Dentons Expands Corporate Practice With the Addition of Stephen McKenna and Ross Barfoot in Abu Dhabi

Dentons Expands Corporate Practice With the Addition of Stephen McKenna and Ross Barfoot in Abu Dhabi

The two were previously serving at Clyde & Co

In further strengthening its corporate practice in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, international law firm Dentons has appointed two new partners Stephen McKenna and Ross Barfoot.

The move bolsters the firm’s capabilities in the Middle East, reinforcing its commitment to serving the region's diverse corporate legal needs.

On the appointments, Jon Nash, the managing partner of Dentons Middle East remarked, "The addition of McKenna and Barfoot to our Abu Dhabi corporate team significantly enhances our service capabilities in the Middle East. Their expertise arrives at an opportune time as we anticipate a further increase in the need for corporate execution capability on the ground in Abu Dhabi and the wider region in 2024. Their expertise ensures that we are well-equipped to provide our clients with comprehensive support across a wide range of sectors."

Paul Jarvis, the CEO of Dentons UK, Ireland, and Middle East (UKIME) expressed, "The integration of McKenna and Barfoot into our Abu Dhabi office is a testament to our focused five-year strategy for UKIME, which includes the expansion of our corporate team's expertise. Their collaborative approach and regional knowledge are invaluable assets that will undoubtedly contribute to seizing the growth opportunities in this dynamic region and enhance our client services."

Both, McKenna and Barfoot were previously serving at Clyde & Co.

McKenna specializes in corporate transactions and advisory work, encompassing cross-border M&A, joint ventures, regulatory and licensing matters, commercial contracts, market-entry, and corporate structuring. His expertise extends across sectors including aviation, logistics, healthcare, and industrials.

Barfoot has a decade of partnership experience, having cultivated a multifaceted practice encompassing corporate transactions and advisory services. His proficiency in cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and regulatory matters, along with a deep understanding of market entry strategies and corporate structuring, has made him a trusted advisor across sectors including education, hospitality, oil & gas, and healthcare.