Gates and Partners launches in Dubai with Clydes hires

Clydes partner Jim Edmunds and senior associate Anthony Frances, who are currently based in Dubai, will both join Gates and Partners as partners. Frances will launch the new office, while Edmunds will return to the UK to be based in the firm’s London office.

The Dubai opening is still subject to regulatory approval, but the firm expects to launch the office within the next six weeks.

Senior partner Sean Gates said: “Jim and Anthony have an excellent reputation in commercial aviation and aircraft finance and join our growing team in this discipline throughout our offices.

“Partners Aoife O’Sullivan and Adosh Chatrath will also be supporting their clients in Dubai and Jim will be looking after his UK practice from London. We’ll also be supporting our airline and aircraft operator clients in the region in the liability, insurance and regulatory services we offer.”

In a statement Clydes said: “Jim has spent a significant part of his 40 years as a lawyer with first Beaumont & Son, where he was managing partner in the 1990s, and then Clyde & Co. We wish him all the best on his return to the UK and his long-standing associate Anthony Francis well with the challenge of starting up his practice in Dubai.”

Gates and Partners already has offices in Brussels, Paris and Singapore, as well as one in London.