UK firm Forsters is expanding into the Middle East with the opening of an Abu Dhabi office, its first base outside of London.
The new office is located in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) financial centre, with the expansion being led by private wealth partner James Brockhurst, who frequently advises high net worth individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs and trustees across the Middle East region.
The firm said Brockhurst’s frequent travel to the region over many years and understanding of global private wealth issues “make him ideally placed to lead Forsters’ new offering in the region”.
Brockhurst said: “Establishing a presence in ADGM allows us to be even closer to our Middle Eastern clients as well as those with interests in the Middle East and to support them with the full breadth of our private wealth expertise, including cross-border planning, family governance and cryptoasset advisory.
“Our longstanding commitment to the region has given us a deep understanding of the cultural and local dynamics at play, including Sharia principles, which informs our advice.”
Brockhurst will be supported by a cross-practice Middle East team spanning private wealth, corporate, dispute resolution and real estate, though he will be the sole lawyer based in the firm’s Abu Dhabi office full time. The rest of the team will continue to travel between London and the region to support clients.
The team includes partners Charlotte Evans-Tipping (private client); Dickon Ceadel (family); Charlie Miéville (residential property); Caroline Harbord (dispute resolution); Maryam Oghanna (trust and estates disputes); and Craig Thompson (corporate).
Emily Exton, managing partner at Forsters, added: “Our move into ADGM is about more than geography – it’s about anticipating the future of private wealth. As families and businesses become increasingly global, we are committed to being where our clients need us most. This expansion positions Forsters at the heart of a thriving international financial centre and reinforces our ambition to deliver world-class advice across borders.”
Several firms have been expanding their Middle East presence this year. Last month, Mishcon de Reya opened two offices in the UAE, which it said was in response to growing client demand and opportunities in the region. Also in November, Morgan Lewis & Bockius launched in Saudi Arabia with a six-lawyer team from A&O Shearman and local firm Al Tamimi & Company.
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