Linklaters ‘stands out for its exceptional technical expertise and global reach’. The firm advises on public and private M&A, joint ventures, private equity, equity capital markets, disposals, and restructurings, and is trusted by sovereign wealth funds, corporates, and financial institutions. Team head Scott Campbell leads a broad practice spanning multiple sectors and Gulf markets, advising on complex M&A and equity transactions. Co-head Nick Edwards, praised for his ’exceptional technical expertise’, acts for high-profile clients including DP World, e&, and ADNOC, while co-head Patrick Sutton-Mattocks was promoted to partner in May 2025. Other notable figures include Claire Neil, who focuses on cross-border public and private M&A, and Faysal Lassas, who brings essential UAE law expertise to numerous mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The practice stands out for its exceptional technical expertise and global reach. We rely on them for a large number of transaction. This is because of the quality of the team in Abu Dhabi and the firm’s ability to quickly mobilise skilled teams from offices worldwide, ensuring seamless support wherever needed. The team understands our requirements perfectly and consistently delivers tailored, commercially focused advice.'
- ‘Nick Edwards stands out for his exceptional technical expertise and deep understanding of our business. He is always available when we need him and consistently provides practical, commercial advice tailored to our needs.'
Key clients
- DP World Limited
- Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC (“e&”)
- Emaar Properties PJSC
- Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (“TAQA”)
- Brookfield
- BRF Foods GmbH
- Alshaya
- Dubai Holding
- Shuaa
Work highlights
Advising a Brookfield-led consortium on its minority preferred equity investment in GEMS Education, a UAE-based education and ancillary services provider.
Advising Brookfield on its recommended cash offer for Network International Holdings plc (“Network”). The offer values the issued share capital of the Middle East and Africa payments business at approximately £2.2bn.
Advising DP World, a leading global provider of comprehensive end-to-end supply chain logistics based in the UAE, on its strategic equity partnership with Evyap Group.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Nick Edwards
Practice head
Scott Campbell; Nick Edwards; Patrick Sutton-Mattocks
Other key lawyers
Claire Neil; Faysal Lassas