‘A very experienced team that has been involved in some major high-profile investigations in recent years’, Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP has seen an uptick in work pertaining to regulatory tech disputes and pharma investigations. The firm is also able to handle multi-faceted cases involving allegations of bribery, corruption and contravention of local regulatory violations. Payam Beheshti 'is technically superb, commercially pragmatic, and personable with both senior leaders and junior members of staff', and is a go-to for a range of clients, particularly those in the financial services sector who are engaged with investigations with financial institutions and Muneer Khan is also well-regarded as an investigation specialist. David McDonald has particular expertise handling contentious issues arising from employment investigations, especially senior employee misconduct, and is praised by clients for his ability to handle 'tricky contentious matters'. Managing associate Adam Wolstenholme is also noted.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is collegiate, smart and delivers as "one team". The partners are approachable and the associates first class. You can see that it is a team and office that just gets on and gets the job done. They are open to alternative fee arrangements and truly put clients' needs first. The team have worked on some of our trickiest matters, both in UAE and in the region. They are trusted advisors in the region.’
‘Payam Beheshti is technically superb, commercially pragmatic, and personable with both senior leaders and junior members of staff.'
'Scheherazade Shiraz has been a key associate on a couple of matters. Has really sought to understand our business and has supported as co-counsel on investigations where we needed local language expertise. I was particularly impressed with the ease in which Sheri slotted into the team and just got on with the work. A rising star in the region and an associate to keep watch on.'
‘They are very experienced and have been involved in some major high-profile investigations in recent years.’
‘Payam Beheshti is a seasoned pro. Very experienced, calm under pressure and able to articulate complex issues with finesse. David McDonald has particular expertise advising on contentious issues arising from employment investigations (including when based on DIFC/UAE/English law considerations). He's also a great guy to work with and manages to maintain a good sense of humour while managing tricky contentious matters!’
‘Payam Beheshti has a good knowledge of regional laws and a practical approach that cuts through the noise and into the issues.'
'Adam Wolstenholme is good at clarifying difficult and sensitive issues, always calm and confident. ’
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Payam Beheshti, Muneer Khan