HFW has recruited two high-profile shipping lawyers from Clyde&Co as partners to beef up its Middle East team.
Joining the global law firm in Dubai are Robert Lawrence and Ian Chung, both of whom collectively have more than 30 years’ experience in the Middle East and are rated as market leaders by legal directories Chambers and The Legal 500.
Their arrival follows HFW's launch in Denmark with the hire of shipping lawyer Jens Mathiasen, and the firm's internal promotion of four new shipping partners and legal directors including of shipping and logistic disputes expert Anas Al Tarawneh in Dubai.
HFW managing partner for the United Arab Emirates Yaman Al Hawamdeh described Lawrence and Chung as “go-to lawyers” for shipping, offshore and international trade work, and called their joining “a very significant development” for the firm in the Middle East.
Lawrence, who previously headed up Clyde&Co’s international trade and transport practice in the region, began his new position at HFW on Monday.
Described as a “leading disputes lawyer” with a particular focus on the marine and offshore industries, Lawrence will advise on enforcement proceedings, commercial litigation, joint venture disputes, as well as non-contentious and regulatory matters. He will acts for a wide range of clients across the Middle East, as well as shipowners with assets operating in the region.
Lawrence will also work closely with HFW's team in Riyadh, where he is said to have “significant experience” advising Saudi-based clients, as well as litigating before the Saudi Commercial Courts and the Saudi Insurance Disputes Committee.
Commenting on his decision to join HFW, Lawrence said the firm has “consistently demonstrated its long-term commitment to the Middle East” as well as a willingness to invest in bold moves.
“I'm looking forward to working with the team to continue that growth – in the UAE, Saudi and globally," he said.
Chung, who was an HFW partner until 2017, will re-join the firm on 5 September. He is described as specialising in transactional matters within the marine and transportation industries.
Chung is also said to have significant experience on insolvency and restructuring and has acted for banks and borrowers on some of the most significant regional restructurings in recent years.
"I'm very excited to be re-joining HFW. The firm has grown significantly since I departed and its focus on developing its maritime and trade practice in the region has been impressive,” Chung commented.
HFW has operated in the Middle East for more than 15 years and now has 20 partners and over 50 lawyers spread across offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait City and Riyadh. The firm claim this makes it one of the largest practices of any international law firm in the region.
“We remain deeply committed to the region, as evidenced by our ongoing investment into new offices and top talent. We plan to continue to invest in the Middle East and will actively pursue opportunities to further strengthen and broaden our offering to clients,” said Al Hawamdeh.
