Noted for its proficiency in Islamic financing, Walkers counts a plethora of high-profile lenders on its client roster. Acting as the managing partner of the firm’s Dubai office, Daniel Wood is experienced in corporate transactions, while Ciaran Bohnacker is a capital markets expert. Tom Cochrane is often engaged in investment funds matters, Reghard Smith is skilled at joint ventures and corporate restructurings, while Luke Petith and Cate Barbour are key dispute resolution practitioners in the practice. Johanna Hendry is the name to note for financing matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team at Walkers is always super user-friendly. I have worked with Walkers on general day-to-day matters and also as part of larger transactions.'
- 'They have a very strong market practice across dispute resolution, funds formation, and financing matters. Walkers have a very strong profile in the market and are very visible at various conferences and events.'
- 'Exceptional all-round service – technical skills, partner engagement, speed of response, client care, and dedication.'
- 'Luke Petith is very personable and clients trust his judgment.'
- 'I work a lot with Reghard Smith and have done for years. Always pragmatic and is very helpful in getting things done. He understands what is required and then works with his team on this.'
- 'Among the standout partners, Tom Cochrane is particularly noteworthy for his deep expertise in fund structuring and his ability to navigate complex cross-jurisdictional issues with clarity and precision. Similarly, managing partner Daniel Wood’s leadership and strategic vision ensure the team stays ahead of market trends and regulatory changes.'
- 'Johanna Hendry is prompt, efficient, and knowledgeable. Ciaran Bohnacker is also a great sounding board.'
- 'They give strategic commercial advice which gets to the heart of the issue, and gives the client total confidence that they have the best of all teams fighting their corner.'
- They worked collaboratively and very efficiently with us on a multi-jurisdiction transaction with a tight timeline.
- Great presence in the UAE, able to call on its global reach through well-integrated offices in the Caribbean and the Far East.
Key clients
- GFH Financial Group International Airfinance Corporation HSBC Gulf Capital SHUAA Capital psc Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Emirates NBD Emirates Airlines Kitopi Sidra Capital
Work highlights
Advised on the establishment of a Sukuk issuance programme and issuance thereunder by MDGH Sukuk Limited of US$1 billion Trust Certificates.
Acted for the Joint Liquidators of six BVI funds, previously managed by Alphonse "Buddy" Fletcher.
Advised AlephYa Education, a prominent educational provider across the GCC region on a significant majority investment from TA Associates.
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.
Ciaran Bohnacker
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Tom Cochrane
Luke Petith
Reghard Smith
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Cate Barbour
Johanna Hendry
Practice head
Daniel Wood; Ciaran Bohnacker; Luke Petith; Reghard Smith
Other key lawyers
Tom Cochrane; Cate Barbour; Johanna Hendry