within the power and infrastructure sectors). This is unsurprising

given the big push away from OG and diversification into the renewables sector. This is a highly competitive

market with a very small local candidate pool and firms have been more open to looking further afield into

markets such as London and Paris to hire the right candidate. We suspect this trend to continue into 2017 as more

firms are looking to break into the Projects market. Despite some larger international law firms waging aggressive

pricing war tactics on the rest of the market, this does not appear to be enough to deter some of the smaller law

firms wanting to compete for a piece of the pie.

VERTICAL MOVES

Another trend of note is the significant reduction of vertical partner moves compared to last year (i.e. non-partner

to partner). This accounted for 41% of total partner hires last year compared to only 14% this year (so far). Firms

are adopting a risk averse nature when it comes to lateral recruitment and placing more emphasis on portable

business cases than before. We do not expect to see many vertical partner moves during the remainder of 2016.

TEAM MOVES & A LOOK AT 2016 PARTNER MOVES

There have been a number of reported team moves this year. The largest team move of the year so far is a three

partner team move from Latham & Watkins to Hogan Lovells followed by a two partner duo from Pinsent Masons

to Reed Smith (please see the reported moves table for further info). We strongly suspect several other team

moves to complete in Q3 or Q4 of this financial year. There remains a number of recently launched law firms

looking to make a big impact on the market and it is those firms that have a bigger appetite to hire a team. In

addition to the loss of Debashis Dey from Clifford Chance to White & Case last year, Graham Lovett and Paul Latto

have joined Gibson Dunn and DLA Piper respectively. Having lost Charlotte Bijlani to Baker & McKenzie Habib Al

Mulla, Norton Rose Fulbright recently hired two dispute partners from King & Wood Mallesons and Dentons

respectively.



Name Moved From Moved To Location Practice Area

Nadim Khan Herbert Smith Freehills Jones Day Dubai Banking & Finance

Alastair Holland Ashurst Curtis Mallet-Prevost Abu Dhabi > Dubai Corporate

Simon Moore Mubadala Development Company

Simmons & Simmons Abu Dhabi > Bristol Projects

Nabeel Ikram Dechert Hogan Lovells Dubai Disputes

Patricia Tiller Ince & Co Andrews Kurth Dubai Projects

Paul Stothard King & Wood Mallesons Norton Rose Fulbright London > Dubai Disputes

Orlando Vidal Dentons Norton Rose Fulbright Dubai Disputes

Charlotte Bijlani Norton Rose Fulbright Baker & McKenzie Dubai Disputes

Ramsey Jurdi Chadbourne DLA Piper Dubai Disputes

Hamad Haider Al Tamimi PwC Dubai Corporate

Kelly Tymburski Bird & Bird Dentons Dubai TMT

Tom Briggs Charles Russell Speechlys

Ince & Co Bahrain > Dubai Corporate

Bjorn Gehle Pinsent Masons Reed Smith Dubai Disputes

Simon Harvey Pinsent Masons Reed Smith Dubai Projects

Shakeel Adli Norton Rose CMS Dubai Finance

Partner Moves

Despite the slowdown in market entrants, partner level recruitment remains steady and on par with activity in

recent years. As indicated in the table below, partner hires since our last report have been overwhelmingly lateral,

following a spike in vertical hires between 2014 and 2015. As with last year, litigation and dispute resolution has

seen the most activity, alongside corporate, while there have been fewer moves in general banking & finance. Aside

from one partner moving between firms in Saudi Arabia, all our recorded Middle East data shows partners moving

either within or to Dubai.

Recruitment News

Partner Moves 2015 – 2016*

Partner > Partner In-House <> Partner Associate/Counsel/ Director > Partner

KEY | Move type



Partner > Partner In-House <> Partner Associate/Counsel/ Director > Partner

Recruitment News

Richard Devine Baker Botts Clyde & Co Dubai Energy / Oil & Gas

Paul Latto Clifford Chance DLA Piper Saudi > Dubai Asset Finance

Tom Butcher Simmons & Simmons Allen & Overy Dubai Corporate

Mohamed Majid Simmons & Simmons Nabarro Dubai Corporate

Neil Downes SGH Martineau Watson Farley London > Dubai Asset Finance

Graham Lovett Clifford Chance Gibson Dunn Dubai Litigation

Andrew Tarbuck Latham & Watkins Hogan Lovells Dubai Capital Markets

Charles Fuller Latham & Watkins Hogan Lovells Dubai Corporate

Anthony Pallett Latham & Watkins Hogan Lovells Dubai Finance

Anthony Ellis DLA Piper Herbert Smith Freehills Dubai Projects

Euan Pinkerton White & Case Herbert Smith Freehills KSA Projects

James Coleman Allen & Overy Simmons & Simmons Dubai Corporate

Omar Momany K&L Gates Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla

Dubai Corporate

KEY | Move type

Partner Moves Continued

*compiled from public sources. This is a representative and non exhaustive list of major law firm lateral partner moves in the market. Does not include partner promotions within the same firm.



