Global law firm Shearman & Sterling announces the expansion of its senior team in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the election of three lawyers to partner and a further three to counsel. This is concurrent with the relocation of Capital Markets partner Pawel Szaja to the region. Shearman & Sterling has operated in the Middle East for over 50 years. Doubling the total number of partners of the firm in the UAE, together with the significantly increased number of counsel, is an unprecedented commitment by the firm to the region that reflects strong, sustained growth in its strategic client base, major transactions and disputes.

The newly promoted lawyers have extensive experience across key sectors including oil and gas, renewables and green industrial projects, chemicals, power and water, infrastructure, construction, healthcare, financial services, food and agriculture and real estate.

Commenting, David Beveridge, Senior Partner at Shearman & Sterling said, “Our newly promoted colleagues are outstanding lawyers with unique backgrounds who all share a commitment to the highest standards of client service. This continued investment in our Middle East team is indicative of our commitment to the region and the breadth of our capabilities across geographies. It is part of the continued execution of our strategy to expand our core practices with the greatest potential for the firm, aligning with market opportunities."

Commenting on the expansion of the firm's Middle East offering, “The recent promotions are a recognition of the significant contributions these lawyers have made to our offering in the Middle East. It is indicative of our commitment to providing clients with both a deep team of preeminent lawyers, and a diverse mix of backgrounds, experience and expertise representing the region in which we are operating. Our enhanced senior team will continue to advise the region’s most sophisticated domestic and international clients on their most complex deals and high-profile cases.”

The recently elected partner in the region are Laleh Shahabi (UAE-Project Development & Finance).

In addition, Pawel Szaja, a Shearman & Sterling Capital Markets London based partner, will join the Capital Markets practice in the UAE this summer. Pawel will be splitting his time between the firm’s UAE and London offices.

The three UAE associates promoted to counsel in the Middle East are David Hume (UAE-International Arbitration) and Alexander Nordang (UAE-International Arbitration).