After nearly a two decade-tenure at Eversheds Sutherland, including most recently as partner and head of the Middle East banking and finance practice, Clint Dempsey has departed for Ashurst in Dubai, joining the firm’s global loans practice.
He joined Eversheds Sutherland in 2008 and spent over 17 years at the firm. He moved to the region in 2012 and was promoted to partner in 2017.
He deals with all aspects of banking and finance, including acquisition finance and asset-based lending, Islamic finance, project finance, real estate and development finance, and trade finance, acting for regional and international financial institutions. He specialises in the financing of hotel and real estate projects, and acts on financial regulatory matters.
“Clint is a highly regarded practitioner, and we are very pleased to welcome him to our global practice,” said Mark Edwards, head of the global loans practice for the UK, US, and Middle East at Ashurst. “His wide-ranging background in banking and finance, coupled with his financial regulatory experience and sectoral focus, perfectly complements our existing strong capabilities. Clint has a deep understanding of the UAE banking market which will be invaluable as we continue to expand our footprint in the Middle East. We are confident he will play a key role in our continued success in the region.”
Middle East managing partner David Charlier said: “The Middle East market is experiencing significant growth and diversification, particularly in the banking and finance sectors. Clint’s extensive experience and deep-rooted relationships in the region will be a great asset to our team and hugely beneficial for clients.”
In a further addition to Ashurst’s financial offering in the Middle East, the firm has also promoted Emma Tormey to the partnership. Her practice focuses on general commercial litigation and arbitration across a range of industries, with particular expertise in the financial services sector.
Tormey joined the firm in September 2024 from Addleshaw Goddard, where she was a senior associate.
Charlier continued: “We are delighted to be welcoming both Clint and Emma to the partnership as we advance our ambitious growth strategy across the Middle East.”
This news follows the recent additions of corporate partners Maha Osman and Vasi Papadopoulos in Dubai, and in Riyadh, the arrival of financial regulatory partner Raheel Butt.
