Paul Hastings Continues Growth in UAE with Key Partner Addition
Advisor - People | May 06, 2025 | Paul Hastings
Paul Hastings LLP announced the addition of Ibaad Hakim as a partner to their Abu Dhabi team, strengthening their international energy and infrastructure practice. Hakim joins from White & Case and brings extensive expertise in managing major oil, gas, and infrastructure projects. This strategic move is part of the firm's significant expansion in the UAE and complements its operations in London and Paris, heightening its cross-border advisory capabilities. The new team forms part of the broader strategy to grow Paul Hastings' global energy and infrastructure platform, particularly across the Middle East and Europe. Key figures in the firm highlight Hakim's experience and the alignment it brings to the existing structure while emphasizing their commitment to high-quality legal services in the region.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Energy
- Infrastructure
Geography
- United Arab Emirates – The article centers on Paul Hastings' expansion and new hires in its Abu Dhabi office.
- Europe – The firm's expansion strategy includes extending its operation in Europe, aligning with their Abu Dhabi and Paris offices.
Industry
- Legal Services – The article discusses Paul Hastings LLP, a law firm expanding its legal services in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
- Energy – Ibaad Hakim's expertise in major oil, gas, and power projects highlights the energy industry's relevance.
- Infrastructure – The expansion focuses on infrastructure projects, an integral part of Paul Hastings' service offerings.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Hastings LLP | Law Firm | Company | A leading international law firm recognized for its elite teams and global presence, expanding its energy and infrastructure practice. |
| Ibaad Hakim | Partner | Person | Newly appointed partner at Paul Hastings' Abu Dhabi office, specializing in major oil and gas, and infrastructure projects. |
| White & Case | Previous Employer | Company | The firm from which Ibaad Hakim joined Paul Hastings. |
| Rob Freedman | Co-chair, Energy and Infrastructure Practice | Person | Leader at Paul Hastings advocating the growth of the energy and infrastructure division. |
| Din Eshanov | Co-head, Abu Dhabi Office | Person | Key leader at Paul Hastings' Abu Dhabi office, leading the expansion in the UAE. |
| George Kazakov | Co-head, Abu Dhabi Office | Person | Co-head of the newly established Abu Dhabi office for Paul Hastings. |
| Xavier Petet | Partner, Paris-based | Person | Contributes to the strengthening of Paul Hastings' international energy and infrastructure platform from Paris. |
| Gregory Tan | Co-chair, Energy and Infrastructure Practice | Person | Co-leads the global energy and infrastructure practice from New York. |