Jemima McDonald elevated as the Legal Director at HFW Abu Dhabi

Jemima McDonald elevated as the Legal Director at HFW Abu Dhabi

Jemima McDonald, previously of Holman Fenwick Willan’s (HFW) Corporate & Commercial practice in Abu Dhabi, has been appointed as a legal director by the global, sector-specific law firm. Her new role will commence on April 1, 2023.

“We are very pleased to welcome the newest cohort of partners and legal directors who have already made a significant contribution to the firm through their dedication, talent, and client service. We look forward to working with them as we continue to grow the firm significantly. Congratulations all on your well-deserved promotions,” Jeremy Shebson, Managing Partner & Giles Kavanagh, Global Senior Partner, HFW, said.

Having worked as a senior associate in the Abu Dhabi office, Jemima McDonald brings 10 years of experience in corporate and commercial law to her new role as legal director at HFW.

Her previous in-house positions at Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems have provided her with a profound understanding of the defence and security sector.

McDonald has extensive expertise in advising on complex defence procurement transactions covering aviation, maritime, and security, as well as public procurement, intellectual property, product safety, and export control matters.

Besides her expertise in defence and security sector matters, Jemima McDonald has also provided advice on a broad spectrum of commercial contracts. These include customised purchase and supply agreements, intellectual property licenses, service contracts, maintenance and upgrade agreements, and outsourcing and procurement contracts. Additionally, she has dealt with regulatory issues related to export control and data protection.

HFW's recent announcement also includes the promotion of several individuals to new positions. These include the appointment of Barbara Pansadoro (Aerospace, London), Ian Hughes (Shipping, London), Michael Buffham (Commodities, London), and Sakina Chenot (Risk, Compliance & Conflicts, London) as new partners.

Additionally, Alix d'Arjuzon (Aerospace, Brussels), Jenny Salmon (Shipping, London), Mark Waters (Aerospace, London), and Of Counsel Louis Cornut-Gentille (Insurance & Reinsurance, Paris) have been promoted to new Legal Director positions.

These promotions are part of HFW's ongoing efforts to expand its presence in core sectors, services, and international networks.