Global, sector-focused law firm HFW has continued to expand its international network with the launch of a new office in Abu Dhabi and the hire of two partners.

Sector focus

Finance and corporate partners Vince Gordon and Tania de Swart have joined the firm in Abu Dhabi from Reed Smith. HFW now has 19 partners and more than 50 lawyers, including 28 Arabic speakers, in five offices across the Middle East, making it one of the largest practices of any international law firm in the region. Richard Crump, global senior partner at HFW, said ‘our strategy is to be the world's leading law firm to the aerospace, commodities, construction, energy, insurance and shipping sectors. As part of that strategy, we have been building capability in the international centres that are important to clients in each of those sectors. The Middle East is critically important to all of our industry groups and is also establishing itself as a key hub for international dispute resolution. It is one of the fastest-growing parts of our business globally.’

Regional reach

Mr Gordon was Reed Smith's regional managing partner for the Middle East, and has over 13 years' experience in the region. Ms de Swart specialises in corporate and commercial work, and has been in the UAE for over 10 years, advising clients in a range of industry sectors. HFW has operated in the Middle East for more than 12 years and also has offices in Dubai, Riyadh, Beirut and Kuwait City. It is one of only two international law firms with a presence in Kuwait. The firm recently boosted its Dubai office with the hire of senior disputes partner James Harbridge, who specialises in construction arbitration and the Oman market.