Clyde & Co Promotes Maha Lawson and Julia Ofer to Partner in Middle East
The global law firm Clyde & Co has promoted two lawyers from its Middle East offices to partner as part of its global round of twenty-eight partner elevations, effective May 1, 2026. The promotions include Doha-based Maha Lawson and Dubai-based Julia Ofer, both from the firm’s corporate group.
Maha Lawson
Maha Lawson advises international clients and Qatari institutions on a wide range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, debt capital markets, incorporations, corporate governance, and employment law. She also regularly supports financial institutions on financing and regulatory matters.
Experience
Maha Lawson currently serves as Legal Director at Clyde & Co in Doha, a role she has held since December 2023. Prior to joining the firm, she spent over 12 years at Simmons & Simmons, where she progressed from Trainee Solicitor to Managing Associate, advising on corporate and finance transactions across Qatar. Earlier in her career, she also worked as a Legal Caseworker at Dawn Advice Ltd, focusing on employment law matters.
Education
She holds an LL.M. in International Commercial Law and an LL.B. from Northumbria University.
Julia Ofer
Julia Ofer advises local and multinational clients on corporate structuring, restructuring, and foreign direct investment across the Middle East. Her practice also covers UAE regulatory, compliance, governance, and licensing matters.
Experience
Julia Ofer is currently Legal Director at Clyde & Co in Dubai, having joined the firm in July 2023. Prior to this, she spent nearly a decade at Taylor Wessing LLP in Dubai, where she served as Senior Counsel and Senior Associate, advising on M&A, private equity, and regulatory matters. She has also worked with Bennett Jones LLP and Sienna Legal Consultancy, building extensive experience in cross-border corporate advisory.
Education
She completed her legal education in Germany, including the First State Exam from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Second State Exam (bar qualification) from the State of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Conclusion
These promotions highlight Clyde & Co’s continued investment in strengthening its corporate practice across the Middle East, following a series of strategic hires and leadership expansions in the region.
This latest round of promotions follows closely after Clyde & Co Appoints Bushra Abu-Tayeh As Partner to Expand Aviation Capabilities Across The Middle East And Africa (MEA) Region, highlighting the firm’s continued focus on strengthening its regional presence. These developments reflect Clyde & Co’s strategic push to enhance its sectoral capabilities and leadership depth across the Middle East and Africa.
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