Nita Maru, Managing Partner & Solicitor at TWS Legal Consultants, discusses how the firm continues to lead in Private Client, Family Law & Succession Planning matters for international families & businesses in the UAE.

What do you see as the main points that differentiate [TWS Legal Consultants] from your competitors?

TWS Legal Consultants is a British-owned, family-run law firm that combines UK legal qualifications with a deep understanding of the UAE legal landscape. Our greatest strength lies in our ability to advise international clients, particularly expatriates and high-net-worth families, on Private Client Matters with cross-border complexity. We are among the few firms in the UAE that provide integrated legal solutions in Wills, Probate, Family Law, and Property Matters, supported by in-house expertise across all these areas.

Our firm was among the founding panel of lawyers at the DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre and continues to play an active role in shaping the region’s Succession and Inheritance Framework for non-Muslims. With the next generation now actively involved in the firm, we are deeply committed to building lasting client relationships, delivering consistent excellence, and preserving the legacy of service we have built over the years.

Our sister company, TWS Corporate Services (DIFC) Limited, extends our offering to Corporate Structuring, DIFC Foundations, and Advisory Services for Succession Planning, offering clients a comprehensive ecosystem of personal and business legal services under one roof.

At the heart of our practice is a personalised, relationship-based approach. We work closely with our clients, many of whom have remained with us for years, to understand their evolving personal, familial, and business priorities, something that is rarely achievable in larger, transactional firms.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

Private client work continues to grow, particularly in Wills and Estate Planning, as more expatriates seek to formalise their affairs within the UAE’s maturing legal system. Recent shifts, such as non-Muslims being able to opt out of Sharia law for Inheritance, have increased awareness of the need for clear, enforceable legal structures.

Family law is another area experiencing steady demand. As the UAE attracts a growing international population, we continue to advise on Divorce, Financial Settlements, Children Matters & Nuptial Agreements involving multi-jurisdictional elements.

Real estate legal services, including Conveyancing, Handovers, and Investment-based Golden Visa Applications, are growing in tandem with Dubai’s property market. Many clients now seek our advice on combining real estate acquisition with wider succession structuring strategies.

On the corporate side, DIFC Foundations and holding structures are gaining traction, particularly for family offices and high-net-worth individuals looking to preserve assets and plan for future generations. This is an area we expect to expand further through our sister entity, TWS Corporate Services (DIFC) Limited.

What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?

We have strategically broadened our service lines to offer a truly holistic legal advisory model tailored to international clients living and investing in the UAE. By integrating Private Client Services with Corporate Structuring, Property, and Family Law under one legal advisory platform, we offer clients continuity, efficiency, and peace of mind throughout different stages of life and business.

In practice, this means a client may begin their journey with a DIFC Will and, over time, receive seamless advice on Guardianship Arrangements, Probate Procedures, Real Estate Transactions, or the establishment of a DIFC Family Foundation. This comprehensive, relationship-driven approach ensures that our clients do not need to navigate fragmented legal services or engage multiple firms to meet their evolving needs.

This model has proven particularly valuable in the UAE, where legal frameworks can differ significantly from a client’s home jurisdiction, and where clarity and long-term planning are essential. Our ability to advise on both UAE and international legal considerations enables us to provide legally robust, enforceable solutions with cross-border practicality.

Moreover, as a family-run firm now in its second generation, we understand the importance of continuity and legacy, not just in legal planning, but in how we serve our clients. Many of our clients have remained with us for years, trusting us to advise not only them but also their children, businesses, and future generations. This deep-rooted trust is something we are proud to protect and build upon.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Absolutely. We have adopted digital tools to improve client communication, secure document sharing, and remote consultations, which have allowed us to work more efficiently with clients across time zones. Our services, particularly Wills Drafting & Registration, are often delivered entirely remotely from initial consultation to registration at the DIFC Courts & Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, while still maintaining the high level of personal service we are known for.

Internally, we have implemented document automation tools to streamline repeatable processes, allowing our legal team to spend more time on strategic, client-focused work. We also use secure portals and cloud-based systems to ensure timely and transparent communication, especially when dealing with sensitive matters such as Probate, Family Law, or Estate Administration.

That said, we believe technology is a tool, not a substitute for human expertise. Our clients come to us not just for legal answers, but for clarity, reassurance, and long-term guidance, qualities that remain at the core of our practice.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

I recently advised a European family with multi-jurisdictional assets and UAE investments who were seeking to formalise Succession Plans and minimise exposure to Probate delays. Through a combination of DIFC Wills, the establishment of a DIFC Foundation via TWS Corporate Services, and a corporate restructuring of their UAE property holdings, we helped them achieve legal certainty, operational efficiency, and asset protection across generations.

This not only reduced their future legal risk but also added tangible value to their real estate portfolio by creating a clearer and efficient ownership structure attractive to future investors or heirs. The client appreciated that we were able to manage legal, property, and succession elements in-house, removing the need to coordinate with multiple firms or advisors.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Yes, more than ever. Clients are no longer simply looking for legal documentation; they seek trusted advisors who understand the interplay between local and international law, personal and commercial priorities, and short- and long-term goals.

In the next three years, TWS Legal Consultants will continue to expand its Private Client offering, strengthen its international referral network, and deepen its advisory capabilities across Family Governance, Succession Planning, and Business Continuity.

We see particular growth potential in supporting family offices, Wills & Probate, and Real Estate Structuring for high-net-worth individuals and international investors. TWS Corporate Services (DIFC) will play a key role in serving clients with more complex Corporate, Regulatory, and Foundation needs.

At our core, we will continue to operate with the values that have guided us since inception: personalised service, legal excellence, and unwavering commitment to our clients' long-term interests.