DLA Piper Promotes Rising Talent Across the Middle East as Regional Growth Accelerates

DLA Piper has announced a new round of promotions across its Middle East offices, effective 1 July 2025, as part of its ongoing commitment to developing its people and investing in the long-term growth of the region. Eleven lawyers have been promoted to Senior Associate and Legal Director roles across key practice areas, including Corporate, Finance, Intellectual Property and Technology (IPT), Litigation and Regulatory, and Tax. These promotions recognise the outstanding contributions of these individuals to the firm, its clients, and the broader legal community.

This announcement follows the significant promotion of Mapanza Nkwilimba to the partnership in May, reinforcing DLA Piper’s continued expansion across the Middle East and Africa. Mapanza has a well-established reputation advising on the resolution of disputes across a wide range of construction, engineering and other related service contracts in the energy and natural resources sectors.

Peter Somekh, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, commented “These promotions reflect our commitment to nurturing talent and investing in our people. Mapanza brings deep regional insight and proven capabilities that will help us continue to thrive across the Middle East and Africa. I look forward to supporting him - alongside our newly promoted Legal Directors and Senior Associates - as they take on these well-deserved roles."

Promotions Effective 1 July 2025

Promoted to Senior Associate:

• Vadim Iskhakov (Corporate, Dubai)
• Harry England (Finance, Dubai)
• Leith Gouta (Finance, Dubai)
• Yara Riachy (Finance, Dubai)
• Rachel Pieris (IPT, Dubai)
• Aamir Sheikh (Litigation & Regulatory, Dubai)
• Celia Johnson-Morgan (Litigation & Regulatory, Dubai)

Promoted to Legal Director:

• Nassar Nassar (Corporate, Dubai)
• Jonatham Downey (Finance, Dubai)
• Kara Henderson-Price (Finance, Dubai)
• Nils Vanhassel (Tax, Dubai)