Clifford Chance has made two partner appointments in the Middle East, as part of a global round of 29 promotions.
Jeremy Barker and Ahmed Choudhry, who work in global financial markets, have been promoted to the firm’s partnership, in Dubai and Riyadh respectively. The promotions take effect on May 1, 2024.
“I am delighted for Jeremy and Ahmed on their promotion; this is the culmination of years of excellence and dedication to our clients and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their careers with the firm,” said Clifford Chance’s regional managing partner, Mohammed Al-Shukairy, in a statement. “Their promotion will further enhance our capabilities in the region, which remains a very significant area of focus and investment for Clifford Chance.”
Clifford Chance-lifer Barker specialises in project finance, particularly in the energy, infrastructure, and renewable sectors.
He was most recently part of the team who advised the lenders to Masdar’s 1.8GW sixth phase of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MBR) Solar Park in Dubai, which is set to be the largest single-site solar park in the world, according to a statement from the firm.
Choudhry, meanwhile, advises local and international financial institutions, funds, banks, and corporates on areas including conventional and Islamic banking, debt capital markets, and project finance. He joined the firm in Dubai in 2017, and relocated to Riyadh in 2023.
Choudhry has advised on some of the largest financings in the Kingdom for a number of government and listed entities, the statement said. Most recently, he advised Al Rajhi Capital on the establishment of SAR1.5 billion Sukuk issuance programme and the issuance of SAR1 billion Sukuk thereunder by Middle East Healthcare Company (publicly known as Saudi German Health).
Nearly half of the UK-headquartered firm’s new partners are based in London, with 14 of the 29 promotions based there.
A number of international law firms have made partner promotions in the Middle East, including Allen & Overy and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, who each added one partner in Dubai.
