Dechert LLP announced today that it will add a leading emerging markets team to its corporate and securities practice. Led by Camille Abousleiman, who will be Head of the firm’s Middle East and Africa practice, the team also includes partners Louise Roman Bernstein, Chris P. Sioufi, Gavin B. Watson and Nicola Mariani. In connection with the team joining, Dechert will open an office in Dubai, in addition to bolstering its existing US and UK capital markets practice groups.
Abousleiman and Roman Bernstein significantly enhance the firm’s capabilities in international capital markets and emerging market corporate finance, particularly in the Middle East and North and Sub-Saharan Africa. The team also complements Dechert’s existing strengths in the CIS and Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan and Russia, and adds a new presence in Georgia. In addition, Sioufi and Watson both have leading and broad-ranging corporate and energy practices that reach across the Middle East and beyond. Nicola Mariani will be resident in Tbilisi to capitalize on important relationships in Georgia’s public and private sectors.
“This is an extremely strong and cohesive emerging markets team with recognized depth in the debt and equity capital markets,” Dechert Chief Executive Officer Daniel O’Donnell said. “We are excited to have such an experienced group of lawyers join us in London and also open in the Gulf.”
The team practices in the areas of capital markets, corporate finance, private equity, fund formation and restructuring across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The team members have broad experience across a range of sectors, including energy, finance, metals and mining, real estate, telecoms and transportation, as well as an extensive practice representing sovereigns in the regions they serve. The group brings substantial synergies and enhanced client service opportunities to Dechert.
Said Douglas L. Getter, head of Dechert’s corporate and securities practice in the United Kingdom: “Camille, Louise, Chris, Gavin and Nicola are talented and entrepreneurial lawyers, with extensive knowledge and experience in advising clients in the emerging markets. Their arrival represents an extremely important boost to our corporate and securities practice and is a milestone for the firm.”
Abousleiman stated: “We look forward to contributing to Dechert’s continued success, and to strengthening the firm’s international capital markets and emerging market offerings.”
Dechert’s new partners are:
Camille Abousleiman, partner – London (New York and Lebanon qualified). A recognized leader in the international capital markets, Abousleiman is considered a pioneer in the capital markets of emerging nations. He has extensive experience representing sovereign, corporate and bank issuers, underwriters and trustees in global offerings of debt and equity securities. He advises on debt structures, convertible notes, commercial paper, medium-term notes, senior secured and second lien notes, as well as other instruments. He represents corporate, banking and hedge fund clients in a broad range of mergers and acquisitions, divestures, auctions, tender offers, going-private transactions and leveraged buy-outs. In addition, he regularly advises clients on sovereign and corporate debt restructurings.
Louise Roman Bernstein, partner – London (New York and Massachusetts qualified, Affiliate of the Law Society of England and Wales). Roman Bernstein advises on international capital markets and corporate finance matters with an emphasis on emerging markets. She represents issuers, underwriters and other transaction participants in various types of debt and equity issues. Her experience includes advising on issuances of Eurobonds and the establishment of MTN programs by sovereigns, banks and corporates and issuances of GDRs and other Euro equities under Rule 144A and Regulation S. She also has experience with restructurings in emerging markets. In addition, she advises on private placements of securities, mergers & acquisitions and the establishment and administration of funds and other collective investment schemes in a number of jurisdictions.
Chris P. Sioufi, partner – Dubai (Quebec qualified). Soufi focuses his practice on private equity, mergers and acquisitions, fund formation and structured and Islamic finance. He also has extensive experience developing financial products and asset management products. He works with a number of Middle Eastern national regulatory authorities and sovereign wealth funds. Sioufi will be co-Managing Partner of the firm’s new Dubai office.
Gavin B. Watson, partner – Dubai (England and Wales qualified). Watson advises clients on cross-border commercial transactions, with a particular emphasis on energy, including oil and gas, and infrastructure projects. Watson will be co-Managing Partner of the firm’s new Dubai office.
Nicola Mariani, national partner – resident in Tbilisi (New York, Quebec and France qualified). Mariani focuses his practice on cross-border mergers and acquisitions and also has considerable experience in international arbitrations. He has experience in the financial institutions, energy, fashion and sports sectors.
