Employment partner Rebecca Ford joins Morgan Lewis in Dubai

Continuing its expansion in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Morgan Lewis has welcomed partner Rebecca Ford to the firm’s Dubai office. She arrives from Clyde & Co and will continue to handle contentious and non-contentious employment matters across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

“Employers rely on us for strong, practical advice on regulatory compliance matters and formidable defense in disputes around the globe,” said firm chair Jami McKeon. “We are excited to add strength on strength—with the recent addition of market-leading international arbitration and disputes partner Sara K. Aranjo and now Rebecca—to continue providing exceptional client service in the UAE.”

Ford has a long history representing clients in high-stakes employment disputes and advising on a range of employment issues. She has managed cases before the UAE and Dubai International Financial Centre as well as the high courts of England and Wales in London. Ford has also overseen workplace investigations and advised on employment law and immigration issues stemming from employment in the Middle East.

“Rebecca is recognised as a leading employment lawyer in the UAE, and her versatile practice and skillset fits well with our strategy to expand our UAE practice,” Grace Speights, leader of the firm’s labor and employment practice. “We’re seeing an uptick in discrimination claims and many more investigations due to new labour laws. We are eager to have Rebecca to help guide our clients in these sensitive matters.”

“Rebecca brings a wealth of knowledge on employment matters as they pertain to the Middle East, and a deep understanding of employers’ top-of-mind concerns,” said Alishia Sullivan, managing partner of the firm’s Dubai office. “Her skills will allow her to collaborate across practices and industries; for example, Rebecca’s work for asset management, banks and other financial firms positions her to successfully support our existing and new clients in this sector.”