Mishcon de Reya Opens Two UAE Offices and Secures Hong Kong Practice Licence

International law firm Mishcon de Reya LLP has announced a major step in its global expansion, with the opening of two new offices in the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai) and the granting of a licence by the Law Society of Hong Kong to practise as a firm of solicitors in Hong Kong. Global Legal Post+1

The UAE offices form part of the firm’s response to increasing capital-flows, business and family-office activity in the region. Christopher Skipper has been appointed Managing Partner for the UAE operations; he joins from a prior consultancy role and brings more than 20 years of experience in mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate reorganisation across the Middle East. Global Legal Post+1

Meanwhile in Hong Kong, the firm’s existing association with local practice Karas So LLP will continue on the back of the newly-granted licence. This move allows Mishcon de Reya to offer regulated legal services locally and expand its private-client, tax-and-immigration advisory, and family-office advisory capabilities in Asia. Wei Zhang has been appointed as Managing Partner of the firm’s Hong Kong office. Global Legal Post

Strategic Motivation and Service Offering

Mishcon de Reya states that the new offices will serve a client base of international corporations, family offices, ultra-high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. The services will span corporate and commercial law, technology and media, intellectual property, real-estate, employment, dispute resolution and private client work. Global Legal Post+1

The expansion aligns with the firm’s “MV2030” strategy, which prioritises innovation-economy clients, private-wealth advisory and global connectivity through its London, Asia and Middle East network. Chair Kevin Gold noted that “Asia and the UAE have never been more important markets, offering significant opportunities for entrepreneurs, family businesses and global companies alike.” Mishcon de Reya LLP+1

Regional Implications

For the UAE market, the entrance of a major UK-based full-service law firm into both Abu Dhabi and Dubai underscores the growing demand for cross-border legal advisory, governance and structuring services. It reflects broader trends of capital-mobility, regional wealth creation, and the integration of Middle East business hubs into global structures.

In Hong Kong, securing the licence gives Mishcon de Reya increased ability to handle regulated legal work locally, strengthening its position in Asia’s private-wealth and family-office market. This move enhances its regional offering for clients with interests in China, Hong Kong and the broader Asia-Pacific.

Operational and Strategic Considerations

While the expansion signals ambition, the firm will face operational challenges including recruiting market-leading talent in the UAE and Hong Kong, integrating international service lines, ensuring regulatory compliance across jurisdictions, and distinguishing its offerings in competitive legal markets.

Successful execution will depend on maintaining the firm’s reputation for high-quality and personalised service (“It’s business. But it’s personal.”) while scaling into new regions. The firm’s ability to translate its global brand and London-heritage into effective local delivery will be critical.

Looking Ahead

Key milestones to monitor include:

• The pace and scale of partner and lawyer recruitment in the UAE and Hong Kong offices.

• Revenue and profit contribution from the new international hubs relative to the wider firm.

• Integration of cross-border matters and client flows between London, UAE and Asia.

• The firm’s positioning in private client, family office, dispute resolution and corporate advisory services in the new markets.

If executed effectively, this expansion may cement Mishcon de Reya’s position as a truly international law firm servicing the innovation economy, global capital flows and multi-jurisdictional high-net-worth clients.