Baker McKenzie and Hadef & Partners are the latest law firms to strengthen their teams in the UAE by adding partners to lead their respective technology and engineering & construction practices.
Baker McKenzie has hired Dino Wilkinson as a partner and head of the firm’s Middle East data, cyber, and technology practice, based in Abu Dhabi.
He joins from Clyde & Co where he served as a partner and led the Middle East technology, media, and telecommunications law practice.
He brings more than 12 years of experience advising blue-chip corporate and government clients on technology contracting, technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) regulatory issues, data protection compliance, and cybersecurity matters.
Wilkinson has also collaborated with regional governments and regulatory authorities on significant legislative and regulatory developments, including the drafting of electronic commerce laws, data sharing regulations, and privacy legislation.
He has also worked on projects of both regional and international significance, including mobile app and internet product launches, national digital wallet schemes, and information and communication technology infrastructure rollouts.
“Dino’s hire significantly enhances our global, regional and local data and technology offerings,” commented Steve Holmes, co-chair of Baker McKenzie’s intellectual property, data, and technology practice group for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “He brings exceptional expertise and profound knowledge in data protection and technology-related legal issues. His practice is uniquely positioned to capitalize on and support the digital transformation ambitions of our local and international clients throughout the Middle East.”
Wilkinson’s appointment follows a series of hires across Baker McKenzie’s Middle East offices, including Sally Kotb who joined the firm as a dispute resolution partner based in Dubai earlier this month, and Adil Hussain, who joined the firm’s UAE offices last year as head of banking & finance and global head of Islamic finance.
Hadef & Partners has appointed Scott Hutton as a partner and head of engineering & construction in Dubai. He joins the firm, which has a significant pedigree in the UAE, alongside Karim Haider, an associate in the team.
Hutton is a seasoned disputes practitioner with experience acting for employers, contractors, consultants, and funders. He was formerly a partner at EKP Legal Counsel (now BLK Partners), according to his LinkedIn profile, and has worked for Squire Patton Boggs and Habib Al Mulla and Partners in Dubai.
He is the second partner to join the firm’s engineering & construction team following the addition of Humayun Ahmad earlier this year.
“The appointments of Scott and Karim, following Humayun’s recent arrival, significantly enhance our capabilities,” commented Adrian Chadwick, deputy head of dispute resolution in Dubai. “Their combined expertise will be invaluable in serving our clients’ complex needs in this dynamic sector.”
Sadiq Jafar, managing partner of Hadef & Partners added: “Scott’s leadership and the team’s expanded capabilities will enable us to take on even more challenging projects and continue to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”
