The international law firm Chadbourne & Parke LLP today announced that Simon Schmidt has joined the firm as international partner in the Dubai office.

In his many years working in the Middle East, Mr. Schmidt has advised both regionally-based and international companies on sophisticated, large scale transactions in the MENA region involving joint ventures, mutual funds, real estate development financings, private equity and mergers and acquisitions. His clients have included major international corporations, investment banks, high net worth individuals and governmental entities.

“We are proud to welcome Simon to the firm as we continue to bolster our presence in MENA,” said Chadbourne Managing Partner Andrew A. Giaccia. “Simon’s corporate and regulatory experience, along with his in-depth familiarity with the region and its business landscape, are a great fit for our existing practices and our client base.”

Mr. Schmidt was the first English lawyer admitted to the Qatar Bar, was a partner at Patton Boggs LLP in the Middle East and previously served as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for Gulf Fund Management Ltd. in Dubai.

“The addition of Simon strengthens our capabilities in the Middle East as Chadbourne expands its presence in that region and builds upon its reputation for providing clients with practical, solutions-oriented counsel in this diverse and developing market,” said Daniel J. Greenwald, Dubai office Managing Partner. “With his impressive corporate and commercial expertise and knowledge of Middle Eastern markets, Simon reinforces our reputation as a go-to firm for legal counseling in the UAE.”

Mr. Schmidt earned his MA with honors from Oxford University in 1994 and his postgraduate diploma in law from BPP Law School in London in 1996. He also received his postgraduate diploma in legal practice from Oxford University Institute of Legal Practice in 1997. Mr. Schmidt is admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales.