Ashurst Perkins Coie expands investment funds practice with Abu Dhabi partner hire

Ashurst Perkins Coie announced the appointment of seasoned funds expert James Burdett as partner in the Investment Funds practice, based in Abu Dhabi, further strengthening the firm’s private capital offering across the Middle East.

Burdett brings extensive cross-border experience advising fund sponsors and investors, including sovereign wealth funds, located across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and the U.S. on all funds matters spanning the full spectrum of asset classes, including private equity, debt and credit, real estate, energy and infrastructure. His practice covers the complete funds lifecycle, acting for fund managers, general partners, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, family offices and other institutional investors. He will join the firm as Head of Investment Funds, Middle East & Africa.

Welcoming Burdett, global head of investment funds, Nick Goddard, said, “James is a highly regarded funds practitioner with a strong market presence and an outstanding reputation among fund sponsors and institutional investors across the region. His strategic insight, deep client relationships, cross-practice approach and strong sectoral expertise make him the perfect fit to further strengthen our Middle East funds practice and private capital offering.”

David Charlier, head of region, Middle East & Africa, added, “The private funds market in the Middle East represents a significant and growing opportunity, driven by the deepening presence of global institutions in the region and the outward deployment of sovereign capital, creating a dynamic, two-way flow of investment between the Gulf and international markets. Abu Dhabi sits at the heart of this as one of the world’s fastest-growing financial hubs, with increasing demand for deep legal expertise across fund structuring, fundraising and capital deployment. James brings deep expertise across each of these areas, and we are delighted to welcome him to the firm.”

Burdett said, “I’m thrilled to be joining Ashurst Perkins Coie at such an exciting time for the investment funds market in the Middle East. The firm’s global platform and collaborative culture offer the ideal opportunity to deliver even greater value to clients across the region, and I look forward to working with the team to build on the firm’s already impressive presence here.”

Burdett joins from Baker McKenzie, where he led the Middle East and Africa Funds Group.