Pinsent Masons’ Dubai office has picked up a role advising the United Arab Emirates University following the institution’s first ­formal tender process for an external legal adviser.

Pinsent Masons’ Dubai office has picked up a role advising the United Arab Emirates University following the institution’s first formal tender process for an external legal adviser.

The firm has been appointed in a full-service role and will be advising principally on commercial, corporate, construction, employment and property matters.

Dubai office head and relationship partner Sachin Kerur said: “What you’re seeing now [in the Gulf region] is some sophisticated means of procuring legal services. I think it’s a good thing because it focuses our attention on what the client requires.”

Kerur, who is a property specialist, will be working alongside associates Nigel Wilson and Tarek Nakkach, who will both be advising on commercial matters.

The university and Pinsent Masons already have a non-commercial relationship established as law students are placed at the firm as part of an internship scheme.