Baker Botts Welcomes Zahra Knapper Al-Bahrani To Dubai Office To Boost Cross-Border Finance

Baker Botts Welcomes Zahra Knapper Al-Bahrani to Dubai Office to Boost Cross-Border Finance

Baker Botts L.L.P., a leading international law firm in energy, technology, and life sciences, has strengthened its global finance platform with the appointment of Zahra Knapper Al-Bahrani as Partner in its Dubai office. She is joined by Rishi Raheja (Senior Associate) and Torridon Linskaill (Associate), both based in the firm’s London office. The team joins Baker Botts from White & Case.

Knapper brings nearly 15 years of experience advising airlines, lessors, banks, funds, and export credit agencies on complex cross-border financings and structured transactions, with particular expertise in the aviation sector. Her work spans ECA-backed aircraft financings, portfolio acquisitions, JOLCO structures, restructurings, leasing, and aviation-related M&A. While aviation remains the hallmark of her practice, she also advises on a broad range of asset and structured finance matters across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the U.S.

Danny David (Managing Partner, Baker Botts) said, “Zahra brings exactly the kind of expertise that defines the next chapter of global finance – cross-border, sector-deep, and strategically placed. With her team in Dubai and London, we’re not just expanding, we’re accelerating our position at the center of high-value international dealmaking. Zahra’s team brings sharp execution capability in cross-border finance where demand is growing fast.”

Mark Rowley (Partner-in-Charge, non-U.S. offices) added, “Zahra and her team are known for the kind of cross-border expertise and market insight that align with our strategy in the Middle East and European markets. This is a targeted and strategic expansion that builds on our strengths in key growth sectors.”

Zahra Knapper Al-Bahrani said, “I’m thrilled to be joining Baker Botts at such a dynamic time for the firm and for the aviation industry. Our clients are navigating increasingly complex global transactions, and with Baker Botts’ international platform, deep sector knowledge, and collaborative culture, we’re ideally positioned to help them succeed across markets.”

The appointment underscores Baker Botts’ continued global expansion and investment in strategic growth, particularly in Dubai and London, two of the world’s most dynamic financial hubs. The team will support clients navigating complex international transactions and reinforce Baker Botts’ global finance and structured transaction capabilities.

The Baker Botts team in Dubai and London will continue to serve clients in aviation, energy, technology, and other sectors, providing comprehensive and commercially focused advice on complex cross-border finance matters.

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