- The promotions bolster the Banking & Finance and Corporate Finance practices in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, supporting the firm’s regional growth push through integrating market-leading legal expertise
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 1st, 2025: Addleshaw Goddard has announced the promotion of two senior lawyers to Partner in the Middle East, reflecting the firm’s continued investment in its regional growth strategy. The advancements further strengthen the firm’s capabilities in Banking & Finance and Corporate Finance across the UAE and KSA, respectively.
Philip Chalmers, formerly a Managing Associate in the UAE, has been promoted to Partner within the Finance and Restructuring practice. Since relocating from Addleshaw Goddard’s Edinburgh office in 2018, Philip has advised on a wide range of high-profile financings, restructurings and real estate projects across the UAE and wider region. He brings a wealth of expertise that spans both conventional and Islamic finance, with particular strengths in multi-creditor debt restructurings, acquisition finance, funds finance and complex real estate financing. He advises financial institutions, private credit funds, sovereign wealth funds and family offices on acquisitions and investments within the region, as well as across Europe and the UK. Some landmark mandates he has worked on include advising the creditor committees on the in-court restructuring of the KBBO Group and the mandated lead arrangers on TA’s acquisition of a majority stake in Alephya Education.
In Saudi Arabia, Jasem Alanizy, previously a Managing Associate in the Corporate Finance team, has also been promoted to Partner. Jasem advises major corporates, sovereign wealth funds, and private equity firms on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and venture capital investments across the region. He has played an instrumental role in notable KSA deals, including the acquisition of Kudu Food Company and the recent acquisition by Bindawood Holding Company of Zahrat Al Rawdah Pharmacies in Saudi Arabia from Julphar. Having previously worked for leading international firms in London and Dubai, Jasem brings a wealth of cross-border transactional experience to the firm’s growing Saudi platform. His appointment as Partner further enhances Addleshaw Goddard’s ability to deliver high-calibre legal services in the Kingdom’s evolving corporate landscape.
Speaking on his promotion, Philip Chalmers, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented teams across the Middle East. Over the years, I’ve witnessed AG’s commitment to innovation and client-focused excellence. I’m excited to continue driving value for our clients across the UAE and beyond.”
Jasem Alanizy, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard added: “Saudi Arabia’s corporate landscape is evolving at an extraordinary pace, and I look forward to helping our clients navigate this exciting environment and achieve their ambitions in a market undergoing tremendous growth and transformation.”
Robin Hickman, Head of Middle East at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “Philip and Jasem’s promotions reflect the outstanding contributions they have made to our clients and to the firm’s success in the region – not just in delivering results but in shaping our future. They also highlight our commitment to promoting exceptional talent. As we continue to grow and strengthen our capabilities across the Middle East, I am confident they will continue to set new benchmarks in their areas of practice.”
These promotions come during an exciting time for Addleshaw Goddard and cap a strong start to 2025 for the firm’s Middle East business. Since January, the firm has made three additional Partner hires across the UAE and Riyadh offices: Paul Prescott (Construction), Lucas Pitts (Commercial Disputes), and Jad Slim (Corporate).
With a growing team of specialists across the region, Addleshaw Goddard is well-positioned to support clients with a full-service offering as demand for sophisticated legal advice continues to rise.
ENDS
About Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard is a global law firm with 3,000+ partners and employees across our 20 offices spanning key commercial centres around the world. Six in the UK – London, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen; nine in Europe – four in Germany and one in Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Poland and Spain; a further four in the GCC – Doha, Dubai, Muscat, and Riyadh; and one in Asia – Singapore. We have over 450 Partners and nearly 2,000 lawyers and fee-earners worldwide. In the Middle East we have more than 20 partners and close to 100 other fee earners.