Law firm’s licence to operate in Abu Dhabi

May 7 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

IN a move that reflects the international growth of the firm, Eversheds LLP has been awarded a licence to operate in Abu Dhabi.

Chris Jobson, previously of the Newcastle office, has become Eversheds’ managing partner for the Middle East.

Chris has been in the Gulf region for several years and will be joined by Mark Lisgo, who is moving from Eversheds’ Newcastle office to help open the wholly-owned office in Abu Dhabi.

After growing up in Newcastle and going on to study law at Newcastle University, Mark has been an associate in the banking team since 2002.

He has been working closely with Eversheds offices in Qatar and London for banks and borrowers based in the Middle East, including Qatar National Bank.

He has regularly worked with Chris on international transactions over the past couple of years.

Originally from the North East, Chris has been heading up the Eversheds Qatari business since 2004.

His experience includes project- managing international financial and commercial transactions, together with advising clients on contracts governing the international transportation of goods, as well as on related matters.

Chris said: “We are thrilled to get the licence.

“The Middle East is one of the most exciting areas in the world at the moment, with current economic strength, combined with huge potential for growth over the next 10 years.

“Mark is from North Shields, is a Newcastle supporter and a banker.

“I am from South Shields, a Sunderland supporter and a shipper.

“I am sure we will get on like a house on fire!”

Mark said: “An increasing number of companies from the North East of England are looking to do business out in the Middle East and we will be able to offer direct access through Eversheds, which none of our competitors can offer.

“Because we have people on the ground there, we can provide advice – not just legal but on all kinds of business and cultural issues – to companies based in the North East who are looking to do business out in the Gulf.”