International law firm Stephenson Harwood opens its Dubai office today.
The move reflects Stephenson Harwood’s long-standing relationships with clients who have interests in the Middle East. The office will provide clients with a range of legal services that include corporate/commercial, dispute resolution, finance, marine and international trade, and sanctions advice.
The new office is headed by partner Rovine Chandrasekera, with newly-appointed partner Umar Moghul and associates Charlotte Murphy and James Willn working alongside them. The firm is recruiting at partner and associate levels.
Commenting on the office opening, Sharon White, chief executive of Stephenson Harwood, said: “We have been advising clients in the Middle East on their interests for many years and opening an office in Dubai enhances Stephenson Harwood’s offering to clients in the region. Given the flows of capital, trade and investment between the Middle East, Europe and Asia, it has become increasingly important for us to have a presence on the ground there.”
Rovine is a dispute resolution partner who advises on a broad range of commercial disputes and has particular experience in sanctions advice, fraud cases, asset tracing, enforcements, injunctions, banking, shipping and commodities disputes as well as negotiating contracts relating to offshore oil and gas, and shipping. He advises a range of clients based in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, including financial institutions, trading houses and shipowners.
Umar Moghul is a finance partner, whose wide-ranging experience includes advising on real estate and asset financings as well as private equity transactions, including leveraged buyouts and growth equity investments. His work includes structuring investment vehicles and financial products across various sectors. He is a recognised leader in Islamic finance and investments and joins Stephenson Harwood from US law firm Murtha Cullina LLP, where he headed the Islamic finance and investment practice.
