HFW names Jemima McDonald as legal director in Abu Dhabi 

Global, sector-focused law firm HFW has named Jemima McDonald from its Corporate & Commercial practice in Abu Dhabi, as a legal director. Effective 1 April 2023. 

Jeremy Shebson, Managing Partner & Giles Kavanagh, Global Senior Partner, HFW: 

“We are very pleased to welcome the newest cohort of partners and legal directors who have already made a significant contribution to the firm through their dedication, talent and client service. We look forward to working with them as we continue to grow the firm significantly. Congratulations all on your well-deserved promotions.” 

McDonald, a senior associate in the Abu Dhabi office, has a decade of experience in corporate and commercial law. With a deep understanding of the defence and security sector, she has previously served in-house at Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. McDonald possesses significant experience in advising on intricate defence procurement deals across aviation, maritime, and security, as well as public procurement, intellectual property, product safety, and export control. 

In addition to her defence and security sector experience, McDonald has advised on a wide range of commercial contracts, including bespoke purchase and supply agreements, intellectual property licenses, service agreements, maintenance and upgrade contracts, and outsourcing and procurement agreements. She has also handled regulatory issues such as export control and data protection. 

The announcement also included the promotion of a number of new partners: Barbara Pansadoro (Aerospace, London), Ian Hughes (Shipping, London), Michael Buffham (Commodities, London), Sakina Chenot (Risk, Compliance & Conflicts, London). New Legal Directors: Alix d’Arjuzon (Aerospace, Brussels), Jenny Salmon (Shipping, London), Mark Waters (Aerospace, London) and Of Counsel Louis Cornut–Gentille (Insurance & Reinsurance, Paris). 

The promotions continue HFW’s growth across its core sectors, services, and international network.