Biography
Most of my clients come from the Middle East or have connections there, and my role is to help them organise their immigration, tax, trusts, property, business and family foundation and charity arrangements. I also help them with the writing of family constitutions so that wealth can be passed to the next generation without dispute. I coordinate this work with others in the firm, and bring in experts in these areas as and when required. I also give half my time to charity clients connected with the Middle East.
What inspired you to get into law?
I think that dealing with the people, and the variety that comes with a wide range of work, makes the it satisfying, fun and different. No day is the same as another, I travel from time to time, and the clients I work with (and many have been clients for more than thirty years), are inspiring, kind, and interesting.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Helping clients establish Foundations and seeing their work – perhaps in health, education or refugee assistance – is very rewarding; as is driving past a block of flats that I have helped a client to build, and seeing the lights on, and knowing families are living there and parties are happening! I am now working with the sons and daughters of my original clients, and seeing their families grow and thrive is also very rewarding.
What do you do away from the office?
I walk in Scotland, ski in France and sail old boats wherever I can (we race classic yachts, built in the 1930s, which is very hard work but competitive and fun), cycling and spinning to try to keep fit.
Publications
I contribute regular articles on tax, immigration, property and UK matters in Al Hayat, the pan-Arab daily newspaper. I have also provided comment on CNN and Sky on Middle East issues.
