Greenberg Traurig Expands Middle East Practice With Key Hires From Clyde & Co

Greenberg Traurig Expands Middle East Practice with Key Hires from Clyde & Co

Global law firm Greenberg Traurig has reinforced its presence in the Middle East with the strategic addition of International Arbitration & Litigation lawyer Nils de Wolff and Corporate/M&A lawyer Krishen Patel, both of whom bring extensive experience in the region. Both lawyers join the firm from Clyde & Co and will be based in Greenberg Traurig’s UAE office, with Patel also splitting his time between the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

“Nils and Krishen are both highly skilled, client service focused lawyers who are key to our building an unparalleled legal team in the Middle East in a strategic and deliberate manner,” said Richard A. Rosenbaum, Executive Chairman of Greenberg Traurig. “Their additions reflect our continuing strong commitment to the region and to supporting the businesses and individuals who are integral to its growth and prosperity.”

De Wolff is a seasoned arbitration lawyer and litigator, specializing in high-stakes, cross- border disputes. With over six years of experience in the Middle East, he has handled complex cases before the English Courts, UAE’s onshore courts, and financial free zone courts, including DIFC and ADGM. His expertise spans M&A disputes, joint ventures, civil fraud, and international arbitration under DIAC, LCIA, and ICC rules.

Patel, a senior transactional lawyer with 14 years of experience, focuses on M&A, corporate restructuring, joint ventures, and private equity. He advises a diverse client base, including sovereign entities, multinational companies, and investors across the UAE, KSA, and the broader Middle East.

Khalid A. Al-Thebity, Greenberg Traurig’s Middle East Regional Chair and Managing Shareholder of the KSA location, commented, “The breadth and depth of Nils’ and Krishen’s client representations throughout the UAE and KSA will undoubtedly add strength to our local and global capabilities. Both have impressive track records of success for clients in such industries as government, financial services, education, real estate, and hospitality – all of which are experiencing exceptional growth in the Middle East.”

The hires align with Greenberg Traurig’s continued regional expansion, which includes the recent onboarding of international arbitration specialist Nassif BouMalhab and the establishment of its Middle East offices in 2023. Co-Managing Shareholders of the UAE location, Steven Bainbridge and Sarah Mahood, affirmed in a joint statement, “As we continue to strategically enhance our capabilities across the Middle East, our clients benefit from having access to some of the most highly qualified and experienced legal counsel practicing in the region and internationally. This, combined with an exceptional commitment to client service, is a hallmark of Greenberg Traurig.”

As Greenberg Traurig bolsters its presence in the Middle East, these strategic additions underline its commitment to delivering top-tier legal services in one of the world’s fastest- growing regions.