Referenced Articles

• Arabian Business, Feb 2016: “GCC healthcare sector forecast to grow to $71bn market by 2020” [online]

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/gcc-healthcare-sector-forecast-grow--71bn-market-by-2020-621929.html

• The National, Jul 2016, Mohieddine Kronfol: “Market analysis: A golden summer for GCC debt issuance”

[online]

http://www.thenational.ae/business/markets/market-analysis-a-golden-summer-for-gcc-debt-issuance

• Forbes, Jul 2016, Dominic Dudley: “Gulf Countries Could Take Advantage Of UK Weakness In A Post-Brexit

Trade Deal” [online]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/dominicdudley/2016/07/20/gcc-uk-trade-post-brexit/#6f84b4ea1e29

• Gulf Business, Jul 2016: “Brexit will not have major impact on GCC sovereigns – Moody’s” [online]

http://gulfbusiness.com/brexit-will-not-major-impact-gcc-sovereigns-moodys/

• Seattle Times, Jul 2016, Dominic Gates: “Ahead of Farnborough Air Show, Boeing’s Conner talks job cuts, Iran

and new airplanes” [online]

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/ahead-of-farnborough-air-show-boeings-conner-

talks-job-cuts-iran-and-new-airplanes/

• Forbes, Aug 2016, Dominic Dudley: “U.S. Admits Global Banks 'Don't Understand' Its Sanctions On Iran”

[online]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/dominicdudley/2016/08/04/banks-dont-understand-us-

sanctions/#3ee024e742e8

• Bloomberg, Jul 2016, Kambiz Foroohar: “Boeing’s Agreement With Iran Comes Under Congressional Scrutiny”

[online]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-07/boeing-s-agreement-with-iran-comes-under-

congressional-scrutiny

• Bloomberg, May 2016, Donal Griffin: “European Bank Chiefs Assured by Kerry Iran Business Is Possible”

[online]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-12/european-bank-chiefs-assured-by-kerry-iran-

business-is-possible

• The Wall Street Journal, Aug 2016, Ben Kesling, Summer Said: “Prime Minister Says Iraq Supports a Freeze on

OPEC Oil Production” [online]

http://www.wsj.com/articles/prime-minister-says-iraq-supports-a-freeze-on-opec-oil-production-

1472573526

• Financial Times, Aug 2016, Simon Kerr, Elaine Moore: “Asia clamour spurs Saudis to look at boosting bond

sale” [online]

www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ba0895b0-6f95-11e6-9ac1-1055824ca907.html?siteedition=intl

Sources































































http://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/ahead-of-farnborough-air-show-boeings-conner-talks-job-cuts-iran-and-new-airplanes/






























http://www.forbes.com/sites/dominicdudley/2016/08/04/banks-dont-understand-us-sanctions/#3ee024e742e8










http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-07/boeing-s-agreement-with-iran-comes-under-congressional-scrutiny





















http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-12/european-bank-chiefs-assured-by-kerry-iran-business-is-possible























http://www.wsj.com/articles/prime-minister-says-iraq-supports-a-freeze-on-opec-oil-production-1472573526























http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ba0895b0-6f95-11e6-9ac1-1055824ca907.html?siteedition=intl












• The Lawyer, Jul 2015, Jonathon Manning: “Pinsents and Stephenson Harwood among firms exploring

Iran opportunities” [online] https://www.thelawyer.com/issues/online-july-2015/pinsents-and-

stephenson-harwood-among-firms-exploring-iran-opportunities-2/

• The Lawyer, Aug 2016, Jonathon Manning: “DWF preps for massive Middle East growth and mulls

Saudi opening” [online] https://www.thelawyer.com/dwf-preps-massive-middle-east-growth-saudi-

opening/

Referenced Press Releases

• Mergermarket, 2016: “UAE Telecoms, Media & Technology to be the Middle East M&A hotspot”

[online] http://events.mergermarket.com/uae-telecoms-media-technology-to-be-the-middle-east-

ma-hotspot

• World Bank, 2016: “Whither Oil Prices?” [online]

http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2016/07/27/whither-oil-prices

• Clifford Chance, Aug 2016: “Clifford Chance Announces Association with AS&H in Saudi Arabia”

