Spencer West Expands Global Footprint With New Office In The UAE
Spencer West launches Middle East practice in UAE, expanding global footprint and offering cross-border legal services.
Spencer West Expands Global Footprint with New Office in the UAE
The leading full-service international law firm, Spencer West has today announced the launch of its Middle East practice from the UAE, marking a significant step in the firm’s international growth strategy.
The Middle East practice brings together four Founding and Managing Partners – Tarek Antaki, Dr. José A. Campos Nave (joining in January 2026), Susan O’Rourke, and Ishtiaq Nawaz-Chechi – who collectively bring a total of six decades of international experience, including 21 years in the Middle East.
The Partners have practiced across the Middle East, Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Cyprus, Spain and Portugal), Asia (China, Japan, South Korea and India), United Kingdom, Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Africa (South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria) and Australia, for a combined 60+ years.
Spencer West Middle East combines its innovative way of practicing law with nuanced, culturally aware local guidance. In a significant proof of concept for Spencer West’s global, Partner-led model, the Founding and Managing Partners have come together from far corners of the world to build a modern, international practice that operates with both autonomy and the backing of a global community of 360 Partners across 25+ jurisdictions.
The office will advise clients across corporate M&A and tax, private equity, joint ventures, infrastructure (BOT/PPP), project finance, commercial and labour law, arbitration, compliance, and sovereign risk. Sector focus includes real estate, energy, oil and gas, LNG, chemicals, low carbon tech, aviation, Islamic finance, crypto assets, and AI infrastructure.
Spencer West Senior Partner Simeon Spencer said by combining local insight with global expertise, Spencer West Middle East offers agile, Partner-led advice to clients navigating complex cross-border opportunities.
“The Middle East is a dynamic and evolving market, and our new office positions us to deliver distinctive legal solutions across the region,” Spencer said.
“Our Founding and Managing Partners bring unmatched expertise and energy, and they are underway with some exciting projects and opportunities for our clients.”
The launch reflects Spencer West’s commitment to expanding its international presence, with the new office serving as a conduit for the firm to provide both local and global legal services.
Additional Quotes from Spencer West Middle East Founding and Managing Partners
Tarek Antaki said,
“Our experience across multiple jurisdictions and sectors enables us to provide clients with solutions that are both practical and globally informed. Spencer West Middle East is the perfect base to bring our expertise together.”
Dr. José Campos Nave, EMBA, said,
“We are combining decades of international experience to offer clients legal advice that is strategic, commercially focused, and culturally aware. The Middle East office allows us to deliver this in a modern, Partner-led environment.”
Susan O’Rourke, said,
“I look forward to participating in the wealth of opportunities across the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Syria, and Kuwait. Our long and deep international and local knowledge and experience in a wide range of specialities mean we are able to give clients forward thinking advice and negotiation support to meet their goals.”
Ishtiaq Nawaz-Chechi, said,
“The Middle East presents immense opportunities for cross-border growth. As Founding and Managing Partner of Spencer West Pakistan and co-founding Partner of Spencer West Middle East, there is significant opportunity to provide solutions for clients who are present in both regions.”
The launch of the UAE office underscores Spencer West’s commitment to expanding its international footprint and supporting clients across the region’s rapidly evolving commercial and regulatory landscape.
Spencer West is a leading full-service international law firm that advises businesses and individuals globally. Headquartered in London, the firm operates with a "globally connected and locally invested" model, offering comprehensive legal advice across multiple jurisdictions.
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