BCLP Adds Philip Hecht As Partner In Abu Dhabi's Real Estate Team

BCLP Adds Philip Hecht As Partner In Abu Dhabi's Real Estate Team

International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has announced the appointment of Philip Hecht as a partner in its Abu Dhabi office, strengthening its Real Estate team. Hecht joins BCLP from Miral, where he served as Director of Legal Affairs for nearly a decade, overseeing development and construction legal matters across the entire asset lifecycle.

During his time at Miral, Hecht managed high-profile intellectual property matters and worked with global partners, including Warner Bros. Discovery, SeaWorld, teamLab, and Ferrari. His responsibilities also encompassed general corporate-commercial legal business. He brings over 16 years of experience in the UAE, with a distinguished career in both in-house roles and private practice. Prior to Miral, Hecht worked at Aldar and Etihad Airways and spent more than a decade at CMS and DLA Piper.

Hecht has advised on the delivery and asset management of over $35 billion in real estate and infrastructure assets. His notable projects include Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, two of the world’s largest indoor theme parks, as well as significant developments in retail, hospitality, hospitals, transportation, and energy infrastructure. He has been instrumental in overseeing the development of the UAE’s largest structural steel building and one of the Middle East’s largest solar energy plants.

Philip Hecht, Partner, Real Estate, said, “Having collaborated with the team at BCLP on several occasions in my previous role, I am thrilled to join the firm and work alongside its highly respected professionals. I look forward to building a successful, sustainable practice and enhancing the firm’s real estate and commercial construction offerings, while contributing to the firm’s broader growth ambitions."

Richard Davies, UAE Managing Partner, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Philip to our growing Middle East team. His extensive in-house experience managing complex, high-value projects across real estate and infrastructure brings a fresh perspective that complements our focus on client intelligence and delivering innovative solutions.”

Hecht’s arrival further bolsters BCLP’s presence in the Middle East as the firm continues to expand its real estate and infrastructure practice.