Michael Hilton leads Skadden’s first MENA office
As of January 2025, Skadden has opened its first office in the Middle East, located in Abu Dhabi and led by partner Michael Hilton (pictured), who leaves his post as managing partner for MENA at Freshfields.
The profile
Michael Hilton has been a partner at Freshfields from 2001 to 2024, reaching the status of regional managing partner for the firm’s MENA practice in 2022. He has expertise in handling cross-border private and public M&A and joint ventures, with an emphasis on financial sponsor work. His practice has focused on the Middle East for over a decade. Furthermore, he has advised clients across several industries, including private equity, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, financial services, telecom and technology.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the broader region Michael Hilton has played a role in several transactions, including in matters recognized by legal publications for innovation and impact. He has represented government-owned institutions and corporations, such as ADNOC, ENOC, DP World, and prominent sovereign wealth funds and financial institutions.
