Brodies launches Middle East arm with Abu Dhabi base

Scottish law firm Brodies has launched an international arm, Brodies Middle East LLP, in Abu Dhabi.

The biggest Scottish-headquartered legal practice, Brodies said its new base would allow it to support established clients in the Middle East, and potential new clients, at a local level.

Its Middle East operation will be led by Greg May and Bryan Wilson, who have spent 12 and four years respectively in Brodies' UK practice, specialising in energy and oil and gas. Mr May has 25 years' experience in the sector and Mr Wilson more than 30.

Brodies managing partner, Nick Scott, who will also oversee the Middle East firm, commented: "We have been working with and for clients in the Middle East, including the UAE, Qatar and Oman, for many years now, so this was a very carefully considered, but natural, next step.

"Proximity to our clients is something we believe is important to allow us to provide the best quality legal services and to ensure our lawyers are immersed in the environments in which our clients live and work.

"Our client base in the Middle East has, so far, been predominantly oil and gas focused. Many of the larger players in the energy transition are traditional oil and gas businesses, and cities in the Middle East – along with Aberdeen in the UK – are emerging as centres of excellence in that transition. We look forward to working with our clients and supporting them at this significant time for the energy sector."