Watson Farley & Williams has made its first partner hire in the Middle East, recruiting a corporate partner from K&L Gates in Dubai.

Suhail Mirza, who has been based in the Emirate since joined, joins the UK firm’s Dubai office, its first and only branch in the region, which was opened in September last year.

Mirza focusses on M&A, private equity and corporate restructuring, specialising in advising Indian clients in the real estate, infrastructure and retail sectors on their interests in the region. One of his recent highlights was representing CSST on its dual-listing on the NYSE and Nasdaq Dubai and its subsequent $700 million take-private.

Mirza is the firm's second partner in the region along with office head Andrew Baird, who launched the operation.