Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom is set to open its first Middle East office in Abu Dhabi.
The firm has hired Michael Hilton, who was formerly regional managing partner for MENA at Freshfields, to spearhead the new presence, according to people familiar with the matter.
Hilton, a corporate specialist, had served in the role since July 2022. He was a Freshfields lifer, having spent nearly 24 years at the firm, including the last decade as a partner in the M&A team, based across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He was replaced by dispute resolution partner Sami Tannous in early September.
On Hilton’s departure, a spokesperson for Freshfields said: “We wish Michael all the best.”
Skadden did not respond to requests for comment on its plans or to media reports that it had hired Freshfields’ former MENA head. The news was first reported in Financial News.
New York firm Skadden has more than 20 offices and 1,700 lawyers globally. According to its website, “Our attorneys provide clients doing business in the Middle East with seamless legal services, advising on corporate, litigation and arbitration, and investigation matters throughout the region.”
Abu Dhabi is abuzz with activity, driven by sovereign wealth fund investments and cross-border deals. Energy transitions, digitalisation, and supply chain diversification bring further opportunities to the UAE capital.
This year has seen a number of prominent lawyers move their practice to Abu Dhabi, including A&O Shearman corporate partner Benjamin Crawford, CMS private equity partner Graham Conlon, and Baker McKenzie funds partner James Burdett.
Law Middle East is aware of at least one other international law firm looking to open an office in Abu Dhabi.
