Clyde & Co builds on Dubai presence

CLYDE & Co is sending two high-profile partners to its Dubai office to boost the firm's Middle East presence.

Alec Emmerson, the firm's former head of credit and political risk group insurance, is replacing David Reynolds as senior litigation manager in Dubai.

Anthony Garrod, who helped found Clyde & Co's business law group, is moving to Dubai to strengthen the firm's commercial practice.

Emmerson was senior partner in the firm's Hong Kong office for 12 years, until 1996, and has played a key role in developing the Dubai office from London since then.

Emmerson specialises in shipping, marine and non-marine insurance, international trade and a broad range of commercial litigation and arbitration.

He says: "Despite the economic downturn in Asia and its impact on this region, there is underlying financial strength here which bodes well for continued rapid development and diversification."

Garrod, who has been a partner for seven years, specialises in commercial contracts for IT companies.

Clyde & Co now has about 17 lawyers in the Middle East - the largest Dubai practice of any of the City firms.