Global law firm Ashurst has expanded its energy and infrastructure team in the Middle East with a key senior hire in Abu Dhabi. The firm has appointed energy and infrastructure lawyer Anne Wicks as a new partner in its Projects & Energy Transition practice. This move is part of the firm’s wider strategy to grow its regional presence and strengthen its global energy capabilities.
Anne Wicks will be based in Abu Dhabi. She brings strong experience in energy project development across global markets, with a special focus on the Middle East. Her appointment is seen as a major step in the Ashurst Abu Dhabi Expansion plan, which aims to build a stronger advisory platform for large-scale energy and infrastructure projects.
Wicks has worked with a wide range of clients during her career. These include project sponsors, developers, government bodies, and financial institutions. She has advised on complex energy developments that cover oil and gas, power generation, utilities, and new energy technologies. Her work also includes advising on ESG standards and compliance rules within the energy sector.
Ashurst said the hire supports its long-term strategy in energy and infrastructure. The firm sees this sector as a key driver of growth, especially in fast-developing regions like the Middle East.
Lee McDonald, Global Head of Projects & Energy Transition, said the addition of Wicks strengthens the firm’s global capabilities. He said the Ashurst Abu Dhabi Expansion reflects the firm’s goal to serve existing clients better while also creating new opportunities in international markets.
He also highlighted that energy and infrastructure remain central to the firm’s long-term business focus. According to him, bringing in senior talent like Wicks helps Ashurst increase its competitive position in global energy advisory services.
David Charlier, co-head of Projects & Energy Transition for the EMEA region, also welcomed the appointment. He said Wicks brings strong client relationships and deep sector knowledge. He added that her experience will help strengthen Ashurst’s position as a leading advisor in the energy and infrastructure sector.
Charlier also pointed to the firm’s continued growth in the Middle East. He said the Ashurst Abu Dhabi Expansion shows the firm’s ongoing investment in building a stronger regional presence. He described Wicks as a valuable addition to a team that is already growing quickly.
Anne Wicks said she is excited to join Ashurst at a time of strong regional growth. She highlighted the firm’s clear focus on energy transition and infrastructure development. She said the firm’s ambition in the Middle East made the opportunity highly attractive.
She also said she looks forward to working with the team to support further growth. Her goal will be to help expand client services and strengthen the firm’s energy advisory work across the region.
The Ashurst Abu Dhabi Expansion is part of a wider hiring push across the Middle East. In the past two years, the firm has more than doubled its regional partner base to over 20 partners. This rapid growth reflects rising demand for legal services in energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors.
Recent hires include project finance partner Nezar Al Abbas in Saudi Arabia. The firm has also added real estate partner Chris Beaumont-McQuillan in Abu Dhabi and digital economy partner Alex Brazeau in Dubai. These additions show Ashurst’s focus on building a strong regional network.
The latest appointment of Anne Wicks further strengthens that strategy. It also highlights the importance of the Middle East in global energy development. With major infrastructure and energy transition projects underway in the region, legal expertise is becoming increasingly important.
Ashurst is now positioning itself as a key advisor in this space. The firm’s continued hiring shows its long-term commitment to growth in Abu Dhabi and across the wider Middle East market.
