Freshfields boosts Middle East presence

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is relocating three partners and additional associates to the Middle East region, in response to increased demands for its services from its largest clients.

Finance partner Bob Charlton, previously head of the firm's London finance practice, will lead the firm's Saudi presence and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) finance practice. He has experience in financing assets in the aircraft and rolling stock and advising governments and export credit agencies.

Fellow finance partner Charles July, a specialist in infrastructure acquisition and project financing, and corporate partner Ian Poynton have also recently relocated to the region. Poynton will be as co-heading the MENA corporate practice with Bruce Embley.

The moves brings the firms presence to five partners and more than 40 lawyers who are based across the region in the firm’s offices in Dubai and Bahrain, and in Saudi Arabia through Freshfields "association with Fares Al-Hejailan.
 
"We are increasing our resources in the region in response to growing client demand and the success of the current practice under the leadership of Joe Huse and Bruce Embley. We have advised on some of the most important transactions in the region in recent years” comments Guy Morton, joint senior partner.