Peter Shaw-Smith

Peter Shaw-Smith

Peter Shaw-Smith is the Middle East-based correspondent for Law.com International. He writes about lawyers and legal issues across the Middle East. His coverage includes the business of law, global and domestic law firms, in-house legal departments and regulatory issues. He can be reached at [email protected]

Connect with this author

January 06, 2025 | International Edition

Cleary Hires Former Clifford Chance Corporate Partner in Abu Dhabi Push

The move reflects the increasing attractiveness of the UAE capital for work driven by some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth and other funds.

By Peter Shaw-Smith

2 minute read

December 17, 2024 | International Edition

Simmons & Simmons Leads $240M Case Against KPMG, Longest Trial in DIFC History

Investors, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, flagged problems with Abraaj’s healthcare funds, leading to allegations of financial misconduct.

By Peter Shaw-Smith

3 minute read

December 10, 2024 | International Edition

Middle East Moves: Clyde & Co, Pinsent Masons, Greenberg Traurig, and More Key Hires

The Middle East market is seeing significant expansion with Clyde & Co, DWF, Pinsent Masons, and Greenberg Traurig all bolstering their teams.

By Peter Shaw-Smith

3 minute read

December 02, 2024 | International Edition

Gibson Dunn, Linklaters Advise on Talabat’s $2BN IPO in World’s Largest Tech IPO of 2024

Talabat’s restaurant, takeaway, and food delivery business is the world’s largest tech IPO this year.

By Peter Shaw-Smith

2 minute read

November 27, 2024 | Law.com

Red Tape, Talent Wars & Pricey Office Space Greet Firms Entering Saudi Arabia

As firms vie to enter the Kingdom, licensing delays, strict hiring quotas, and fierce competition for resources are testing their resolve.

By Peter Shaw-Smith

5 minute read

November 27, 2024 | International Edition

Saudi Arabia: Red Tape, Talent Wars & Pricey Office Space Greet Global Law Firms

As firms vie to enter the Kingdom, licensing delays, strict hiring quotas, and fierce competition for resources are testing their resolve.

By Peter Shaw-Smith

5 minute read

November 18, 2024 | International Edition

Kuwait’s Meysan & Saudi’s Hammad & Al-Mehdar Lay Groundwork for Merger

The Saudi firm’s West coast strength was a deciding factor in the move.

By Peter Shaw-Smith

2 minute read

November 18, 2024 | International Edition

Linklaters Launches Funds Advisory Practice in Abu Dhabi

The move comes amid a steady procession of wealth and digital asset managers into the city.

By Peter Shaw-Smith

2 minute read

November 08, 2024 | International Edition

Baker McKenzie, Greenberg Traurig, Clyde & Co. Expand In Middle East

Capital markets, regulatory & arbitration teams are growing in the Middle East.

By Peter Shaw-Smith

3 minute read

October 30, 2024 | International Edition

Ogier, Baker McKenzie Secure Win as U.K. Dismisses Cayman PE Fund's Appeal in $100M Kuwaiti Fraud Case

Kuwaiti investors plan to carry on their legal battle in the Cayman Islands Grand Court over allegations of fraud and corruption involving fund managers at Wellspring Capital Group and KGL Investment Company Asia.

By Peter Shaw-Smith

2 minute read