International law firm DAC Beachcroft (DACB) plans to expand into the Middle East with the opening of a new office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) this summer, strengthening the firm's ability to support clients across the insurance and health sectors.
The launch will represent DACB's first office in the region and a significant milestone in its international growth strategy, the law firm says in a statement.
The DIFC branch will open with three lateral partner hires – Michael Morris, Michael Ducker and Mark Beswetherick – who will join from Clyde & Co. and bring over 40 years' combined experience in the region and long-standing client relationships.
Mr Morris will return to DACB, where he began his legal career, having most recently served as a litigation partner and Head of Insurance for the Middle East at Clyde & Co. He is widely recognised for his expertise in trade credit and political risk insurance (both contentious and non-contentious), reinsurance disputes, professional liability claims, and subrogated recoveries.
Mr Ducker will join with a strong reputation in both the healthcare and insurance markets. Formerly co-head of Clyde & Co's Middle East & Africa Healthcare Group, his practice spans medical malpractice, property and casualty, business interruption, health, safety and environmental matters, and public and product liability and recall claims.
Mr Beswetherick, who will also return to DACB from earlier in his career, was previously Head of Clyde & Co's Insurance and Dispute Resolution Group in Dubai. He focuses on arbitration, international litigation and corporate investigations, with particular strengths in D&O liability, professional negligence, and complex, multi-jurisdictional insurance disputes.
Ms Helen Faulkner, Managing Partner of DACB, said, "Opening in the Middle East has long been a strategic priority for the firm. Dubai is a gateway to the region and a global centre not only for insurance, but also for healthcare and our other advisory practices.