[online]

https://www.cliffordchance.com/news/news/2016/08/clifford-chance-announces-association-with-

as-h-in-saudi-arabia.html

Referenced Reports

• Thomson Reuters, 2016: “Middle Eastern IB Analysis [H1 2016]” [online]

http://dmi.thomsonreuters.com/Content/Files/Middle%20East%202Q%202016.pdf

• Thomson Reuters, 2015: “Middle Eastern IB Analysis [All Year 2015]” [online]

http://dmi.thomsonreuters.com/Content/Files/Middle%20East%204Q%202015.pdf

• PwC, 2016: “IPO Market Watch Q1 2016” [online]

http://www.pwc.com/m1/en/publications/documents/ipo-market-watch-eng-q1-2016.pdf

• PwC, 2016: “IPO Market Watch Q2 2016” [online]

https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/publications/documents/ipo-market-watch-eng-q2-2016.pdf

• IMF, April 2016: “Regional Economic Outlook Update” [online]

http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/reo/2016/mcd/eng/pdf/menap0416.pdf

• Vision 2030, 2016: “Vision 2030” [online]

http://vision2030.gov.sa/sites/default/files/report/Saudi_Vision2030_EN_0.pdf

Sources

https://www.thelawyer.com/issues/online-july-2015/pinsents-and-stephenson-harwood-among-firms-exploring-iran-opportunities-2/
























https://www.thelawyer.com/dwf-preps-massive-middle-east-growth-saudi-opening/
















http://events.mergermarket.com/uae-telecoms-media-technology-to-be-the-middle-east-ma-hotspot





























https://www.cliffordchance.com/news/news/2016/08/clifford-chance-announces-association-with-as-h-in-saudi-arabia.html



















http://dmi.thomsonreuters.com/Content/Files/Middle East 2Q 2016.pdf
































Middle East Report 2016 Our Team

Omar Kabbani, Director (Dubai) Omar is a law graduate and completed the LPC at the College of Law, London. He worked in-house for IPC Media Limited (AOL Time Warner) before completing several placements at various London media firms. Omar began his legal recruitment career with FRS in November 2006 and now focuses on the Middle East market. He established the Middle East practice in 2008 and later relocated to Dubai where he is now based. Omar lived in Saudi Arabia for a number of years both in Jeddah and Dammam, as well as other jurisdictions across the Middle East. He has a good understanding of the people and the culture in this region. He speaks fluent Arabic. Francesca Hunter, Senior Consultant (Dubai) Francesca graduated with a BA in Performing Arts from The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London. After a successful career teaching and performing she then decided to embark on a career within the recruitment industry and joined a leading agency in the UK. Francesca relocated to Dubai in 2006 to join a leading global agency to focus on legal recruitment. Over the past ten years she has established herself in the Middle Eastern market and covers both in-house and private practice sectors. Francesca joined FRS in 2016 to develop the Middle East in-house practice as well as support the growing associate practice. Ratib Allana, Consultant (Dubai) Ratib graduated with a Computer Science Degree from Kingston University, London, in 2001 and went on to have a successful Management career with Europe’s largest High Street Computer Retailer. Moving to Dubai in 2006, Ratib joined one of the largest recruitment companies in the world and recruited professionals for Iconic projects across the Middle East. Over the past 3 years, Ratib has developed the Legal desk with his previous company and has now joined Fox Rodney Search to build upon Associate level roles in the Region. Stephen Rodney, CEO (UK) Stephen qualified as a solicitor with Berwin Leighton in 1989 before moving to the niche medical negligence firm Compton Carr. He entered the legal recruitment sector in 1990. By 1998 he had been appointed Managing Director of one of the leading legal recruitment consultancies, spending the majority of his time on senior partner level team moves and merger activity for UK and US firms. Together with Adrian Fox, he established Fox Rodney Search Limited in May 2000. Leanne Clark (Robson), Managing Director (UK) Leanne graduated from the University of Durham and qualified as a solicitor at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer where she spent the first 10 years of her career, latterly as a senior associate in the corporate department. She then moved to Matheson Ormsby Prentice, one of Ireland's leading firms where she became a corporate partner in 2005 and headed up their London office, leading transactional teams on Irish aspects of multi-jurisdictional transactions. Leanne joined FRS at the start of 2011.



