Forsters LLP opens new office in Abu Dhabi

9 Dec 2025Announcements

Leading law firm Forsters LLP has launched a base in Abu Dhabi Global Market to better serve clients in the Middle East

Forsters LLP, a prominent London law firm, has announced its strategic expansion into the Middle East with the establishment of a new base in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This move is a significant step in the firm's international growth strategy, designed to meet the evolving needs of global private wealth clients.

Taking charge of this new venture is Private Wealth Partner James Brockhurst, who is recognised for his expertise in succession planning, tax, family governance, and cryptoassets. With a wealth of experience advising high net worth individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs, and trustees throughout the Middle East, Brockhurst's extensive travel to the region has equipped him with a deep understanding of both local and international private wealth issues. James expressed his enthusiasm, stating that “Forsters has always taken pride in building close, trusted relationships with our clients,” highlighting the firm’s commitment to proximity to its Middle Eastern clientele. He further noted that establishing a presence in ADGM allows them to support clients with “the full breadth of our private wealth expertise, including cross-border planning, family governance, and cryptoasset advisory.”

Supporting Brockhurst is a cross-practice team from Forsters, which includes specialists in private wealth, corporate, dispute resolution, and real estate. This diverse expertise is crucial as the firm aims to deliver tailored advice across the private wealth spectrum, specifically focusing on succession planning and structuring for clients from the Middle East.

Emily Exton, Managing Partner at Forsters, emphasised that the firm’s move into ADGM extends beyond mere geography. She remarked, “it’s about anticipating the future of private wealth. As families and businesses become increasingly global, we are committed to being where our clients need us most.” This expansion not only positions the firm at the heart of a vibrant international financial centre but also reinforces its ambition to provide world-class advice across borders.

ADGM has swiftly risen to prominence as a premier international financial centre, attracting a multitude of legal and financial entities due to its English common law framework, favourable tax environment, and strategic location. Forsters’ entrance into this dynamic market exemplifies its dedication to exceptional client service and its continuous development as a leading advisor in the private wealth field.

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com

Latest Articles

Trust, transparency and the limits of legal self-regulation

Transparency reforms were meant to empower consumers, but uneven delivery now risks undermining confidence across the profession

Government scraps audit reform

What the collapse of the Audit Reform Bill means for regulation, accountability and legal practice

Sewage pollution litigation after Manchester Ship Canal

How the Supreme Court’s ruling is reshaping nuisance claims, protest litigation and regulatory limits across England and Wales

FCA non-financial misconduct rules clarified

The FCA’s final guidance on non-financial misconduct offers clarification, but leaves firms grappling with judgement-heavy implementation

Judiciary launches new diversity strategy initiative

The judiciary's new strategy aims to enhance diversity in the UK judicial system over five years

Personal injury claims numbers plummet dramatically

The number of personal injury claims in the UK has hit unprecedented lows, especially motor injury claims

Government urged to review legal costs

A senior costs lawyer has called for an independent review of fixed costs in the legal industry, highlighting the detrimental impact on firms and access to justice.

Building Safety Act litigation redefines investor risk

Recent case law shows how courts and tribunals are extending Building Safety Act liabilities beyond what investors originally anticipated

US musicians lose challenge over UK performers' rights restrictions

High Court rules treaty obligations non-justiciable in domestic law without parliamentary incorporation.

Actinon PTE Limited v Char Biocarbon Inc: Affirmation and contractual obligations

Commercial dispute highlights principles of waiver by election and contract interpretation

Matthew Haydon v R: Court of Appeal clarifies "likely" in explosive substances offences

Court confirms "likely" means "could well happen" rather than "more probable than not"

Cloisters Business Centre v Anvari: mixed-use premises and service charge protection

Court confirms tenants of mixed-use properties qualify for statutory service charge controls.

NHS commissioning activities fall outside TUPE protection, Court of Appeal rules

Employment law case clarifies when healthcare reorganisations trigger transfer protections for staff.

BTR Core Fund v HMRC: Upper Tribunal clarifies overpayment relief exclusions

Stamp duty land tax overpayment relief and the meaning of "mistake in a claim"

Court of Appeal rules criminal earnings count as income for ESA purposes

Criminal activity constitutes work and generates income for benefits assessment purposes.

SJ Interview: Joelle Grogan

Dr Joelle Grogan is a legal scholar specialising in the rule of law in times of crisis. She presents The Law Show on BBC Radio 4, and is Co-Academic Director of the Rule of Law Clinic at the CEU Democracy Institute (Budapest), and a Senior Research Fellow at the UCD Sutherland School of Law. Her work focuses on constitutional accountability, emergency powers, and legal misinformation. In this interview, she examines the pressures facing the rule of law in the UK, from executive power and court delays to media narratives, emergencies, and the impact of AI on legal practice.

Justice reform risks targeting the wrong fix

As 2026 approaches, ministers eye jury trials while ignoring deeper causes of England’s criminal justice crisis