A leading law firm has expanded its Middle East corporate practice with two senior hires, signaling deeper investment in the region’s growing private capital and cross-border transaction market. Charles Russell Speechlys announced the appointment of Philip O’Riordan as a partner and head of its Corporate practice in Dubai, alongside Afraz Hussain, a legal director who holds qualifications in England, Wales, and India.
The move follows a broader strategy to strengthen the firm’s transactional capabilities in key global wealth and investment hubs. O’Riordan brings more than two decades of experience advising on complex Middle East deals, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and sovereign-related transactions. His tenure at Clyde & Co included leading the firm’s Saudi Arabian practice from its launch in 2011, and he has been recognized by Chambers Global and The Legal 500 as a top regional corporate lawyer.
His expertise spans sectors such as real estate, hospitality, and infrastructure, with a focus on cross-border structuring and regulatory handling. The firm notes that demand for sophisticated legal advice in the region is rising, particularly as Middle East markets attract more international capital. O’Riordan’s arrival comes after a period of growth in the firm’s Middle East operations, including the creation of a dedicated Private Capital team that works closely with investors and sponsors.
Hussain also joins from Clyde & Co and specializes in transactions along the India–Gulf Cooperation Council corridor. His background includes in-house legal leadership at a portfolio company of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, where he managed compliance across more than 40 jurisdictions. The dual hires reflect the practice’s push to bridge regional markets with global corporate strategies.
Patrick Gearon, head of Charles Russell Speechlys’ Middle East practice, called the appointments a “significant step” in enhancing corporate capabilities. He explained that O’Riordan’s leadership will help meet increasing client needs for cross-border advisory work. David Collins, leader of the Business Advisory & Transaction Services Division, added that the hires will improve collaboration between Middle East teams and global colleagues, especially on complex matters that span multiple jurisdictions.
O’Riordan emphasized the region’s growing role as an investment hub, citing the firm’s international platform and collaborative culture as key factors in his decision. He expressed optimism about supporting clients on high-stakes transactions as the Middle East solidifies its position in global private capital markets.
