Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) is set to open its first office in the Middle East, with the City law firm planning an
Abu Dhabi launch for the start of next year.
The firm is to transfer London hospitality and leisure partner John Sipling to Abu Dhabi in January to head up the practice, with four associates also set to make the move.
The launch marks a shift in strategy for BLP, which only has offices in Brussels, Paris and Singapore outside of its London base. The Singapore office opened last year and elsewhere the firm relies on a network of preferred referral firms.
BLP decided to open in Abu Dhabi after an increase in work from the region, including a recent large instruction from property developer Aldar Properties, which is investing $80bn (£45.3bn) into Abu Dhabi development contracts.
Managing partner Neville Eisenberg said: “It makes sense [to open the office] considering the workflow and we remain committed to our international strategy, but we identified a region where we can expand on the ground.”
Sipling said: “BLP has been a firm that has had its critical mass in London with very specific offerings overseas. The preferred firm network will remain our primary solution in overseas territories, but we are open-minded and ready to invest where there is a case for it. Abu Dhabi is a clear-cut example where the case is made and our clients have been very supportive.”
More news, deals and comment on Berwin Leighton Paisner
Berwin Leighton Paisner on the Legal Week Wiki