Adrian Fox, Managing Director (UK) Adrian studied for his degree in Jurisprudence at Oxford University before qualifying as a solicitor with Macfarlanes in 1986. He worked as an assistant solicitor with the firm for two years, before leaving to join the legal recruitment sector in 1989. In 1993 Adrian became a Director at one of the UK’s most prominent specialist legal recruitment consultancies, where he worked principally in London as well as spending three years in the UK regions. Together with Stephen Rodney, he established Fox Rodney Search Limited in May 2000. Siobhán Lewington, Managing Director (UK) Siobhán read law at University College Dublin and then completed an LLM at the London School of Economics. She joined Allen & Overy in London where she was a capital markets lawyer for five years. Siobhán started her recruitment career at Quarry Dougall, where she was head of the Financial Services Legal Team. Prior to joining FRS, Siobhán was Head of the Legal and Compliance Team at Sheffield Haworth, one of the UK’s leading financial services executive search firms. She is a Board Director and shareholder at FRS. Andy Russell, Managing Director (UK) Andy obtained a First Class degree in Law at Sheffield University before qualifying as a lawyer with Freshfields. He moved into legal recruiting in 1994 and worked for a major London based recruitment business for almost a decade, becoming a director responsible for the Law Firm team and overseeing international expansion. In 2003, he co-founded Abrahams Russell which became a leading partner level recruitment business, in a joint venture with Fox Rodney Search Limited. He became Board Director and shareholder at FRS on the merger of those two businesses in 2013. Karen Clifford, Director (US) With over 23 years of professional services recruiting experience, Karen joined FRS from US law firm Wilmer Hale to lead our Washington, DC practice. At Wilmer Hale, Karen was responsible for the firm’s global lateral partner recruitment efforts. Karen's knowledge of the legal trends in hiring across many geographic markets and in particular the Washington, DC legal market, puts her in an ideal position to offer key strategic advice to our client base. Karen graduated with a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Hanna Ehrlich, Director (France) Hanna studied Law at Magistère de Juriste d’Affaires of Paris II and completed her LL.M. at New York University before qualifying with the Paris and New York Bars. She then joined SJ Berwin in Paris where she practised as a fund formation lawyer. After this, she entered the legal recruitment market with one of the leading legal recruitment consultancies. She is responsible for senior associate and partner searches in the French private practice market.



Kelli Fiore, Director (US) Kelli has worked in the Bay Area legal field since 1998, starting as a paralegal with Latham & Watkins’ San Francisco office. After graduating from law school, her career in legal recruiting began with the Silicon Valley office of Robert Half Legal and later on as the director of attorney & paralegal contract placement in their San Francisco office. Kelli then joined Mergis, a Fortune 1,000 company later acquired by Randstad, as the Director of their second legal U.S. office. Kelli then co-founded Fillmore Search Group. With Fillmore Search, Kelli’s was responsible for the largest, executive search placements in the company: partner, general counsel and senior associates. Freddie Lawson, Director (UK) Freddie graduated in Political Science at Nottingham University and qualified as a lawyer in 2008. He was previously a solicitor in Addleshaw Goddard’s London Banking practice for two years before entering the recruitment industry. Freddie is responsible for leading ‘FRS Associates‘, Fox Rodney’s specialist associate recruitment division. He focuses on recruiting associates in London for the leading City and US law firms. His areas of particular expertise and experience include finance, corporate, dispute resolution (particularly international arbitration), energy, transport, real estate and projects/infrastructure as well as insurance. Freddie is a governor of St Michael’s Primary School in Camden and an active member of FRS’ CSR Committee. Gita Odedra, Director (UK) Gita graduated from the University of Leicester with a 2:1 in Law before completing the LPC. She worked in the litigation departments of two major City firms before moving into legal recruitment in 2001. She held a senior position at an international legal recruitment business in London where she established a reputation as a leading figure for in-house appointments. Gita joined Abrahams Russell in 2010 and became part of FRS following the merger with Abrahams Russell in 2013. As well as focusing on senior in-house appointments, Gita also recruits for partner level roles in private practice. Raj Selvadurai, Director (US) Raj began his career at ALM Media as the Director of Diversity Publishing, responsible for such titles as The Minority Law Journal and Diversity and the Bar. In 2005, Raj was appointed the Global Managing Director an online media company. Raj then moved to a well-known boutique legal search firm, overseeing partner searches, global marketing and internal recruitment. Most recently, Raj managed the New York Office of Robert Half Legal, a $7 Billion, Fortune 500 staffing company. At Robert Half, Raj served BigLaw clients, placing attorneys and legal professionals throughout the New York market. Portia White, Director (UK) Portia is a director at FRS. She has worked in the recruitment industry for almost ten years, joining FRS in 2014 from another leading recruitment practice. Portia has a wealth of experience in placing partners and associates in law firms and large corporates in both London and Ireland. She specialises in private practice, focusing on partner level placements at major UK and international law firms. She is also responsible for in-house recruitment in Ireland.


Middle East Report 2016 Our Offices

Dubai Office 1308, Level 13 Al Fattan Currency House, Tower 2 PO Box 482064 Dubai, U.A.E Tel: +971 4 509 6825 London 100 Cannon Street London EC4N 6EU Tel: +44 20 7337 2700 Dublin Pembroke House 28-32 Upper Pembroke Street Dublin 2

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