Ashurst moves in Dubai for full-service push

Ashurst has relocated to larger Dubai premises as the firm looks to significantly beef up its Middle East capability.

The firm plans to almost double the size of its fledgling Dubai office to 15 lawyers plus support staff by April, following the move to the popular Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The move follows the announcement that London-based corporate partner Nick Bryans will relocate to Dubai in the New Year (www.thelawyer.com 27 November). The relocation will take the Dubai office to three partners and six associates in January.

Ashurst opened in Dubai in September 2005 with an initial focus advising on energy, transport and infrastructure projects. In June partner David Wadham also joined from International Power where he was Middle East general counsel.

However, the office, overseen by office managing partner Paul de Cordova, is now targeting corporate and M&A practice in a move to become a full-service offering.