Freshfields appoints new co-head to its Middle East and North Africa corporate practice

The move is designed to further strengthen and build on the firm's well established presence in the Middle East, which now counts almost 50 lawyers based across the region in the firm's offices in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Dubai, and in Saudi Arabia through Freshfields' association with The Law Firm of Fares Al-Hejailan.

Freshfields' Middle East practices have developed a leading reputation across the region for advising corporations, financial institutions and governments on their most prominent and challenging matters.

"The Middle East has for some time seen a growing level of business activity and is expected to occupy an even more prominent role on the global stage in the years to come." said David Higgins.

"A growing number of the firm's key clients are based in MENA and the region is taking on increasing importance for our network clients located elsewhere. This has triggered huge demand for legal services and, in turn, substantial growth opportunities for those firms that can provide truly international support."

he continued.

Bruce Embley, co-head of Freshfield's MENA corporate practice, commented: "David is one of the most high profile M&A lawyers in London. His relocation is further evidence of our commitment to, and the importance that we place on, the MENA region."